Dreaming Of...

There are certain things, about living in "The South." People talk with thick accents. When you talk about Sundays, you talk about NASCAR. Everyone has a porch. Sweet tea, is the "official" beverage of choice. And ferns are everywhere!!!

I personally, have been dying, to buy a bunch of ferns. Around here, you see these beauties inside and out! I personally, have been dreaming of ferns, hung around our "wrap around porch." The perfect "pop of color" against the white trim of our home.

I can't even explain what it is. But I'm just drawn to these plants. I've priced them out, at a few different nurseries. I've considered hanging them. Or buying plant stands. Even seeking out some gorgeous pots. But in the end, I've decided they NEED to be hung from our porch.

The weather may not be agreeing with me. But come this Spring, and we'll have at least, 2 dozen of these beauties. After all, nothing says "Southern Living," like a porch, bursting with ferns, and pitcher or 2, of "Sweet Tea." Yes, I adore "The South." And my "Southern Gentleman!" ♥

Beautiful!!!

We've been working really hard, on our home. In my hometown. Trying to make it "complete." There are a few things, that I've really got my heart set on. Things that I've ALWAYS wanted!

One of those is a "Rose of Sharon." In my hometown, they are everywhere. In beautiful shades of pink, white, purple, red, and blue. I've ALWAYS wanted one. Wished and wished for one. And now, we're going out to the nursery. To pick up 9!!!



We have the perfect little garden area. Outside our library. That I'm turning into a flower garden. A little oasis to sit, and soak up "Nature's Beauty." I can't wait to see what happens, when everything is in. And growing well. Oh, I just love beautiful flowers!!! ♥

Fun Idea

I'm sure that by now, you've seen the commercial. The Home Depot commercial. Where they show the "Flower Box." I've been watching it for months! And now, I want one. Actually, since that first day I seen that commercial, I've wanted one. :)

But for me, I'd plant some edibles in it. You know, herbs. And I'd have this guy, hang it near our kitchen. It would be "Summertime Perfection!" What do you think?



I was even thinking, in my front porch, this would be a good idea. To add lots of color. Because my house is white, my outdoor furniture is neutral, and well I need some color in the porch. This also looks like a very easy project. Now if I could just get some time to make it. ♥

Outdoor Inspiration

I ALWAYS travel with this guy. But let me tell you, this week has been so unexpected. Right out of "left field." It's floored me. Last Saturday, I was in my friends' wedding. Sunday, I "officially" became a Godmother, to 3 beautiful little girls. Monday, I lost my sister-in-law...

It's been emotional. Yesterday, were the services. And I still feel numb. Instead of a somber day, I was supposed to be celebrating Sofia. With this guy. Instead, I was in shock. That my young sister-in-law, is no longer with us. Today, I have to pull it together. It's Dawn's Bridal Shower. And I'm trying to stay happy and positive.

To get me in the mood, I've been on Pinterest. Looking for some inspiration. For our yard. We enjoy being outside. And with a new home, we have a new yard. That NEEDS to feel like home. So here we go...



How about some pretty flowers? In a cute little wooden barrel. I actually have 3 of these. And I sorta hate them. Because flowers are never tall enough, to be seen. But with these modifications, this could work. And it doesn't look too hard!



Or just some beautiful flowers. You see, I have 2 HUGE trees, in front of my home. My front yard NEVER gets any sun. This would be a nice change. A HUGE path of beautiful blooms. :)



How about a little shade. I have a HUGE backyard. With no shade! A nice little porch. But no place to entertain. I'm sorta in love with this entire arrangement. And the fact that it still feels fresh and airy!



At our new home, we have a big 'ol deck. We did buy some great outdoor furniture. But how cool, would these bench seats be? And they are so simple to make! This might just be, our next project. :)



And a beautiful dining area. I just LOVE to eat outside, during these warm months. Who wouldn't want to share a meal, in a beautiful area like this?

Now that I read through this post, I realize that the top 3 ideas, are for my home. The bottom 2, our for our new home. Can you tell that I'm going in a million directions? Oh well. I NEED lots of ideas right now. And Pinterest just happens to be the place, we're I'm drawing some inspiration. Now, we just need to tackle a few of these projects. While the weather is still warm. ♥

I Miss This...

It's that time of year. When it's almost "between" seasons. We've lived through months of cold weather. "Locked" up indoors. And you know what, I'm ready for Spring!



I miss getting dirt under my fingernails. Of digging for hours and hours, in our garden. Smelling the fresh dirt. Feeling the grit. Being part of nature.



I miss seeing all the beautiful flowers. Smelling all of these beautiful scents. Remembering, that God gave us, some of the most beautiful things in nature. To love. Beautiful scents. And scenes.



I really do miss planting new flowers. Watching our yard fill up, with the most beautiful colors. All the birds, butterflies, and other creatures, as they play in our garden. I miss the cool evenings outside.

Yes, I'm definitely ready for Spring to come! We've ordered so many bulbs, seeds, and plants. Honestly, I can't wait to plant them! If only, the weather would just get a little warmer. And stay like that. Oh Spring, where are you? ♥

Crepe Myrtle

What can I say about Crepe Myrtle? Either you're a fan, or you're not. It's pretty simple. Well, I'm a fan. Around my hometown, everyone seems to have a small bush, or a large tree. Somewhere in their yard. In other cities, I've noticed, they use it to line streets, or housing developments.



I just like the versatility of this plant. The colors. Oh, the splash of color. From bright red, to white, to lavender. The colors just make me smile! So, 2 years ago, I bought some. And carefully planted them in my yard. Hoping, one day to have a large tree in the front. And some smaller bushes around the yard.

Unfortunately, that insane winter freeze came. And I was saddened. Because I lost so many of my prized plants. The Crepe Myrtle being one of them. I hoped, that they'd come back. But they didn't. This morning, I went out and bought a large plant. When I got home, there were 5 in there! And I got to town planting. I'm crossing my fingers. I hope these beautiful plants take. They'd really add something to my garden. ♥

Hawaiian Bells

A few years ago, I was highly addicted to eBay. At the time, my then boyfriend had an eBay Shop. This guy and I also had 3 successful eBay Shops. And when I wasn't selling something, I was buying something. Particularly, plants. Exotic plants, trees, bushes. Whatever I could get my hands on. I was trying to make my yard beautiful. That's when I first laid my eyes on these beauties...



They're Hawaiian Bell Vines. Also known as Stictocardia Beraviensis. I had purchased a few of them. And they grew magically on my back fence. Not only were these vines gorgeous! But they also provided a lot of privacy. In that they created a "wall," between me and the neighbors.

Unfortunately, I didn't have the vines for a long time. Maybe a year or two. Because one Fall, after they had died down, my parents came to visit. And I was muscling the lawnmower around my yard. My Dad offered to help me out. And before I knew it, a lot of my plants had been mowed down. He hadn't realized, that there were plants there. Everything from my prized vines to gardenias, hibiscus, peonies, bougainvilleas, and a few birds of paradise. Yes, I was so sad! And they never came back.

I was sad. Because I really liked the flowers. The vines were nice too. But there was something nice about the flowers. Something special. So I kept them on my radar. And searched high and low, every single growing season. With absolutely no luck! I couldn't find them anywhere. Not on eBay, not on the web, not in the nurseries.

Earlier this year, I found this website. And noticed they sold my favorite vines. The Hawaiian Bells. But they were out of stock. I contacted the owners. And they assured me, they'd be stocking up soon. That was way back in February. Every single day, I check this page. I so badly want some more of these vines. Why does gardening have to be so frustrating at times? ♥

Pink Trumpet Vine

Last year, I seen these vines on the web. I just fell in love with the bright pink color! I'm already a fan of the regular trumpet vines. But when I seen the pink, and white vines, I knew immediately, that I wanted them. I haven't had much luck. Not at all! I can't find them anywhere. Not at local nurseries. Not on the web. It really does make me sad. Have you seen them anywhere? I'd appreciate the help! ♥