Sunday, May 3, 2009

Follow me through the rose trellis


Come. Follow me through the rose trellis and down the rock path. I’ve been looking forward to your visit.

Before we sit down for a little R&R, let’s enjoy the walk along the way. This miniature gazebo serves as the local buffet for all kinds of birds and the fountain behind it their bathhouse. We can watch them frolic from our bedroom window. The cement bench behind the fountain is a quiet, secluded place to ponder. You can see a bird bath in the distance. The photo below is what it looked like in past years.

Since then, I got tired of the wildflowers and tore them out. They are lovely for a short season, but then they are really a mess for a l-o-o-o-n-g season.

Close up of the fountain

Across from the gazebo bird feeder and fountain is a rustic iron bench which serves as a potting bench. The tall pot is filled with dried hydrangeas from last year's season. I was able to cut enough hydrangea blooms off one bush to decorate more than 10 tables at a church retreat! Hope it produces like that this year.

I bought this old “thing” for lack of a better word at a garage sale. It had a leather strap as if to wear as a shoulder bag. I am not sure what it was used for, but if you know, please let me in on it.

Say Hi to Mildred and her baby, Molly.

A rustic iron planter with sweet potato vine

And here we are. The flowers are planted and the table is set, ready for a little relaxation on the back porch.

I’ve started an herb garden this year for the first time. To store them, I used this baker's rack, formerly in my kitchen. I sprayed it grey to go along with my color theme and placed it on my deck. I love watering cans, old and new, and have several setting around.
Lavender, oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and chives. This old wooden tool box with green faded paint belonged to hubby's father. I thought I’d put it to good use. Since I thought I might get my herbs mixed up, I labeled them by painting craft sticks and stamping the particular herb on the stick. I sealed them with a clear outdoor polyurethane vanish.

Another view of the pergola and patio. You can barely see my set of adirondack chairs, but if you want to learn what I did with them and more on the deck redo, click here.

Since, I’m prone to be a little “project” driven, I needed a reminder to relax so I wrote it on the wall. Surely, I'll get the point if it's staring me in the face! I plan on stenciling calming phrases like this down the entire side of the lattice topped wall.

On the other end of the patio, a vintage fan tops a small table between two rockers.

Beside the glider, I placed a planter with a faux star and seashell at its foot.


A view of the pergola and patio from the back door.

Looking past the planter setting on the back bench of the pergola is a little yellow speck. If you look real close, you can tell it's a finch having lunch at a thistle feeder. In the planter you'll see an assortment of plants including a pink geranium which was just planted. Hopefully, it will grow and have lots of blooms.

Close at hand, my garden gloves, clogs and yet another watering can.


Where has the time gone? It’s getting dark and we still want to check out all the lovely outdoor areas at Barb’s at Grits and Glamour , Rhoda's at Southern Hospitality, and Diane's at 2nd time around Tuesday. Come back again soon!

44 comments:

Christi @ A Southern Life said...

Wow! Everything is beautiful. I love the "writing on the wall." So many nice touches. You have truly created a lovely place.

Melissa Miller said...

~WOW~! Marsha this is all so stunning and beautiful. Love the trellis and rock garden. It's truly enchanting!

Thanks for your kindness.
You're always welcome!
~Melissa :)

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Absolutely beautiful!!

Four Paws and Co said...

Wow, you have a beautiful yard. Fantastic job! ☺ Diane

KD said...

What a lovely space! What is it with all you porch people and your green thumbs? :-) I loved looking at all your gorgeous things.

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

Marsha! Marsha! Marsha! (said in my best Jan voice!) LOL What can I say accept I HEART your yard! I love every detail and wouldn't know how to choose a fave if I had to. So many details! Please post this again in about a month so we can see it when the plantings are fuller and larger. Thank you so very much for joining in today's Porch and Patio Party. This was truly a treat to see. Blessings, Barb

Anonymous said...

HI Marsha! Oh, your backyard path and deck is just stunning! I love everything you've done!
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Marsha said...

Marsha, you have a gorgeous backyard. Everything is so beautifully placed and decorated like an extension of the indoor spaces. I love your covered arbor area and of course the watering cans and other rustic touches as well.

KBeau said...

This is all so very pretty, but I can't believe the wildflowers are gone. I just love wildflowers. I would die for a backyard like that.

Kristens Creations said...

Wow! your backyard is gorgeous! I love everything, so many pretty details. Kristen

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Marsha,
I am just speechless at all the beautiful gardens and trellis. You have it just perfect, what a charming and relaxing retreat! Now to relax and enjoy! Cindy

Kathleen said...

What a beautiful garden and outdoor area...it is so lovely!
Enjoy it!

Stacey said...

That is outdoor living at it's best! Your whole yard is gorgeous. I love the pergola!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Your yard is lovely! Beautiful flowers and greenery...love the path!

Laura said...

How absolutely lovely. I enjoyed visiting and I really need your idea about writing calming words on your wall.
Awesome.

Laura

ellen b said...

Oh so lovely! What a great place to live and enjoy...

bj said...

ooo, this is just magnificent! Beautiful...everything!!

Allidink said...

Cool fountain! Oh my I just love your garden. What I would live to have a garden like yours! If I did I would be outside all the time. You can definitely see all the hard work you've put into it.

All the best,
Allison

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

WOW!! this is just beautiful...I just loved seeing all your eye candy..You can tell you have a love of home it shows...May you have a blessed day...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful yard- my how you must enjoy spending time there!! Wonderful pictures and details too

the wild raspberry said...

love all your planters and lion fountain...i will gladly follow you down that garden path!!
chasity

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Marsha...

Goodness Gracious Girl, now this is what I call an outdoor space done right!!! My first thought being...that your beautiful backyard is truly an extension of your home's interior...it just reminds me of another room!!! And you have decorated it so beautifully...from the rose trellis entrance to each little special living space!!!

Your flower gardens are truly spectacular...so pretty, I love all of the different splashes of color! I love all of your accessories...the bird house, the fountain...oh my, that lion head fountain is absolutely gorgeous...all of your benches!!! I have to tell you that I just adore that old rusty bench...and all of the pretty pots full of plants...I love that!!! Your pergola is fabulous...it's stunning, a real eye catcher!!! Well, I could just go on and on...as you can tell, I have fallen in love with your beautiful outdoor living space!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us...so inspirational!!!

Warmest wishes,
Chari

Candy said...

Where did the time go. I loved the tour around your back garden area. Now relax with a cup of tea. You deserve it!

How does your garden grow...
Beautifully,
Candy

Martha said...

You have a lovely garden

Amy said...

Marsha,
Your backyard area is just unbelievable. Truly....It is just such an inspiration. Everywhere you look there is something interesting and beautiful. I would never go in the house! Very nice job. Amy :)

~Sandy said...

Wow!!! The pictures are amazing!Just stopping by from SITS to say hello! I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday! Now I'm off to spend a little time on your blog:)
Hugs, Sandy

Debbie said...

What a great area to relax and just enjoy life, rather you are walking the paths or sitting down with a cool drink. Wonderful yard and patio. Debbie

Chandy said...

Beautiful, beautiful space!

jeanne said...

Hi Marsha, I am in love with your yard and garden. It is romantic and beautiful. Thank you for a wonderful stroll in a lovely place. Our yard was nothing when we moved in two years ago and we are slowly getting it where we want it. I will be posting my porch and yard tomorrow for Outdoor Weds. Come and see.

Hugs...Jeanne

The Muse said...

http://adivashammer.blogspot.com/2009/05/tuesday-blowout.html

I invite you to drop by for a visit (at the above url)as I also celebrate the blogland event 2nd Time Around Tuesday.

Your mix of old treasures with new, has struck a wonderful balance. i can imagine simply wiling away the spring hours...delighting in the world around me.

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I would love to hang out & relax in your yard. Everything is fabulous and inviting. Thanks for sharing. The time went much too quickly.

Crystal said...

Oh Marsha, I can't pick a favorite out of your post, EVERYTHING is just gorgeous. I would die to have a space like this to entertain guests. What creativity and a green thumb you have.
Love it, Love it, Love it

Betty Jo said...

Hi Marsha! How have I missed your beautiful blog all this time. I'm so glad you found mine. I'm going to sign up as a follower of your blog, add you to my inspired friend's list, and then come back and explore more of your place and about you. ♥

~CC Catherine said...

Marsha, This is SOME Patio/Porch area! WoW is right! Every detail is totally divine and I love the fact that you are writing reminders to Rest and Relax on your fence. I would need that as well! ;) Stop by for my blog giveaway! The deadline for the closing is May 10, midnight, PDT. I'll be posting winners on Monday. More than one chance to enter! ;) ~CC Catherine

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Oh, Marsha, I want YOUR backyard! Wow, you've done an outstanding job with it all. Love, love it. Gorgeous, I can't even think of better adjectives to describe it, but it sure looks like an oasis to me. I would love a backyard that looks like that. I can see you are an avid gardener and have a great eye for detail. Thanks so much for sharing!

Unknown said...

Your gardens and patio look wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

Jadehollow said...

WoW! I love your garden.. all the rustic iron and plants.. so peaceful and calming. What a wonderful spot to walk through and sit and relax. Thank you for sharing your place of serenity.
Hugs,
Debbie

Elizabeth and Gary said...

Hi Marsha,

What a lovely surprise I had to find out you had come for a visit and add your name to follow. I feel honored.
Your back yard garden is beautiful, and all your flowers are so healthy and colorful. I would love a garden like yours,but we have a pool so we only the sides of the yard to work with. I must tell you that your photography is amazing. I have enjoyed by visit and will be back soon.
Enjoy your day,
Elizabeth

Carry Grace said...

You have a beautiful outdoor space. I love the rose trellis.

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

Oh Martha, I so enjoyed my visit with you. The wonderful walk through your beautiful flowers was just what I needed. I enjoyed the chat, where did the time go? We have to do it again soon,
everything vintage

LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango said...

My goodness, this looks like something out of a Martha Stewart magazine! You remind me of her with all your projects! (In a good way) You are very productive! Everything is just gorgeous! Now sit back and smile, take time to enjoy! Lu

BeckyB said...

Beautiful Marsha! I just love your blog too!

Carla said...

So beautiful! (and loving your Socialism quote:)

Unknown said...

This is my first visit to your blog and I just love it. Your trellis and garden look just lovely, Thanks for sharing.

Charla