{the blog}

new yard = new kitchen desire

Earlier this year we embarked upon a major backyard renovation... sod, new additions in the garden, irrigation, fence, the whole shebang.  Our furry and non-furry friends alike have enjoyed it. 

 

 

 

 

My biggest regret: I cannot see the new yard from my kitchen window.  I now want to rip out my kitchen cabinets and line one side of my kitchen with windows.   

As I was catching up on blog reading last week I came across this post by Things That Inspire regarding "Vanishing Tresholds"... in essence a lack of separation between inside and outside.  Thankfully our home has lots of windows (just not exactly where I would have placed them)... but when I saw this image (below) I'll be honest, I cringed with jealousy.

The cliche term "bringing the outside in" is nails-on-a-chalkboard to me, and I'm not quite sure why... perhaps because it's tossed around on poor design shows on TV?  But there is something to be said for these windows.  I think Vanishing Treshold is a genius term... and I'd like to rip the treshold out of my own kitchen now, so I can see my green grass and garden blooms.  Things That Inspire didn't coin this terminology, she found it here at Tara Dillard's blog titled Landcsape Design Decorating Styling : Vanishing Treshold Home Garden Life

 

 

Can you see your back yard from your kitchen?  I'm tempted to order new windows today, and start the gutting process this weekend... but this might be taking 'nesting' to a whole new level... which could result in a divorce.  I better hold off. 

Last 2 images above from Things That Inspire.

i'll take one of these, please

I'm with Meg, I'd like one of these black and white umbrellas for my backyard too.

Because it would match my dogs really nicely.

 

I know, she's kissable.  Unless you are the UPS Man, then she's dangerous.

proud momma

I've been waiting for this for weeks!  My Disco Hibiscus opened up this morning!  There is nothing in these photos to demonstrate scale... but these blooms are HUGE - about 10" - 12" in diameter. 

 

 

 

The best news of all... there are about 10 more buds about to open up!!

Special thanks to my precious neighbor and friend Jen who gave me this - it was a portion of her plant... I think of you every time I water this plant!

liking their new home

The flowers in my galvanized troughs are flourishing... snapped a few camera phone pix this weekend...

 

The verbena was not in bloom when I bought it... I assumed it was red... it's not.  So I'm gonna tuck some more red Salvia in there... as it sorta looks like the red was a mistake, it wasn't.

 

 

I have had a few questions in the past about where I found my galvanized troughs... I purchased them at a local Feed and Seed store.  While it's tempting to google everything and shop online these days... this is one thing you'll want to buy locally... I don't think they would ship well.  Mine are about 24" tall x 4' wide. 

A reader (thanks Kim) tipped me off to these which I also love... if you are into the galvanized look, these are fun:

 

They are appropriately named "Oscar" as in "the grouch"... get it?  They are from CB2- here.

Remind me of these, remember...

 

*PS- Steph (in the comment section below) asked a good question... (are my trough planters entirely full of dirt) no, my planters are not entirely full of dirt.  I had my husband build a platform to fill up the bottom half... the top on the platform is plywood with holes drilled into it and then I covered it with filter fabric, then gravel, then dirt.  The trough has a drain in the bottom of it that I keep open. 

Secret Garden

Chance and I have officially embarked on our backyard face-lift.  It's far from done... but yesterday at lunch (I often lunch outside in my backyard, it's my favorite place) I was dreaming of all the potential.  Also dreaming of someone donating $25k so we can really do it up right. 

Here's a little recap of what happened over the weekend:

 

I should mention that I didn't tell Chance this guy was coming over with this thing (it's called a Trackhoe).   Sometimes it's just better to take matters into your own hands.  Amen, girls!?  So, he was quite surprised when he came home for lunch.  I was a little worried he might want to strangle me... his response "Awesome, I think it's awesome!"  That's Daddy Boy in the background (orange hat)... men love this kind of stuff... but you know what?  I kinda do too.  

   
We cleared out lots of dead trees, vines, and overgrown brush that was eating up 75% of our backyard... then we called for some fill dirt.  Three loads.  Which of course lead to the need for more equipment, so we had to go pick up a Bobcat. 

 

Alright, so that's it for those shots... I'll show you more when it's closer to complete.  I am so grateful for this yard... here at the beach most lots are really small.  The man who developed our little neighborhood saw value in larger lots... and for that I am very grateful.  I've hinted to Chance that there's even enough room for one of these*... because come July and August I'll probably be huge and will need to take a refreshing dip. 

While this was going on in the backyard my brother-in-law was out front spreading pine straw.  He's an Archaeologist with a side business: Honey Bee Farms Pine Straw.  I am learning that being pregnant gets you out of a lot of stuff, last year I helped spread pine straw... this year Chance, Justin, and our neighbor took care of it for me!  I like how that worked out!  Here they are spreading it in the front yard.  My Red Bud is still showing off!  

 

So, back to my story... yesterday at lunch while I was day-dreaming I grabbed my camera... I realized I haven't taken pictures in awhile, so I figured I better get back on it.  I take "progress" shots of my garden every year... it brings such joy to look back at them as the months carry on.  So today I took a few photos and I figured I'd share them!

My favorite watering can is this vintage one... because you can go from pouring-position to not-pouring position with a quick release of your hand... thank you continuous big round handle.  Others I have had weren't as well designed.

 

That's lavender growing in a pot behind the watering can, although it does look like it's coming out of the watering can... I assure you it is not.  This is my 3rd attempt at growing lavender... 3rd times a charm, I hope.  I need to get it in the ground. 

 

My geraniums wintered under the covered porch... on the freezing cold nights I put a sheet over them with a lamp under the sheet.  Fire hazard?  I hope not.  It was worth the risk.  Look at those blooms.  I love geraniums... I get this from my Momma... she always had Dad drag hers in the garage every winter.  AND they are super easy to grow from clippings, just need a little Rootone.  That Rosemary plant in the foreground is 1 single plant.  It is gigantic.  Rosemary doesn't like to be trimmed, but it was taking over the path, so I finally trimmed it back.  Here's a better look...

 

Out front... I'm still deciding what to put in the galvanized troughs planters.  I bought 2 Lantanas at Lowe's on Saturday, mostly because the color made me want to EAT them... but I've pretty much been wanting to eat everything I see lately.  They might not be a good choice for the planters, but I sat them there for the time being...

 

Sweet as candy, aren't they?  Love the pink/yellow color combo.

 

Now for our fence... I mentioned a few weeks ago that Chance and I have been working on it.  Our fence is painted "Secret Garden" by Sherwin Williams... it makes me happy... that same little delight that comes about from fun nail polish names.  Our house is painted "Artichoke" also by Sherwin Williams... which makes me equally happy.  We live in a jungle of green and I love it.  The design didn't take long to figure out because it matches our existing trashcan enclosure and our outdoor shower.  Chance welded the gate doors, they are 6' wide (12' total) so in the future when someone donates that $25k we can put in a real pool... a big truck/tractor will be able to get into the backyard.

 

 

Our landscape friend is meeting me today to talk about Phase 2 of the backyard make-over... a little sod: Empire Zoysia.  

Will keep you posted on our progress. 

*- don't diss 'em til you try 'em... in this economy an above-ground pool is sounding smarter everyday!  

my garden inspiration

It's supposed to be very cold tonight.  I'll be out in the dark this evening covering my plants with old fabric remnants and sheets.  This crazy cold doesn't stop a girl from dreaming though.  I've already mentioned that this is my year... my year of getting the backyard into shape. 

I love where the internet leads me... "Devon" commented on my last blog post and I followed her name to her blog... and low and behold... I find THIS post she did on Garden Architect David Pfeiffer... which led me to these images... (click to enlarge images for full effect)

 

 

 

Those corrugated galvanized forms made my heart race.  I know my husband will know how to get our hands on some of these.  We have a metal roof and galvanized porch railings on our house, our outdoor shower surround has galvanized curtain rods (to deter any peeping tom neighbors), and these lights adorn our entries... these would be very nice with grapefruit, meyer lemon, and kumquat trees planted in them... oh yes... I can smell the citrus blossoms already! 

 

I love it.  It's a little bit of everything!  Which is what I think a garden should be... all about you and what you love.  No set rules.   David Pfeiffer has totally got it going on.  I think that house has been published... it looks very familiar...?  Ahhh, wait.  I figured it out... his publications page leads me to believe it was probably this: June 2005, Country Home Magazine "Best of Both Worlds” -Vashon house and garden - David Pfeiffer’s Vashon Garden.  Now I have my weekend homework cut out for me... finding the June 05 issue of Country Home. 

Stay warm my friends... it's cold out there!!! 

 

vertical gardening?

Snagging material from other bloggers is not my favorite thing to do... but Brown Turtleneck Sweater is one of my favorite blogs.  Brittnye who writes the blog always inspires... her posts are short and always leave me wanting more.

Yesterday she posted this image:

 

Smith & Hawken's Large Vertical Garden... I'm very intrigued. 

 

Charleston & calling all camera phone users

Tomorrow we leave for Charleston, SC for a mini-vacay... I simply cannot wait.  My best guy friend is getting married on Saturday and there will be all sorts of festivities.

Speaking of Charleston, I've mentioned before that I thoroughly enjoy the new publication Garden & Gun... well Haskell Harris who used to be at Cottage Living is now at Garden & Gun and is blogging... which I discovered via Style Court. 

 

How cute is the house she left behind in Birmingham, Alabama?  I am getting antsy for spring... I stood in my backyard this morning, cup of coffee in hand, when my mind started racing of all that I wanted to do in my garden this year that I never go around to... 2009 is the year to finish up the yard.

So, if you missed the memo over at Desire to Inspire, Studio B right here in my little town is hosting a camera phone contest!!!  Colleen Duffley who is a new friend and fabulous photographer has started a  studio/biz for lovers of all things creative... "Colleen is actually starting a new studio (Studio b!) in early 2009 that will be more of a cultural/ lifestyle venue; bringing in top photographers, designers, chefs, authors, musicians, and artists for classes and seminars, events, as well as gallery exhibitions. Studio b will be doing cooking classes, photography classes, for adults and kids... and really establish a venue for creativity. The first event that Studio b. is hosting is an online photo exhibiton of people's first shot of the new year, which must be taken from a cell phone camera! We have been working hard to get the word out, so it will be fun to see how many we get and from what corner of the world!! The website is new, so we will be updating constantly."

So email your camera phone pictures by January 2nd to: scoop[at]studiobthebeach[dot]com

Here are the rules and details.

More Colleen here.  And her side-kick Molly (who is also super fun and very talented) here.

Happy New Year friends!  See you in '09!  (With lots of photos from my Christmas adventures and Charleston travels!)

it's Friday!

Do you like Fridays? I do!

This is another intermission... sorry folks, but I'm still not at 100% in the office (more like I'm at 10%, not to mention still trying to catch up from being gone last week).  I'll be back with a Boston (proper) post over the weekend or on Monday! 

This morning when I took the girls outside I realized I've been ignoring my garden.  Sorry garden!  There was a lot of blooming going on that somehow I missed...

 

(pretend like you don't see that black irrigation tubing and the green garden hose)

When I went to Boston I was ready to pack up and move to the northeast (only half-way serious)... my husband and close friends gently reminded me that the grass is always greener on the other side (I know, I know)... and that I should go back in February and see if I feel the same! 

The good Lord gently reminded me when I got home that it's beautiful where I live too!  (Just a different kind of beautiful.)  This is where I walk the girls (see Paisley in the photo below) to the bay everyday, it's not too bad!  It looks nothing like this now, Ike is causing a lot of chop on the bay!

 

Do you like where you live?  If you could live ANYWHERE where would it be*!?

*I'm sure my friends on the Texas and Louisiana coast wish they lived somewhere else about now... praying for you friends, a key is always hidden at my house if you need someplace to go!

wicked stalking

Y'all are so nice in the comment section - just what the doctor ordered - encouragement and nice people... I needed an extra big dose on this Monday, and got one.  Thank you!  I want to reply to each and every comment, but my life at the moment is insane, so I thank you for understanding... and know that comments make me so happy!  Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback!

Now, on to the EYE CANDY!

Annmarie let a "wicked" slip here and there... you know that's Boston for "awesome". 

We stalked. It was indeed wicked.

An iced coffee for her and a DC for me, a minivan full of kids and it was: GAME ON

   

Auntie Erika taught these little ones "Stalking 101"...

 

Need I tell you... the weather was gorgeous!

 

Oh, just a garage with a whale weathervane. If my arms were big enough I would hug this building for being so simple and cute...

 

You know she has a brother next door:

   

This (above) is the one that we agreed Chance and I would puchase. My design studio would go over the garage... Annmarie will run a full service daycare and watch my (future) kids... oh wait, I think I made that part up.

 

 

   

Depending on the speed of the minivan sometimes I just got snippets... but I love it.

   

   

 

 

 

Those window boxes (above) make my heart race.

 

This house (above) was just purchased by Annmarie's friend Jenn - who I had the pleasure of meeting... I figured since I had met her it wasn't too weird to take a photo thru the side-lite of her front door!?  We stalked all up on this baby... too bad we couldnt find an open window.

 

The local lighthouse... currently accepting applications for a person to occupy this place... ahem, I think I'll send my resume. Job description: raise and lower the flag everyday.  I think I could get used to that... and the views: priceless.

I took so many pictures... this is just a handfull... you should see the camera phone pictures... oh my... I might need rehab.

Now... moving on to some other random points of interest kind of along the same line of real estate stalking... we hit this yard sale...

 

This is the shop where the whale came from... ahoy matey - The Quarterdeck

 

This is the back of Annmarie & Barry's house... it was as cute as the front...

 

A St.Bernard (this is for you Court) that was patiently waiting out front one of the town's antique/junk shops we hit up... I couldn't resist a photo...

 

Oh, just your everyday trip to the park looks like this in Scituate...

 

 

I knew y'all would want to know those paint colors... so I matched them for you... trim is closest to Ben Moore "Rockport Gray" and the wall color... I can't remember - look for a word from Annmarie in the comment section... Annmarie - give them the Martha original colors too... if you don't mind!?

 

   

I'll end on this note (above) it's Gordon, the mailman... the kids go wild.  He throws around some high-5s and hangs for a bit.  I was thinking 'ummmm Norman Rockwell eat your heart out'. This is a camera phone picture... not bad - it captured everything I wanted... bliss.

Coming up next... Brimmy and some city pictures... stay tuned folks.

And a random side note... if you have emailed me in the past week, you probably won't get a response... I'm playing catch up AND I have a dead computer (which did not magically repair itself while I was away).  I'm doing what I can... but please have patience with me.  My gmail account is the best to reach me at until I get my troubles mended.  Thanks friends!