LAST LOOK AT THE FRONT PORCH BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS TAKE OVER

I just needed one more look at the front porch before I start changing it up for the holidays.

My front door doesn’t face the street.  One of my favorite features of my home.

The fern has been very happy on the porch.  I’m trying to figure out where I can keep it over the winter.

We lost our best dog ever, Bella.  I’m so sad and not ready for another.  This  little no-care one is all my heart can manage right now.

I’ve enjoyed this pillow all summer.  Time to swap her out for a more seasonal one or two.

Are you getting excited about decorating for the holidays?

ACCESSORIES DON'T JUST FILL A SPACE, THEY DEFINE IT.

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INSIDE OUT IN SEPIA, SHADOWS, AND SILHOUETTES

We had our first snow storm in almost two years.  These photos through the window grids appear as black and white images. The fern and shells inside look like shadows; the snow their back drop.

LOOKING OUT THROUGH FERNS AND SHELLS

Through another window grid the snow coats my Tulip Magnolia's branches.  You can see the top of the snowy stripes on my pergola in the lower right corner.

TULIP MAGNOLIA AND PERGOLA COATED IN SNOW 

The top of my bar cart and the framed prints on the window create another silhouette.

BAR CART AND ART IN SILHOUETTE

The cardinal breaks up the black and white.

A POP OF RED IN THE BLACK AND WHITE

The protected front porch even got a dusting.  

CHINOISERIE BENCH, SPHERE, AND FRENCH BULLDOG WITH A DUSTING

Do you love the way snow changes the landscape?  I do. 

Chinoiserie Front Porch

My front porch has changed many times over the years, but the one constant has been my bench.  This year my Chinese Chippendale planter and blue and white garden stools complete the chinoiserie look.

Bench, Chinese Chippendale Planter, Chinoiserie Garden Stools

One of my favorite features about my house is the side-facing door.   

Side-Facing Front Door

The garage doors don't face the street either.   

Entering from the garage creates a different view of the porch.

Entrance From the Garage

A few years ago I painted my front door navy.  I haven't gotten tired of it yet.  Have you noticed I've been adding navy to my decor?  Is navy becoming my new black?  

 Naw, I'll never give up black.

Front Door Wreath with New Navy/White Striped Ribbon


The chinoiserie garden stools were originally on the screened porch.  
They don't exactly match each other.  I like that about them.

Chinoiserie Garden Stool

Chinoiserie Garden Stool

The fern seems very happy in the Chinese Chippendale planter.   I originally purchased this planter  to use as a Christmas tree stand.   I'll still use it for that this winter.

Chinese Chippendale Planter With A Fern

A Closer Look at the Chinese Chippendale Planter

Do you change your porch every Spring?

Spring Blooms

Yes, it's another post about my garden.  I thought I was done with the spring blooms but after a sunny bright weekend, rain was in the forecast and it was very overcast.  Overcast with no bright sun glare is perfect picture taking time and my garden was getting started.  I couldn't pass up the opportunity the weather had given me.  Enjoy more blooms.

Rhododendron and a Peek of My Birdbath

Pieris

Japanese Maple

Cherry Laurel

Nandina Still Holding On to Its Winter Berries

Climbing Hydrangea not blooming yet but curling nicely around my architectural fragment.

Azalea

Houttuynia, an invasive ground cover, near my kitchen porch.

Silver Dollar Plant, grown from seeds shared by my Mom.

Azalea in the foreground and a row of hostas on the wall.

I love Ferns.

I just made it.  The rain drops started just as I finished taking the photos.  Its been raining for several days now.
 I wonder what new blooms will appear after they get their big drink.

Kathy

Shady Solution

If you're looking for an easy-care, fragrant, and beautiful ground cover for your shady spots, 

Sweet Woodruff is my favorite.  A friend divided some of her Sweet Woodruff and shared them with me .  She told me it was perfect at the base of a tree where nothing seems to grow.    I used to plant impatiens in those spots but the deer have convinced me to find something else.  Besides, Sweet Woodruff is a perennial and it spreads quickly.  It also completely covers an area and keeps down the weeds too.   And, I just found out that it keeps pests away from roses and peonies. 

Sweet Woodruff in the Spring

At first I planted it around tree bases.  Then I discovered that I loved mixing it in with the rocks and flowers in my garden too.

It's so easy to divide.  I can't believe that all these plants came from several small ones.

They really keep down the weeds around my ferns, nandina, lamb's ear and hosta.

What do you plant in your barren shady spots?
You can purchase the plants but I always like to share with a friend.
If you live nearby, come visit and I'll be happy to divide my Sweet Woodruff for your shade garden.

Kathy


To see more of my garden in an updated post go here.

If you're looking for more ground cover information, go here.  Ground cover in your plantings is the perfect way to keep down the weed population.

University of Illinois Extension

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More Garden

It's been a great year in the garden.  I just wanted to share more blooms. 

Enjoy.

Side Yard and Screened Porch

Hibiscus

Evening Primrose

Ferns, Jack in the Pulpit, Sedum

Perennial Begonia

Clematis

Hosta

Hydrangea

Phlox

To see my early Spring garden if you missed it, click here.

How does your garden grow?  Please share.

Kathy


Just want to say that these were taken before the power outage and the heat wave.
 I'm so glad to have my power restored.