Front Yard Renovation~

So the front yard renovation was taking place in the hottest days of summer...almost 100 degrees and the humidity was just awful. So they put it off as long as possible, but this almost 40 ft. spruce, started by hubby's grandmother and planted here about 39 years ago had to go. It had gotten too woody and while we loved it, it was time to say goodbye. This old tree has held our Christmas lights for many a year and has gotten too big to even do that, unless we had a bucket truck. She has served us well~smiles~

 Everything is so overgrown. It really is time.

 No turning back now. These rody's were planted in the woods, where they can grow as big as they want.

 

Now the big spruce is gone it really opens up the view in the front yard. 

 So that is it from here, the front yard looks so much better. The plants are small, but so were our others when we first planted them. Now we have had some refreshing rain and the plants all seem quite happy in their new home.

Starting to change my gardens...

Let me just say it has been years since we did the flower beds or foundation plantings in front of our home. We are working on a complete re do. The plant delivery is scheduled for July 11th. Now I know I should have taken more pictures this morning before we started to clean out the old....Hubby removed four scruffy old shrubs that had seen better days. It looks so much better like this. To all my peeps who helped answer shutters or no shutters? Notice they are not back on! Thanks for helping me. I like it better without too.

 I pulled so many plants from here. Potted about twenty large pots and threw so, so many out. Garden slugs that just fill up space, although pretty at times.

 What a clear view.

The shrubs we had before. Bye bye.

 and I can always fill a space quickly. It won't stay like this, but for now.

Now this is one thing that won't change. My son built this arbor and I have his great grandmother's roses climbing over it. It smells heavenly.
So, stay tuned for more changes over the month of July.




 

Shutters or no shutters?

I know I have been missing in action....my camera is giving me troubles and I need to shop for a new one. I have no desire to do so. Anyway I squeaked out a couple new shots of the front of the house. We just had it painted and while the painters had the shutters down I asked them leave them off.  So now I look to you my peeps. Keep in mind we are tearing out the shrubs in front and putting in new lower plantings. What do you think Shutters?

                                                                           or no shutters

Seeing they were the same color as the trim it is not a huge difference, but I think the house will show more once the overgrown shrubs are gone. The lawn will be reseeded too. We need an overall face lift
I will post some pictures when the shrubs are gone and then when it is finished. It has rained since the painting has been done and my work has been busy, love the work, but love my social life too.

So if I can get opinions please.....shutters or no shutters?

Some touches of Spring

This is where you enter my home. The windows change out to screens, but this time of year with the windows still in the porch warms up nicely. ~Then I can leave the kitchen door open~

Here are a couple of projects that I have been working on. This little old table was made by my grandfather. Aren't the square pegs neat? I brought it home from my Mom's about 10yrs. ago. It has been sitting up in the attic of my garage. I love the Reclaim paint I have used before. So I painted it up. The pegs show quite well now that it is painted. The I found this candle holder at Pier 1. Love it outside for summer.

 

 

Here is my next little project I have three of these lanterns. The green never really looked well, so I found this multicolor textured paint by Rust-oleum. First I primer them, then I sprayed them with the brown paint.

I love how they came out.

 

 

 

So the gardens are just starting to pop up. It is still early here and the trees have not opened yet, but they are close. Time to bring out the fairy house and get it nestled in.

 

Time to put the pansys in the window boxes. 

I also got a couple of beautiful red geraniums. I always get so anxious for the season to start. Winter felt so long.......

 

 

 

 

What a beautiful day...

The sun is shining and it is about 70 degrees...quick open the windows, put out some cushions. I ran to the greenhouse for some pansy's for the window boxes and the yard cleanup continues.

 My Easter cactus blooms at Christmas and Easter...go figure. It just makes me realize Spring is really coming.

 Maybe a lemon tart for dessert? I don't know why I just think of lemon in the spring.

I started some cannas roots in the basement, just for an early start. Love the red blooms. They looks so tropical. So if I start them early we can enjoy them a bit longer. Today is one of the first real tastes of spring around here so I am off to enjoy it while I can.

Spring?

Here is to hoping spring is right around the corner...I need it so.

 

My front hall

As we get yet another late snowstorm I have added a bit of spring for my front hall. I was in Home Goods last week and found this Ralph Lauren distressed dresser. I knew right away it was a piece I could love and where it would go. The antique mirror I have had for years...most of which it has lived in the basement. I have always loved it. I haven't always had a place for it. Until now.

So while I sit at my desk watching the snow come down, I dream of spring.