Spring Front Porch

Not Perfect....but it will do for now.

I must say it seems pretty frivolous to be fluffing my porch when many here have lost 

not only their porches but their homes. 

But....I am.

The weather was very nice this afternoon so I got out a few new things I'd bought

for the front porch.

Alas, when I cleaned the porch the other day my outdoor rug literally 

fell apart. I'd had it outside for three years.

It was looking worn on the side nearest the street where it got walked on the most.

I thought I'd turn it around and use the other side that was less worn..but when I did,

it just started splitting all over. It just came apart.

Now I'll be on the hunt for a new one. 

My porch looks bare without it.

I added a new pillow to the mix of pillows on my settee.

It's from Pier 1, of course. I bought it recently on clearance.

A couple of lanterns from Pier 1 too.

Hmmm in these photos they look way bluer than the window paint but in person 

they are very similar or at least I thought they were.

See it needs a rug again to pull the area together. 

Or I'm thinking I need a wicker settee out here instead of the iron one.

I have too much iron going on...I know that...but it will have to do for now.

This is the same space with a rug in place.

Better with a rug I think.

Bought the lanterns just because of the color.

Franklin watched every move I made from the window.

The porch still needs a few more ferns.

I love the view from the porch into my house. It always looks so warm and inviting.

The ivy around the porch is doing really well this spring.

But, at least my front porch looks better with the addition of a few ferns.

But I still need to tweak it.

I have all summer.....

or at least that is what I tell myself.

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The Greenhouse Nursery

the GREENHOUSE

Last Sunday, I drove to Norman, Oklahoma to pick up my Craigslist hutch soon to be potting bench.

I can't make a trip to Norman without visiting my most favorite garden center....ever...The Greenhouse.

This place is full of garden inspiration like you never see at one of the discount garden centers.

You'll find plants here that you'll never find at more common locations.

And the variety of pots, planters and statuary is mind boggling.

I'm only showing a bit of it here.

This koi pond lies in the shade of the biggest cottonwood tree I have ever seen.

Unusual statuary abounds

Koi the size of dachshunds swim below the surface of the pond.

A gentle waterfall at the opposite end of the pond provides a sparkling relaxing backdrop for the garden's beauty.

This is that huge cottonwood tree again.

The front shop carries gift items for the home and garden.

Loved these big cow paintings.

Fairy garden supplies are to be found here.

Another pond outside the back of the shop.

Just a small sampling of the large gurgling pots.

This vignette is in one of the many greenhouses.

It's full of tropicals now but earlier in the spring it was filled with rose bushes of every color.

Look how easily this patio was made. Just pavers laid on the ground and surrounded by potted plants.

I could do this.

I love this large fountain topped with petunias and encircled with boston ferns.

Another magical fountain.

a large flower filled urn

St. Francis statues

Chickens can be found underfoot. 

This dear family was perfectly happy to have me chat with them and take their photo. 

They acted like it was the most natural thing to happen.

Who says a pig doesn't belong in the garden? 

There used to be a real live large pig living in one of the greenhouses. 

Unfortunately, she died of old age and no longer is there. 

But you'll find cats and all kinds of birds and chickens about. 

There is usually a large dog in the gift shop.

Talavera pottery available

Down the garden path towards more greenhouses.

More of the pots available.

Love that wall color behind these pots.

Here we near the back greenhouse.

This greenhouse is loaded with annuals.

A large fan keeps the ferns cool in the back greenhouse.

I came home with one of these ferns. These ferns are perennials.

I'm hoping I have the one I bought a long time.

Rows and rows of all kinds of succulents. What a great resource! 

I didn't know there was a place locally to find them in such quantity and variety.

Prices are good.

So many ferns everywhere and they are all so healthy.

At the big discount garden centers the ferns are all dying about now.

Not here...they are very green and happy.

Isn't this a fantastic nursery? I just had to share one of my favorite places with you.

It's a great place to find garden items that you cannot find anywhere else. 

For that matter it's just a great place to spend an afternoon taking in the beauty.

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