Hi Friends~
I titled this post "almost there" because
that's how I feel about my cottage garden and the replanting of most everything this season.
Since our big fence project and taking out 20 trees,
we are nearly back to having the garden looking pretty again.
When I say 20 trees, I don't mean small trees easy to remove.
I'm talking, huge old cypress, evergreens and more.
All planted from the previous owner and by the pool, which was not ideal.
Not only for the debris that falls, but the roots systems going towards the water.
Anyway, fast forward to this moment and I finally have my cottage rose garden
with so many roses, I lost count.
Thankfully all made it through our cold winter except
my rose archway which painfully had to be taken out yesterday.
But replaced with a gorgeous Trumpet Vine which brings humming birds.
A few days ago this bush was full of buds just waiting to burst open.
Today, this was my greeting when I stepped outside.
Lovely double knockouts!
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In one corner we planted a gorgeous Red Holly.
It stays green year round and the birds love the berries.
I painted my little French bike red to stand in front.
Mr. Frog just loves to sun himself sitting on the bike seat.
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My very vintage step ladder also got a brush of red and distress.
Perfect for my little outdoor critters to live with a visit from
a little lizard now and then.
The little drawer box was another little treasure built by my son with old fence pickets.
I painted it white and added some aqua polka dots for fun.
Begonias like it here.
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Soon it will be hot enough to spend time here.
And lots of time here~
Listening to the water bubbling.
This season I repainted the fountain pots with a fresh coat of paint
and outdoor varnish.
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Mr. CMDesign has also been working hard in the garden,
and his latest project was to place this squirrel proof birdhouse
up on a wood pole.
I really must get some pics of the squirrels trying to figure this house out.
They are so mad their free lunch went away.
Now the little birds are happy again.
Right below the bird house in this garden section,
is a beautiful St. Francis statue.
I searched forever for him~
He stands 3 feet tall, holding a little bird and a birdbath.
Another big project was to add this enclosed pool pump house for the equipment
to the side yard.
I found a little sign at one of my favorite garden shops
and repainted it, changed the words, added a few shells and hung it on the side
of the pump house.
It points the way in case I get lost and need to be reminded to
take time to relax and enjoy ~~ Life Is Good!!
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More to share from my garden next time.
But before I go,
Just wanted to thank you for the sweet comments and emails about the potting bench
my son built and I shared in my last post.
Also, for the comments about training a knock out to be a climber.
I don't have any great tips for this except to say,
in Texas, I have tried this in several pots, but I think it would work just the same in the ground.
Start by letting the bush grow tall and long towards the back section where you be adding
a trellis and helping the long vines to weave through.
To the front of the bush, just trim to size and keep contained.
That's it!!
Here is one I have in a large pot along side my studio near the bench.
*just a note, if you are planting roses in pots, they need to be fairly large*
Did you know you can do this with potato vine too?
Yes, here is an example I started.
To the back of this large pot of impatiens,
I have 3 little potato vines planted and an iron trellis hanging on the brick.
Looks like this~
In a few weeks this trellis will be full and lush with the vine.
I'll take pics and share later when the trellis is full.
Till then~~
Wishing you~
Southern DayDreams!
See you next time~
Celestina Marie
