Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Garden Notes


 The wonderful thing about traveling is that you bring home all sorts of ideas and inspiration.
Visiting Charleston really inspired me to get outside and dig in the dirt.

 We've had so much wind lately that it's virtually impossible to be outside without risking your life!
Finally, the wind calmed down long enough for Oscar and I to access the garden and plan what needs to be done this spring.

 I'm so glad that earlier last month, we pressure washed the brick and washed the teak, which was a huge improvement.

 I cleaned up this obelisk while soaking up the sun, winding both ivy and morning glory around it.

 The Cecile Brunner roses are just starting to bloom on the fence.

The Santa Barbara daisies are blooming too.

 When I designed the garden over 10 years ago, I deliberately planted for low maintenance.

Azaleas, roses, daisies, lavender and hydrangeas continue to deliver year after year!

 The problem is that it gives me a false sense that the garden is just fine.

Oscar and I made notes of what to plant, filling in gaps and adding color where needed.

 As we sat on the outdoor sofa, we made a note to replace the throw pillows...

I think I can get one more year out of the stripe cushions.
Note to self:  Never, ever choose polyester outdoor fabric.  It doesn't last.
Always choose acrylic.  That's what Sunbrella is made of.

Oscar is exhausted from all the note taking!
And we're only talking about the back yard!

What are your plans for the garden this spring?

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16 comments:

Marlis said...

I would love to be Oscar in that backyard! It is so beautiful. I did not know that Sunbrella was acrylic. Very good point. I must remember that. Thanks so much for sharing so much beauty with us! xo marlis

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Afternoon Dolores, What a beautiful garden you have, I especially love the fountain, it is absolutely gorgeous.
How lovely to see roses blooming at this time of the year and such a pretty one.
I am glad to see that Oscar was so helpful in the garden...he is a little cutie.
I have enjoyed reading your blog and have become a new follower. I would like to invite you to visit me at Ivy, Phyllis and Me! the door will always be open.
Best Wishes from England,
Daphne

Sarah said...

Delores, I've been in the garden for weeks now. So much to do! Sadie likes to be by my side, but not much help. '-) Looks like Oscar has settled in to his new forever home. What a luck guy! He is adorable. Love the shot of him basking in the sunshine in that feed sack upholstered chair. ~ Sarah

Unknown said...

Oh poor Oscar - you work his highness way too hard LOLOLOL Your garden looks lovely! Thanks for the tip about the cloth. I'm pretty much done except around my mailbox...oh and another honey-do project making a really cool fountain.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Oscar is so darn cute. Our yard needs a lot of help. We are going to have to hire a lawn service to get rid of the weeds that have taken over.

Lucas' Mom said...

Inspiration strikes hard! Get out there and dig! My inspiration began 12 years ago and 10 months ago I finally executed it. Hubby and I installed a custom designed picket fence, antique brick steps and pathway up the middel and new flower beds in our front garden! GORGEOUS! Just as I had imagined for all those many years. Hubby takes direction well and gives Design Carte Blanche which I appreciate whole heartedly. Everyday the neighbors pass and comment and compliment. It gives the house a whole new image and a fresh change. I am sure once you make your own changes, you will feel the same! Oscar will oversee it all!

Libby said...

So glad Oscar is such a help to you!!!
This is certainly the busy, busy time of year in the garden. I just did a post today on plant/garden markers and am hoping to have a mini-tutorial up on Friday. Love writing (and photographing) about the garden!

sugarcreek said...

Your pictures seem to be from another planet. As the rain & hail fall outside here in cold, dreary Chicago it's painful to imagine people are out basking in the sun! Love the rose picture. My plans are on hold until I can devise a way to keep a 5 month old puppy out of the garden. But the plans will involve hydrangeas,lambs ear and perhaps boxwood.

Susan said...

You have a truly gorgeous yard Love that fountain in the first photo. Fabulous. Susan p.s. Saw your entry on Kathy's blog.

Kelley said...

Oscar is so wonderful and such a big helper too!
Your garden looks great...so just enjoy the day on the veranda!

xo kelley

Monica said...

Your backyard is wonderful and I planted lavender last month I hope it will live thru the heat of Austin Texas year after year.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Oscar looks like a great assistant.

Tazas y Cuentos said...

Your yard is really fantastic!
I enjoyed your photos a lot.
Congratulations!
Besos, Silvina

cindy hattersley design said...

Dolores you are so right about the fabric! I made the same mistake as well...what you save...you pay in the end!! My cushions look terrible!

Anonymous said...

Hi --

That's interesting about your Cecil Brunner --- we've had those horrible winds down here and yet our 3 bushes managed to start blooming at the beginning of the month. Haven't ever figured out our micro climate but we must be in the good part as we can grown orchids out back (well, my MIL could), yet it faces the ocean!

Oscar is simply adorable and adds an awful lot to the yard. Having a major domo shorter than you are is such a delight and "all" he requires is love and attention - just like your beautiful garden.

Unknown said...

Cute dog. My Frenchie likes to sunbathe too. I'm hunting antiques out of Bavaria. Great pics too. I'm a new follower :)

-Brittany Ruth
http://therococoroamer.blogspot.com/

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