" IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BE WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN"
George Eliot
George Eliot was actually a pen name for a woman named Mary Anne Evans......

My One Little Word for 2013 is JOY!! Please click HERE to read about why I chose this word!



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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

PATIO and PLANTS 2012!

Hello!!

In one of my last posts, I shared our front porch and front yard with you. If you missed it, please click HERE

Today, I want to share our small back patio and give you an update on what is growing in my little Cottage Garden .

Now remember that I live in a town home in a row of 10 attached houses....

This is the back of our house .......

Our yard is only 20 feet wide and about 20 -25 feet in depth and that includes the patio....

The house attached to the right of us ( your left looking at the picture) is actually several feet below my house. Since it is lower than my yard, this does provide us with a bit more privacy.

I do plan on getting another 4' x 8 ' sheet of the white vinyl privacy lattice and attaching it to the awning on this side ,creating a wall of lattice for a bit more privacy.

On the left hand side ( your right), my neighbor has a small shed which also gives us some privacy.....


We were only able to extend the concrete out to this point because the underground electrical wires are only about a foot from the concrete and if they ever needed to be dug up for some reason, we did not want to jack hammer through concrete!!!




So I extended the patio a bit with pavers that could easily be lifted up if need be....

We did have a rug out there once but when we got our sweet Savanna, she did not like to get wet and would do her "business" right outside the door on the rug when it was raining! So we got rid of the carpet.

I plan on painting the concrete to look like brick using a faux technique but I need some days without rain to do that and we have been having quite a bit of rain and storms lately....

Underneath the awning, I plant my pots with impatiens and begonias as they are shade loving plants....

Buying the hanging baskets already planted is too expensive so I do my own....

I plant petunias and marigolds out in the sun which is baking down in the back yard until about 5:00 pm when it finally swings around to the front of the house...

This stand is a flea market find that I bought and painted several years ago....




Last year, I had planted flowers in this large pot but I really wanted to plant an evergreen in it and this year, I did! I bought a small Dwarf Alberta Spruce for only $7.00 at Lowe's.


Love the bright colors of these petunias....

We do not have central air, hence the air conditioner in the window of our Den....

Many of the items out here on the patio are from yard sales and flea markets....



I even decorate the walls on the back of the house!!!

The chair was a flea market find several years ago that I spray painted yellow...

As you can see, our back yard is one big ( or small, depending how you look at it) flower bed.

Since we get the sun out here all day, it is really nice to sit here in the evening in the shade....

As you can see, I have quite a lot of pots...


This is the wreath on the back door....

I love my white all weather resin wicker chairs.....

The little yellow folding side table that is shaped like a shell is new this year. I bought it at The Christmas Tree Shop for only $7.99....

I have had this wreath for several years only I added a bit more flowers to it this year...

My neighbor bought me the "Born to garden, forced to work" sign.

I love it!!


Again, the plant stands and other decor items are from yard sales and flea markets...

I planted mostly petunias in these pots as they are in full sun most of the day...

And some red sage and yellow marigolds....

You can see I planted another Dwarf Alberta Spruce in this large pot that matches the one on the other side of the patio....

Once everything starts to fill in, I think it will be nice and colorful....

And now I want to show you how my Little Cottage Garden is starting to bloom and fill in.....

The sun was just coming up in the morning when I took these pictures.....




The plant on the right is a new perennial...



A small wind chime hanging from the tree...

A garden angel...




Bunnies....

















This is what I see when I look out the back door.....

More pots in the garden...

Oops! You can see a reflection of me in the gazing ball in my robe!!!!


Coreopsis.....






These are all starting to bloom...
They close at night....

And open during the day...


The plant with the purple bell shaped flowers is a new perennial that I bought at the grocery store. It is called Campunella





More Bunnies....

A Garden shears Bird house hanging from the tree...


A garden gnome...








Another angel....

Mom's Garden....


It has been raining on and off for several days so the garden is getting a good watering and I am sure when the rain stops and the sun comes out again, everything will be blooming and growing like crazy....

Thanks so much for your very kind comments on the picture of myself I shared with you in my last post. I have lost 15 pounds because of my newly diagnosed IBS and I finally had my appointment with the Endocrinologist regarding my Thyroid problems.

I do not need a needle biopsy of the Thyroid and I do not have to worry about needing my Thyroid removed.
I do have Hashimotto's Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism caused by antibodies attacking my Thyroid.
I have been started on a Thyroid Hormone and I will have to take it for the rest of my life. The Dr. feels this should give me more energy, help with the fatigue I feel all the time and maybe even help my IBS symptoms and hopefully , lose more weight....

All this remains to be seen....

Joe is continuing to heal...

And we are painting our Den....

Stay tuned for the reveal of our newly painted Den....

I an linking up to these great parties:

Bunny Hop Party Every Wednesday
Swing into Spring Party
Home Decor and Organizing Link Party
What's It Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday
Outdoor Wednesday
Rednesday
Home and Garden Party Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Delightfully Inspiring Thursday
Vintage Thingie Thursday
Cottage Flora Thursday
Open House Party Thursday
Homemaking Link Up Party
Fertilizer Friday
Home Sweet Home Friday
Show and Tell Friday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Thrifty Things Friday
Simple and Sweet Fridays
Anything Goes Linky Party
Tickled Pink Friday
Pink Saturday
Seasonal Sunday
Sunday's Best
Masterpiece Monday
Show and Tell Monday
Mod Vintage Mix Monday
Metamorphosis Monday
Cozy Home Party Tuesday
Knick of Time Tuesday
Tabletop Tuesday
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Tuesday Garden Party
All Star Blogger Block Party
Make It Pretty Monday

Please take some time to visit these terrific hosts and all those joining in on the fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by today and every day that you take the time to visit with me!

Hugs,
Debbie

49 comments:

Mary said...

Good morning Deb! I love what you have created in your backyard. Everything looks so green and colorful and it all looks so fresh and clean. It is just an enchanted garden with the garden ornaments and the little bunnies and angels. Love the evergreens you planted. Will they winter over in the pots? You are one busy lady and your work and attention to detail makes for a lovely home and yard/garden. I do love seeing your beautiful pictures. Have a wonderful day and be sure to get some sleep time in today! Hugs!!

Kim K. said...

You have done so much with your cozy yard. The plantings are just delightful. I'm especially smitten with your yellow plant stand. I also have Hashimotto's Thyroiditis. Getting you regulated with medication is going to make a world of difference in your energy levels. Hugs!!

DaCraftyLady said...

Oh Debbis[my twin name] I love what you have done with yard area. And that it is smaller is even better since less to trim..The yellow flea market find stand is adorable...you have made the area just so inviting. The red sage and yellow compliment each other perfectly too...your flowers are pretty. Thanks for sharing..

Chubby Chieque said...

OMG, Debbie,
You really make your house a warm home. I love your backyard. It's cute and all your treasure are so beautiful. I would love to grab your wicker chairs and the yellow planter stand, §:-)

Hope you have a great mid-week and an enjoyable w/end to come.

Greetings from a rainy Stockholm,
/CC

craftyles said...

Debbie,
Your outdoor space is so inviting. I just want to hang out there. You have really decorated it and made it feel so cozy. I'm trying to get our little space going, but it will take time. Glad you let me know about the outdoor rug-I thought about it and than thought my Max would do the same thing. Oh well. Glad you are feeling better!

Grammy Goodwill said...

All of your flowers look so pretty. I really like that yellow stand you painted. It is so cheery. I can see that you have done a lot of work. I know you enjoy your time out there.

Susan said...

Hi Debbie...What an absolutely charming spot you have created in your back yard. WOW! All the lovely colors and creatures, sculptures and angel! Loved seeing everything. Great job on the photos. Susan

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

The little snoozing angel is just darling!

Red Door in Mexico

The Polka Dot Closet said...

You have made every inch adorable, what a fun place to while away the hours!

Carol

victoriantailor said...

Very cozy, love the way you your fit it all in,

Lynn Crum said...

Deb,
Wow! Everything is absolutely beautiful! But, what on earth will you ever do if you get more energy? LOL.........If you can do all you do while fatigued, look out world when Debbie-Dabble is energetic :)

I cannot wait to see everything as it blooms through the summer and fall.

Talk to you soon!

Lynn

Sally Annie Magundy said...

Hi Debbie!
Your garden is so charming! I love your yellow stand and all your pretties you've gathered. I so want to get some of those "globes" like you have in your garden and I love your tea cup bird feeder, so darling. Being a major dog lover and smooshie softie person, your doggie angel caught my eye and tugged at my heart.

Hope you're feeling better soon!

Chenille Cottage said...

Hi Debbie!
Oh, my goodness! I could spend hours and hours on your lovely back porch! What a happy place!
You have added so many cheerful pretties to enjoy!
I hope you have a great summer spending time gardening and relaxing with your feet propped up in your pretty wicker chairs!
Blessings,
Carolynn

Comeca Jones said...

Lovely!

Cozy Little House said...

I have always adored your yard. You seem to be adept at mixing tall and short items to make the eye move round the entire space magically!
Brenda

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You've made this such a beautiful garden to enjoy! We have a courtyard that we need to make more inviting! I'm getting ideas from you! Thanks!

Darla said...

You have made the most of your area. By the looks of things I'd say you have quite a unique personality, love it! I just pinned your container with the sign, I tried but it died on my pinterest board. If you click on my pinterest badge on my blog it's under garden art....

Beth said...

Hi Debbie, Glad you and Joe are feeling better. Your garden is really beautiful! I love the paver path and the campanula are so pretty.

Sueb said...

Hi Debbie What an fantastic garden so much to see.have a good weekend
Sueb

Mrs Sarah Coller said...

Debbie,

Your yard is so beautiful! Thanks for the tip on the shade-loving flowers. Most of my yard is shady and I've been trying to figure out what to plant to bring a little beauty!

Hope you have a lovely weekend and thanks for linking up,
Mrs. Sarah Coller

Fishtail Cottage said...

Your patio is just too cute for words - do your neighbors just gather in your walkway and not want to leave? thank you for sharing over here at this weeks garden party! xoox, tracie

Fishtail Cottage said...

Your patio is just too cute for words - do your neighbors just gather in your walkway and not want to leave? thank you for sharing over here at this weeks garden party! xoox, tracie

My Little Home and Garden said...

Debbie,
You've shown so much creativity in designing your back garden. It is a real oasis and looks so comfortable.
-Karen

Jann Olson said...

Debbie you have created a garden oasis. A bit of heaven right out your door. I love the pop of yellow. The plant stand is absolutely darling. The white wicker is so fresh and inviting. Love how the perennials are starting to perform. Great job and thanks for sharing with Share Your Cup!
Hugs,
Jann

chubskulit said...

Gorgeous!

My PINK, have a nice weekend.

Atelier de Charo said...

Absolutely beautiful patio! Love your wreath!

Happy Pink Saturday!
Hugs
Charo

Olivia said...

Hello sweet friend! Your garden is just delightful! Prayers for you and Joes health! Love and hugs sent your way! xo
Olivia

Fun With This and That said...

You always have it all so cozy.
Hope you have a Happy PS
Laura

Jojo said...

Such a cozy backyard! Thank you for the garden tour and all the details you shared.

Diann said...

Hi Debbie! Your yard and patio look so happy and cheerful! I love all the pops of yellow. Thank you for sharing with us at TTF this week! Have a great day.

Aledia said...

You have a fabulous garden! It just goes to show that even a small space can have a lot to say.

Your flowers are so pretty and I love all the bright pops of yellow!

Best wishes to you and your husband and your health issues!!

(hugs)
Aledia @ Plum Perfect

SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla said...

Cozy garden!
Greetings from Australia♥
~Pernilla

gena said...

Looks so homey and inviting back there ! You've done a great job and its obvious that you've put a lot of love and time into the space ! Thanks for sharing...
gena

Barb said...

Hi Debbie,
Happy to hear health is on the improve. Your back yard is so beautiful. I totally understand why you and your husband enjoy sitting outside in the evening.
God Bless
Barb from Australia

Zinnia said...

White wicker chairs and the lovely bright yellow garden chair I loved it. I laughed when I saw the sign "I tried but it died." Such would I need to Ochs. I wish you a great week! Zinnia

Susan Zentmyer said...

You have a lovely space! Thanks for sharing all the wonderful colors!

Sonia said...

Wow Debbie, Your garden is so full of blooms and pretties! What a wonderful place to come home to after a long shift! Love your little oasis!
Miss Bloomers

marty (A Stroll Thru Life) said...

YOur patio and garden is wonderful. I love all of your yard art and your great flower containers. So fun and pretty. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, marty

Athena at Minervas Garden said...

Hello Debbie: I just love your delightful garden! The wicker chairs, the purple wreath, and the yellow garden flowers all say summer to me. Glad that you have a diagnosis, and are starting to feel better. I have hypothroid as well, and take a pill a day. I definitely feel better now that I've been taking it for several years--before, I used to get really cold and couldn't warm up. Going to school in the wintertime in Central Alberta, as you might imagine, was no fun! But the pill helped.

The Tablescaper said...

I'm glad you're sorting your health issues out and that your husband is coming along.

Your garden is lovely.Thanks so much for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Jody and Stan said...

Hi Debbie, Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful patio and garden. I can't believe how awesome everything looks and I love all your special collections of wonderful things to look at. Love it!

Jody

Shannon @ Cozy Home Scenes said...

I'm glad you are feeling better and beginning to get the help you need. Your garden is just lovely, and it's clear how hard you work at making your yard and your home pretty. Sounds like it's a labor of love as it should be! Thanks for joining me at Yor Cozy Home Party!

Kathy A Delightsome Life said...

Hello Debbie, You have such a cozy garden filled with beautiful flowers and whimsy - I'd love to sit and enjoy it all with you! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy

Sherry said...

You have a beautiful little cottage garden! Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry

Carri said...

Such a cute garden. Lovely!

Thanks so much for sharing with the ALL STARS BLOCK PARTY

Carri
simplydonewright.blogspot.com

Jody and Stan said...

Congrats Debbie! Your post was the highest viewed on Simple & Sweet Fridays. Thanks for sharing!


Jody

Full Circle Creations said...

Such a lovely garden. Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party. I hope you continue to feel better. Good thoughts are headed your way!

Holly

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

Debbie, I adore your quaint garden! You have quite the green thumb! My favorite of your outdoor decor would have to be the bright yellow chair and the yellow plant stand! Thank you for sharing this at Make it Pretty Monday @TheDedicatedHouse. It means the world. Wishing you a grand evening. Toodles, Kathryn

premier paving said...

Debbie how wonderful...

Driveway paving Brentwood

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