Flower Baskets

About a year ago, my parents and I, traveled up to the State Capital. For no real reason at all. Just for a quick trip. We didn't have a plan. But figured that we would walk through the Plaza. And eventually head home. It was a day trip.

And when we got there, you couldn't miss the beautiful flowers. Tons and tons of baskets, overflowing with beautiful flowers. Hanging throughout the Plaza. A little like these...



And since that time, those flowers were all I could think about. I wanted baskets of beautiful flowers for my yard. Something simple, but beautiful. So I almost died out of excitement, when I found hanging flower baskets, and liners, at the Dollar Tree.

I bought a dozen. I'm not even ashamed to admit that. They're not huge. But they are the perfect size. And I planted a bunch of seeds inside them. And a few flowers. I have bigger plans for next year. Since I have a better clue about growing flowers in a basket. And I've got so many ideas. Yup, I'm excited!

It's funny. How simple the idea is. And how it never occurred to me before. I want flowers to hang from my HUGE trees. And in the middle of the lawn. I just need to find those poles. I can imagine flowering vines growing up the poles, and flowers dangling from the baskets. All the things that inspired me, on that summer day. ♫

Summer Dreaming

It's only 7AM here, and it's a million degrees outside! Yes, this weather is just nuts! And it makes me dream of wonderful things. Like places I could be. Or lovely things, that I want for my home.



Like this yummy summer hideaway. Doesn't it just look amazing? Simple. Elegant. And beautiful. I'm just dreaming of this peaceful setting. A good book, a soft breeze, and a yummy cold drink will make it just magical!

I wish that I could make it a possibility. And that I had the time to leisurely read my favorite books. Wouldn't that be the life? The endless possibilities, of my dreams. Happy Sunday! ♫

True Love

This color combination might just be, true love for me. I know. Since I was little, I've loved any and all shades of purple. But seriously, peach and aqua...my new favorite combination! It makes me want to paint the walls of my guest room. And sew up some new bedding. Instead, I'm going to spray paint some flower pots. Maybe make a new apron.

What are some of your favorite color combinations? I'm also loving a darker aqua with crimson. Oh there's also silver and lavender. And don't forget about hot pink and black. You can't go wrong with light blue and chocolate brown. I need to stop. If not, I might just have to repaint the entire interior of my house. ♫

My Dear Bougainvillea

A few years ago, I found Barbara Karst Bougainvillea on clearance. A gallon sized bucket, which had been $25, was now $3. Why? I don't know. It was dead. Or dying. I just think the stock was changing at Wal-Mart. It was still hot out here, but Halloween decorations and school supplies were taking over.

I bought 7. I know. It seems extreme. But with the size of my yard, either you go big...or you just go home. So I planted them. In the backyard. On the west fence. I thought it would add to my "tropical" vision. I wanted my backyard to have an "exotic" feel to it.



Vibrant pink flowers were taking over. These plants grew so well! Taking over the fence. Even my neighbor commented on how pretty the looked. I was so happy! These plants were amazing climbers. And added a bit of "privacy" to my backyard. A total bonus!



I also picked up an orange variety. I have no clue what it's "real name" is. But it was gorgeous. More of a peach color. And I planted next to the gate, leading to my backyard. It grew nicely. Not overtaking the space. But adding a nice "pop" of color.

Well, around here, most people landscape with more "tropical" plants. It's more common to see palm trees, than it is to see pine trees. And we're more than cool with that. Until we get snow.

That would be 2 years in a row. Lots of snow! My backyard had almost 2 feet of snow in it! That was February. When our temperatures loomed under 0*F. We were not happy. Not me. Not my town. Not the surrounding area.

So many plants and trees died. Costing this city, and our neighboring city way too much money. HUGE palm trees, are now having to be replaced. As for me, my dear plants have died. I have little hope for their return.

A bit dramatic? I think not! Any and all tropical plants that I had, are pretty much dead. I've been diligently watering. But I'm almost 100% sure they are not coming back. It's a sad situation really. Last summer, they were so pretty!

But I will not let that get me down. No sir! I will keep my eyes open. Looking for another good deal. Hoping that I can find a few bougainvilleas. Maybe some hydrangeas. Anything to add to my yard. It's going to be a long process to figure out what survived our tough winter, and what didn't. ♫