nooks and crannies in the garden

Good morning.  I have to tell you, I wasn't so sure how good it was going to be when I first got going.  If you are like me, your mornings are sort of on automatic pilot.  I roll out of bed...hit the restroom...then head for the kitchen to start the coffee...while the coffee is brewing I do a quick check of my emails.  This morning was no different except when I went to pour my first cup of coffee there was only hot water.  It seems I forgot to put the coffee in the filter before I pressed on.  I am sure none of you has ever done anything like that, right?

I've mentioned before that we live in an older neighborhood with many mature trees.  I love the charm and shade that they provide but their large bulging roots can be a pain to garden around.  I have had some success with low growing annuals like alyssum and lobelia but wanted a little height to show off the beautiful trunks of the trees.

This Spring I took this little wooden wagon plant stand from the porch and tucked it in as close to the trunk as possible.  Then I surrounded it with pots that I had scattered on the back patio.  I love how it turned out.  If gives me a pop of color I can change out seasonally, and the added height that I wanted as well.

One of my favorite things about cottage gardens are the little added touches of whimsy that make them unique. Anything from old ceramic plates to pretty little fairies add so much charm to your yard.  I know you've heard it before but think of your garden as a series of rooms.  In doing so, it not only looks fun and inviting but it is less daunting to create one vignette at a time than an entire garden space.

I am off to my mom's for a couple of days of sewing and time together.  I will be back tomorrow with the next installment of our housekeeping series on the topic of pantries.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

xo, Patty