Gardening Updates, Beautiful Dovecotes, & A Missing Sneaker

May 17, 2025 by 25 Comments

It is finally starting to feel like spring here. I am loving these warmer temps! The garden here at the Dollhouse is fully awake now, so I thought I'd share what plants/flowers survived the past two years of 3-foot tall weeds and neglect that it experienced. You may remember when I shared these Lenton Roses earlier in the spring. Thanks for your help in identifying these!   Before we visit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Trying Faux Flowers In My Window Boxes for Summer—Love How They Look!

May 14, 2025 by 61 Comments

I moved into the Dollhouse in mid-June of last year. A few days after moving in, I discovered the house had two window boxes: one outside an upstairs bedroom window, and one outside the front window of the dining room. Initially, I had no idea they were there because they were completely hidden by a Crabapple tree that covered that entire side of the house, blocking the walkway to the front door. Instead of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , , ,



Faux Flowers in Window Boxes: Great Idea or Big Mistake?

April 21, 2025 by 90 Comments

Welcome to the 847th Metamorphosis Monday! So I'm thinking of doing something this spring that I didn't think I would ever do. I have a feeling this idea is going to be rather controversial. When I first saw the Dollhouse available on the market around 3-4 years ago, here's how it looked in the real estate ad. The yard and gardens were well-maintained. Unfortunately, I never had an opportunity to see it or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , ,



Wallpaper Update, Help Me Identify This Shrub, Visitors, & Charming Spring Finds

April 19, 2025 by 33 Comments

The weather here is finally starting to feel like spring has arrived. I hope you are feeling and seeing spring in your area now! Thank you again for your input on wallpaper for the guest bath and the mini-mudroom here in the Dollhouse. The samples I ordered for the mudroom arrived, and I'm not totally sold on those. I've ordered a sample of the whimsical  Harrison Howard Night in India "Dawn" paper to try … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



Crazy Snow Storm, Feeding The Birds, A Special Cranberry Trifle Recipe & Catching Up Christmas

January 6, 2025 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 832nd Metamorphosis Monday! I've been super distracted today due to the weather event we had yesterday and today. Snow, snow, and more snow! Here's how my trashcans look this morning!   I even have little snowdrifts on my windows like the ones I've only ever seen in movies or spray painted on department store windows. lol   My grandsons have been out enjoying it this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Recipes, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding



Love This New Feeder, Delish Popcorn & The Spotting Scope Is Pretty Awesome, Too!

December 14, 2024 by 11 Comments

The Spotting Scope has been a huge hit!   My grandsons are fascinated with using it to watch the birds and squirrels. Every 30 seconds they are saying, "Mimi, come look!" (Spotting Scope is available here: Spotting Scope.)   I need to cherish these moments now because I know they won't last forever. Maybe in a few years when they are older, they will want to go on bird … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Gift Ideas, Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



18 Unique & Unexpected Gift Ideas For Friends & Loved Ones

December 10, 2024 by 18 Comments

Yesterday I placed two birdfeeders in my backyard. This morning I awoke to a light dusting of snow and a beautiful chorus of birdsong. I hung the feeders from the limb of a tree that's located at the very edge of my driveway in the back, and the birds were having a blast! I went out briefly to make sure the snow hadn't completely covered the seed on the feeder where the seed is somewhat exposed. I sprinkled … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , , ,



How Does The Backyard At The Dollhouse Look Now?

July 15, 2024 by 36 Comments

Welcome to the 807th Metamorphosis Monday! I feel so fortunate to have found someone who is willing to help me with the landscaping and ongoing lawn/yard maintenance at the Dollhouse. It was one of those meetings that truly felt like divine intervention. During the time I was staying with my son/DIL following the closing on the home and before the sellers moved out, a gardener knocked on my son's front … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , , ,



Trapped A Second Time & This Is How 2 Years Of Neglect Looks!

July 10, 2024 by 62 Comments

There are so many crazy stories I could share from my visits to the Dollhouse. In a previous post a few weeks back, I shared how I managed to trap myself in an upstairs bedroom when a tiny, original-to-the-house deadbolt on a bedroom door, refused to release. I still don't know how/why it finally worked and let me out. A friend suggested that we need a ghost to blame these strange occurrences on, or maybe … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding



Installing A New Bluebird House For My Backyard Bluebirds

February 19, 2024 by 23 Comments

Welcome to the 786th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! Many, many years ago when my son was in elementary school, I worked at the Chattahoochee Nature Center as a volunteer. Back then, on weekends during the month of October, the Nature Center would host educational Halloween Hikes through the woods that surround the nature center. The hikes also ran out the boardwalk that runs alongside … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Finally Did It–Had The Roof Cleaned! What Do You Think?

June 12, 2023 by 32 Comments

Welcome to the 750th Metamorphosis Monday! Two years ago, in June 2021, I shared a post where I mentioned I had noticed the roof on my home was looking kinda dirty. In this older 2012 photo, here's how the roof looked when it was still relatively new. It was around 5 years old at that time.   Looking back at older photos like the one below, I can see now that over the years a bit of staining … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , ,



How The Solar Fountain Is Working & An Exciting Basement Update Coming Soon

April 24, 2023 by 21 Comments

Welcome to the 743rd Metamorphosis Monday! A few days ago I shared an addition I had purchased for the heated bird bath I keep out year around on my deck.   I had ordered a solar fountain for the bird bath. This bird bath see a lot of visitors throughout the day so I thought it would be something the birds would enjoy.   The solar fountain arrived yesterday and I pretty quickly … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Basement/Terrace Level, Before & After, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , ,



These Plates Are Almost Too Beautiful For Dining!

January 26, 2023 by 56 Comments

Welcome to the 748th Tablescape Thursday! I was so in the mood this week for a winter-themed table setting. One of my favorite dinnerware patterns that I love to use during the winter months is Lenox, Winter Greetings. It works beautifully for the holidays but is wonderful to use right through winter. Back in the day, Lenox made some stunningly beautiful accent plates to go with this pattern. I once shared … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, Tablescape Thursday, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



How Did Those Plant Watering Spikes Work Out? Did My Plants Survive?

June 19, 2022 by 8 Comments

Welcome to the 699th Metamorphosis Monday! Thank You! I want to say Thank You to the lovely blogs who link up to the Metamorphosis Monday Party each week. I hope you see a lot of new and returning visitors to your blog. Important: Please be sure to reciprocate and show appreciation for your fellow Bloggers who link up each week by including a sentence in your post saying that you're participating in the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding



“Growing” Flowers That Never Need Watering: A Stylized Floral Bouquet

April 25, 2022 by 19 Comments

Welcome to the 691st Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Nothing too exciting going on here this weekend, just a lot of spring cleaning. I cleaned at least 2 inches of pollen (slight exaggeration) from the benches on the front porch and, standing on a ladder, managed to wipe down all the screens on the screen porch without crashing through the screens to the ground below. lol I also cleaned the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , , ,



$667 Later (Ouch!) and How Well Did the Geraniums and Foxtail Fern Winter Over?

April 10, 2022 by 28 Comments

Happy Weekend! How is your weekend going? The last few days here have been all about getting back to where I was before the recent lightning storm. I have a new modem, compliments of my cable company. I had to purchase new computer speakers to replace the Yamaha speakers I've been using for 25+ years--they no longer worked after the strike. And $509.68 later, my garage door opener is working again. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , ,



The Most Adorable Little Free Library, It Even Has a Fairy Door!

March 4, 2022 by 22 Comments

Many years ago I was having my mostly-brick home painted and I was trying to choose a paint color for the eve sections, dormers, and the back of my home, all of which are not brick. One day while out running errands, I spotted a house that's about a mile from my home that was the perfect shade of yellow. I got brave, knocked on the door, and asked if they would mind sharing the color. They were super nice … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds Tagged With: , ,



Found a Great Replacement & No More Flat Tires!

January 8, 2022 by 32 Comments

Many years ago I bought a garden cart in a local gardening center. I used it for so many things, not just gardening stuff. Whenever I brought home something heavy in the back of my car--like a piece of furniture, I would often use it to get the furniture from the back of my SUV over to my kitchen door where I could then unload it onto a blanket to drag wherever I needed to drag it. I can't tell you how many … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



A Hike to Possum Creek & Can You Identify the Vegetables Growing in the Garden?

August 9, 2021 by 15 Comments

Welcome to the 654th Metamorphosis Monday! Since I'm currently visiting with family, I don't have a Before and After to share from home. So how about a hike to Possum Creek today? My son, dil, and grandsons love going for long walks and hikes and I love it, too. This is the bag I always use when we head out. Last night we walk to a restaurant that's around 1-1/2 miles from the house and this was the bag … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , ,



A Landscaping-Garden Before and After & A Sweet Surprise

May 31, 2021 by 41 Comments

Welcome to the 644th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! It's hard to believe that it's been five years since I completed this little landscape makeover for the front of my home. You may remember I had a small Japanese Maple moved from the front area of my home to another spot in the yard. It's doing great in its new spot, I'll have to take a photo sometime soon to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , ,



It Happened Again! Arggh! Time for a New Dovecote for the Garden

May 10, 2021 by 43 Comments

Welcome to the 641st Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! Do you ever go on spring garden tours? I love garden tours, they are sooo much fun and provide so much inspiration. For many years, whenever I would go on a garden tour, I would see these magnificent birdhouses in many of the gardens that we toured. Eventually, I found out who made them and dreamed of one day … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , ,



Restoration Begins After Snowmageddon Wreaks Havoc on This Backyard Paradise

April 26, 2021 by 29 Comments

Welcome to the 639th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! This past year has been pretty unprecedented in many ways. Sometimes life feels like a giant test and you never know what it's gonna throw at you next. I don't think anyone could have predicted the crazy Snowmageddon that hit Texas in February. My friend, Teresa, who lives in the great state of Texas, was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding



Can’t Wait to Visit Alice’s Wonderland Reimagined at the Atlanta Botanical Garden!

September 14, 2020 by 34 Comments

Welcome to the 607th Metamorphosis Monday, a blog party sharing fabulous Before and Afters! If I lived in Atlanta--inside the perimeter, I would definitely be a member of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I love visiting the garden so much! Unfortunately, driving into Atlanta through the always horrendous traffic, especially never knowing how long it will take, makes the idea of visiting the garden a lot … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , ,



Two Before & Afters: One a Success, One a Fail–at Least for Now

August 31, 2020 by 20 Comments

Welcome to the 605th Metamorphosis Monday! My son and daughter-in-love purchased all new furniture for their living room a few months back. Now that the boys are a bit older, it was a great time to make some upgrades/changes. They purchased beautiful leather sofas, new end tables, new lamps, and donated a few things that no longer worked in the room. Two of the items they donated were a couple of old … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, Gardening & Birding



A Spring Visit to Beautiful Smith Gardens, Oakwood, Ohio

April 29, 2020 by 40 Comments

Are you getting out for walks now that the temps are warming up? We've had a lot of rainy days but on the pretty ones, we love going for long walks. I love this time of year when the trees and flowers are all blooming. I'm sort of experiencing two springs since the daffodils and a lot of the flowering trees had already bloomed before I left Georgia to head to Ohio. When I arrived, the daffodils weren't … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , ,



Whimsy in the Garden: Beautiful Spring Planters & Surprising Use for Bowling Balls

April 14, 2020 by 15 Comments

I love garden art and the delightful whimsy it adds to a garden. During the summer, I love to visit the garden centers in my area to see what new things they have in. I came across these fun pieces in one of the local Pike Nurseries a few years back.   These colorful cows were so funny! I could see a mini herd of three gathered in one part of the garden.   This whimsical pink … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding



Loose Ends and Answering Your Questions

July 1, 2019 by 32 Comments

Welcome to the 544th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope your week is off to a great start! For this week's Metamorphosis Monday, I thought I'd tie up some loose ends--a few of the topics I recently shared in previous posts. As you may recall, I've been trying to help my son/dil find a permanent solution to the prickly weed that's growing prolifically in their flowers beds. Thanks so much to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding



A Thorny Situation & Seeking a Permanent Solution

June 26, 2019 by 95 Comments

Whenever I visit my son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, I get a bit restless during the daytime while they are all at work and at school. I start looking for something to do and inevitably end up in the garden. I don't know why, but I find it way more enjoyable pulling weeds in their garden than I do at home. They have this one particularly evil weed that has the thorns from you-know-where! It grows … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding



Create Wonderful Outdoor Spaces for Dining in the Garden

June 13, 2019 by 10 Comments

Welcome to the 560th Tablescape Thursday! A few days ago I took you into a wonderful garden that was part of the Secret Gardens of Avondale tour a friend and I enjoyed a few weekends ago. There was one particular garden that really stood out for me. In addition to having a wonderful screened-in summer house...   ...and lots of little outdoor seating areas perfect for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , ,



A Secret Garden, Lots of Whimsy and Beautiful Art: This Garden Tour Had it All!

June 10, 2019 by 16 Comments

Welcome to the 541st Metamorphosis Monday! No big Before and Afters happening around here so I'm taking you on a little garden tour for this week's Met Monday. Actually, now that I think about it, there are a couple of really cute Before/Afters in the garden! A few days ago, a friend and I enjoyed touring five beautiful gardens as part of The Secrets Gardens of Avondale spring garden … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , ,



Life in a Summer House, Step Inside a Cozy, Screened-in Gazebo

June 3, 2019 by 38 Comments

Welcome to the 540th Metamorphosis Monday! This weekend was a busy one! I tend to be a home-body and will often spend my weekends at home unless a friend calls to lure me out. On Saturday, a friend picked up tickets to The Secrets Gardens of Avondale and off we went on a wonderful garden tour. That was followed by seeing Henry VIII at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse on Sunday with another group of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, Porches Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Did Those Boxwood Shrubs Bounce Back? Sharing a Few Landscape Updates!

September 24, 2018 by 41 Comments

Welcome to the 504th Metamorphosis Monday! Back in May 2016, I redid the landscaping directly in front of my home. I chose Green Beauty Boxwood shrubs as my foundation plants and this was how they looked on the pallet at the store just prior to having them delivered.   Here's how they looked after I planted them over the course of a few days. It was a challenge keeping them watered until I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , ,



The Easy Way to Dry or Preserve Limelight Hydrangea Blossoms

August 25, 2018 by 25 Comments

How is your weekend going? I've been working a little outside. I need to be working A LOT outside! There's tons of weeding to be done...and other stuff. One little project I knocked out was cleaning out the interior and exterior of this Lazy Hill Farms birdhouse. I didn't think I'd be posting about it so neglected to take any "Before" pictures, but it was yucky. We've had soooo much rain this spring and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , ,



The Lahaina Banyan Tree, Truly The Most Amazing Tree I’ve Ever Seen

June 20, 2018 by 25 Comments

When I mentioned in a post that I was heading off to Maui, Hawaii for a week, I received some wonderful suggestions of places to visit and things to see  and do while there. A couple of folks mentioned a special tree in the town of Lahaina called a Banyan tree. I had never heard of a Banyan tree before, but made a mental note to look for it if I ended up in the Lahaina area. Initially, I hadn't planned … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Hawaii, In the Garden, Travel, United States Tagged With: , , , , ,



A Bottle Tree for Every Season & Holiday

May 30, 2018 by 19 Comments

Recently I shared a few photos of my deck as I was cleaning it for summer. In that post I also shared a picture of the bottle tree that lives on my deck. I received quite a few questions and emails about the tree asking where I found it. I tried to answer everyone's questions but if I missed any, you'll find more information about the tree and where I purchased it in this previous post: Bottle Tree … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , , , ,



A Bottle Tree Makeover for Summer & A Bit of Furniture Re-arranging

May 28, 2018 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 487th Metamorphosis Monday! For this week's Met Monday, I have more of a "Before and Middle" than a "Before and After." See the bottle tree that's out on the deck in this photo below? (View this beach-themed table setting here: Beach-themed Tablescape.)   I love bottle trees, love their folklore and whimsy. If you've never heard of bottle trees, they have an interesting … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , ,



Dharuma Hydrangea, A Low-Growing Hydrangea That Loves the Sun

May 23, 2018 by 31 Comments

Back in the summer of 2014, I planted a few flowers around my mailbox including a Dharuma Hydrangea that was supposed to do well in full sun and be low-growing. I didn't want a big shrub in this spot since space was limited. Do you see it there, just behind the mailbox?   Here's a photo of it a few weeks after it was first planted.   As I was leaving to go someplace one evening … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , ,



Not Again!

July 19, 2017 by 48 Comments

Is there such a thing as bad tree karma? If there is, I think I have a terrible case of it. A few months ago, a large tree in my back yard that had been leaning since the day I moved in 26 years ago, decided it was tired of leaning and gently laid itself down across the length of my backyard. Scared the willies out of me when it fell since it was late at night. I sat listening inside my office wondering … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding



Lazy Hill Farm Feeder: A Beautiful Accent Piece for the Garden

July 17, 2017 by 50 Comments

Welcome to the 442nd Metamorphosis Monday! When I had cute Eastern Phoebe birds nesting in the corner of my front porch...   ...I was offering fresh mealworms a couple of times a day via this pitiful setup. lol The mom and dad Phoebe would get super excited each time I brought out mealworms and placed them in the bowl. Occasionally, I would look out the window and see them perched on the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Garden, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , ,



Stacks of Dishes, An Unwanted Visitor and A New Accent Piece For the Garden

July 5, 2017 by 59 Comments

It's utter chaos at my house right now. I'm in the "has-to-get-worse-before-it-can-get-better" stage of reworking my dish storage. I've been pulling out all the dishes, chargers, etc... that I think I will want to store in the new cabinets that I've ordered. (Sorry about the dark photo, took this very early this morning.)   If you missed that post about the cabinets, you'll find it here: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Garden, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , , ,



Limelight Hydrangeas in Bloom and Sweet Visitors To The Porch

July 2, 2017 by 41 Comments

Just popping in this Sunday afternoon with a quick post...a couple of random things that are going on right now that I thought you might enjoy. You may remember last year I purchased a Limelight Hydrangea to go in front when I was landscaping the front yard with boxwood shrubs. I already had one of these tree form hydrangeas but decided I wanted one on each side of the front porch. This photo is from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Garden, Gardening & Birding



A Few Garden Updates and A Plant I Wish I Had Never Placed In My Yard!

May 1, 2017 by 77 Comments

Welcome to the 431st Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Week! Hope you had a great weekend! I spent part of mine working in the yard and I still have so much more to do out there. For the last couple of years I've known that I should trim-reshape the Green Mountain Boxwoods I placed in planters on either side of the front porch a few years back, but I've been worried I would totally mess them up. Here's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, My Nest



Washing Benches at O’Dark:30, Birdie Nesting, Hat Storage and Garden Updates

March 31, 2017 by 54 Comments

I awoke this morning long before daylight. The numbers on the ceiling showed 4:00. Apparently my body is still on Morocco time which is 5 hours later. Ugh. After laying there for about an hour, I gave up on sleep and got on up. So what do you do at 5:00 AM? I gave both the benches on the front porch (and the porch itself) a good wash, they were seriously covered in pollen.   I took this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , ,



Hunter Royal Horticultural Society Garden Boots & Other Fabulous Finds

February 4, 2017 by 56 Comments

A few years ago I discovered Hunter boots and it's been a serious love affair ever since. This obsession started off innocently with a pair of their Classic Tall Gloss Rain Boots in the color red. You may have noticed them in some of the photos I've shared here on the blog, like this porch scene from this past fall.     I have this uncanny talent of discovering something I really … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



They Arrived and I Love Them! Plus a Special Bird Sighting!

December 9, 2016 by 39 Comments

Recently I shared an adorable spoon I ordered online from a company that hand-stamps silver-plate spoons with delightful phases. You can purchase one of their designs or have them custom make a spoon with any saying that you like. (Read more about that in my previous post here: What Saying or Quote Would You Choose?)   I was so happy with the first spoon I ordered, I decided to order several … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds



Planting Tulips and Violas & A Little Christmas Table Shopping

November 21, 2016 by 29 Comments

Welcome to the 408th Metamorphosis Monday! Yesterday I cut and brought in the last of the Limelight Hydrangea blossoms. Can you believe this hydrangea was still producing new blooms! The temps have been dipping toward the freezing point each night, so I knew these last few flowers were about to be gone. Limelight Hydrangeas truly are amazing, giving blooms throughout summer all the way into fall. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , ,



Erma Bombeck Would Have Loved This!

October 31, 2016 by 84 Comments

Welcome to the 405th Metamorphosis Monday! Imagine you arrive home one evening an hour or so before nightfall. As you pull into your driveway, you glance over and see something rather shocking. Your next-door neighbor is outside in her front yard, merrily vacuuming the lawn while grinning and laughing maniacally. Do  you: A. Smile, wave, and act like everything is normal Or B. Call the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , ,



Chihuly in the Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden, 2016

September 20, 2016 by 51 Comments

Last week a friend and I visited the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see the garden and the beautiful art of Dale Chihuly. This beautiful piece hangs inside the main building in the garden. I think it may stay there full-time, seems like I've seen it there on previous trips.   This is another piece that I think remains in the garden year round. Isn't it beautiful!   This shaggy dog … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , , ,



Come On Fall, Bring On the Leaves! I’m Ready!

September 13, 2016 by 27 Comments

Last Friday I shared a few faves and promised to share the rest this week, so here they are! This Has Been A Life Changer Recently in a post I shared a photo of a fern on my deck. There were leaves on the deck that day and normally I would have taken the time to use my electric blower and blow them away, but my yard guy was coming that afternoon and they usually blow off the decks while here. So, I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Gift Ideas & Awesome Finds, In the Garden, Inspire



The Metamorphosis of a Limelight Hydrangea

July 4, 2016 by 47 Comments

Welcome to the 388th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Independence Day! Hope you're having a fabulous one! Thanks for sharing all your experiences in the comments on yesterday's post about my Windows 10 update nightmare and the following scam telephone call I received. I learned yesterday from two different readers that someone actually sued Windows over the damage their update caused to their computer … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest



Add Color & Whimsy to the Garden with Colorful Planters and Sculptures

June 24, 2016 by 26 Comments

Happy Friday! Have any plans for the weekend? I hope to do something relaxing this weekend, feel like it's time to stop and smell the roses gardenias that are blooming in my yard right now. The last month and a half has been a whirlwind of activity around here. I sat down the other day and listed all the things I had gotten done since returning from the Netherlands the first week of May. Here's how that … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



Periwinkle Blue for a Whimsical Potting Bench

June 20, 2016 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 386th Metamorphosis Monday! When I ordered this potting bench, I had plans to give it a few coats of marine varnish. (Potting Bench can be found here: Potting Bench.) But somewhere along the way I changed my mind and decided to have a little fun with it. I wanted to paint it, but what color? I searched online for painted potting benches and found a lot of cute ones, but still didn't see a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest Tagged With: , , , , , ,



How To Make a Tiered Planter From Terra Cotta Saucers

June 17, 2016 by 27 Comments

Yesterday for Tablescape Thursday, I shared a table setting featuring a 3-tiered planter or plant stand as the centerpiece.   Today I'm sharing detailed instructions showing how I made the planter, in case you would like to make one, too. This is one of the easiest DIY projects I've ever made and it only took about 1-1/2 hours to make. Well, maybe a little longer for the jute part, more on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: , , ,



How To Find the Center of a Ceramic or Clay Saucer

June 14, 2016 by 29 Comments

Things are looking very purplie around here, Dahlia purple to be exact. I've finished painting the potting bench, now I just to need to assemble it. I'll start work on that this evening.   Today I've been shopping for the supplies I need for another little project, one I think you're going to really like. You would think the potting bench project was enough to having going on at one time, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Crafts & Sewing, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , ,



A Change of Mind

June 13, 2016 by 30 Comments

Welcome to the 385th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Something very weird happened to me this weekend. I think I must have gotten a knock on the head. ;) Remember the potting bench that I ordered recently?   I had planned to give it a few good coatings of this marine varnish.   It's the same thing I used on this potting table that lives downstairs under my … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



How I Plant Trees and Shrubs in Georgia’s Red Clay Soil

June 7, 2016 by 35 Comments

Recently someone asked in a comment if I had written a post showing my process for planting shrubs. I was thinking about that today and remembered that I had written a post about 1-1/2 years ago that showed how I planted some Leyland Cypress trees in my back yard. I figured a refresher is never a bad idea, so hope you find this post helpful. I don't have the best luck with keeping indoor plants alive, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest Tagged With: , , ,



A Front Yard Makeover With Boxwood Shrubs, Benches & Copper-Roof Dovecote

June 6, 2016 by 109 Comments

Welcome to the 384th Metamorphosis Monday! A while back I started a big makeover for my front yard landscape. Bushes were removed and transplanted to the back yard and a Japanese Waterfall Maple was transplanted to another area of the yard. The tree is doing well in its new home, as are the shrubs that were transplanted to the backyard.   It's taken me a while to add shrubs back. I had … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Before & After, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , ,



A New Potting Bench & A Double-Decker Hummingbird Feeder

June 1, 2016 by 38 Comments

There's been so much happening around here lately, I thought I'd give you a little update all in one post. It's kind of a in-progress post with some hopefully helpful tips mixed in. After the new coat of marine varnish dried, the furniture was moved back out onto the screened porch. So glad to have the porch back together again.   The flooring in the guest room got its third and final coat … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: ,



Should Burlap Be Removed From a Ball & Burlap Plant, Prior to Planting It?

May 31, 2016 by 49 Comments

Got a question for ya. When you're planting a balled and burlapped shrub or tree, do you remove or do anything to the burlap before planting it? If you've always wondered about that, I have the answer once and for all from one of the most respected growers out there. In the past when I've planted shrubs that were ball and burlap, I've always been told by a well-known, popular nursery with many locations … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest Tagged With: , , , , ,



Landscaping with 4 Varieties of Boxwood Shrubs

May 30, 2016 by 50 Comments

Welcome to the 383rd Metamorphosis Monday! Looking forward to all the wonderful Before and Afters for this Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Memorial Day to  you. This weekend I've been working out front. When I last left you, I had a couple of shrubs in the ground. See them there in the back?   Today, this side looks like this. Yay for progress! So far I've planted 5 Green Beauty Boxwood, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , , ,



Garden Nursery Visit

May 29, 2016 by 28 Comments

Yesterday a friend and I visited two garden nurseries in Atlanta: The Family Tree Garden Center and Grower's Outlet. I didn't buy any flowers but I came very close to purchasing some hydrangeas at Grower's Outlet. If I didn't already have a gazillion boxwood shrubs to plant (and I just bought 5 more yesterday!) I would have purchased some hydrangeas. I took a few photos while inside The Family Tree … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



Progress is Messy!

May 25, 2016 by 75 Comments

I think it's official, I have just a few too many irons in the fire. lol If I write something completely nonsensical in the next few days, just know it's because there's a lot of stuff going on here and my brain may be on overload. It's good stuff, but it's going to get crazier before it gets better, I'm afraid. Today I went to visit my bushes. If I go to Pike Nursery one more time, they will probably … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: ,



A Whimsical Garden Bench for the Front Porch & Some Landscape Updates

May 23, 2016 by 63 Comments

Welcome to the 382nd Metamorphosis Monday! See that chart below? Yay, for sunshine! Finally, the re-varnishing of the screened porch floor can start tomorrow. It was scheduled for almost two weeks ago, but the weather has not cooperated. Finally, we have sunny days ahead.   Boxwood Shrubs for the Front Yard Landscape While I've been awaiting sunny days, my focus has returned to the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , ,



A Dream Outdoor Summer House & Gardening Shed

March 8, 2016 by 25 Comments

I love being outdoors, listening to the birds chirping and feeling the soft breezes as they stir through the trees. I've been known to go outside and spend the entire day there, either digging in the yard or just whiling around the hours on the porch completely lost in a good book. Recently, I came across the most wonderful outdoor space, truly a dream garden. I'm pretty sure when we pass on one day, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Porches Tagged With: , , , ,



How to Repair a Woodpecker-Damaged Roof of a Lazy Hill Dovecote Birdhouse

March 7, 2016 by 72 Comments

Welcome to the 371st Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! How was your weekend? Hope it was great! Mine was productive and I'm happy to report that I was able to successfully repair the damaged roof of my Lazy Hill Dovecote and restore it back to the garden in time for the spring nesting season. You may remember a woodpecker (we suspect a Pileated Woodpecker) drilled a huge hole into the roof almost two … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Repairs and Fixes, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Lighting a Dark Corner of the Porch

March 4, 2016 by 32 Comments

Recently I shared an outdoor lamp I purchased for the oval table here on the screened porch after I nabbed the lamp that had been there for use in the guest room.   When I shared that lamp, I also shared this rather blurry photo of a floor standing version of the same lamp.   I've always had three lamps on the porch, two are visible in this photo below.   The … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , , ,



Install a Long Swing-Arm Hook for Hanging Plants or Bird Feeders

March 1, 2016 by 26 Comments

I have several bird feeders hanging off the pergola that extends over one of my decks. The feeders hang from long swing-arm hangers. The hooks work great for hanging squirrel-proof feeders because the length of the rod helps deter the squirrels. They also keep the feeders out away from the deck, which keeps the decks cleaner and encourages the birds to come dine. Since my decks and porch are a full story … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, Porches, Porches & Decks



A New Addition To The Garden: Copper Roof Dovecote

February 23, 2016 by 63 Comments

One of my favorite things to do each spring is to go on the spring garden tours in my area. I love a garden tour every bit as much as I love a great home tour. Over the years while on garden tours, I would often come across these big, beautiful birdhouses. Eventually, I asked someone and found out they were dovecotes. The ones I saw and loved the most were by a company called, Lazy Hill. When I added on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



This Won’t Be Easy

December 8, 2015 by 62 Comments

I've put it off as long as I can, today is the day. As soon as this post goes up, I'm going to attempt to move these two hibiscus plants to the garage. So far they've survived some pretty chilly nights but it's just a matter of time before we get a good freeze and they croak.   I've never tried to move these big planters before. They are not the type planters that look heavy, but are really … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



A Secret Garden Party and You’re Invited

June 15, 2015 by 53 Comments

Welcome to the 333rd Metamorphosis Monday! When my son and daughter-in-law moved into their home a couple of years ago, they inherited a beautiful backyard. The older couple who previously lived there were avid gardeners and they had created a secluded paradise that was the talk of the neighborhood. The cares of the day vanished the moment you entered this lovely garden.   Nancy and Chip's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Porches, Spring & Summer Tablescapes Tagged With: ,



Beautiful Gibbs Gardens in Ballground, Georgia

May 26, 2015 by 14 Comments

Saturday a friend and I had a late breakfast at Ducks Kitchen in Decatur, GA. If you find yourself in Atlanta sometime, check it out. Be sure to sample their homemade baked goods. Delish! After breakfast we headed up to Ballground, Georgia for a tour of Gibbs Gardens. Gibbs Gardens is privately owned and is a dream project the owner, Jim Gibbs, had in his heart for 30+ years before it finally reached the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , , ,



Transplanting a Waterfall Japanese Maple

April 20, 2015 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 325th Metamorphosis Monday! My Before and After this Monday involves this Waterfall Japanese Maple. It's a success story with a disturbing twist. I planted the maple here about 15+ years ago when it was very, very small. It turned out to be a bad spot for it because it grew much more quickly than I expected and soon overshadowed the shrubs, which had to be removed. When I was having … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest Tagged With: , ,



An Urban Coop Tour, Plus Other Assorted Cute Critters

April 11, 2015 by 45 Comments

Do you ever go on home or garden tours? I absolutely love them! Recently I was searching online and I stumbled across a tour that I never even knew existed, though it's been going on in the metro Atlanta area for seven years. I emailed a friend to see if she wanted to go. This was not your average home/garden tour so I wasn't sure if she would be game...no pun intended. ;) She emailed back a quick, "Yes!" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



Froggy Fountain Repair and Makeover

April 6, 2015 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 323rd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Spring! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I spent part of the weekend bringing the plants I had wintered over in the garage, out onto the deck. I'm pushing it a bit since the rule of thumb here is to always wait until after April 15th to plant annuals since there's always a possibility of a freeze before that date. What is the first date recommended for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , ,



A Beautiful Outdoor Oasis For Entertaining

February 25, 2015 by 23 Comments

Cold, what cold? In my mind it's summertime. We're out on the deck, the sun is shining and the hamburgers and hotdogs sizzling on the grill smell heavenly. Did you hear that? It's the doorbell, barely heard over the beautiful music emanating across the porch and decks on this gorgeous summer day. Friends are arriving and the fun is just beginning. Time for partying and playing outside again. Okay, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Porches, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



Happy Weekend!

February 21, 2015 by 30 Comments

You may remember a while back when I posted a picture of my first ever pileated woodpecker stopping by for a visit. Since then I realized I actually have both a male and female visiting. One day, to my shock and delight, both came down to eat at the exact same time. They normally take turns at the suet feeder that hangs on the right of the pergola but one day I looked out to see both feeding, the male on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding Tagged With: , ,



Table For Three: Bluebirds “Doing Lunch”

February 20, 2015 by 38 Comments

With this bitter cold weather we've been having, I've started buying mealworms again for my backyard birds. They are a bit pricey at $13 for 1,000 worms from my local birding store, so I decided to order some online from Rainbow Mealworms where you get 5,000 for $20 + shipping. When they arrive and you open the box, this is what you find.   The bag is filled with crumpled up newspaper with … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding



In Case You’ve Forgotten, This Is How Summer Looks

February 17, 2015 by 30 Comments

So cold! I hope this is Old Man Winter's last hurrah, his last 1-2 punch before he makes his retreat for another year. I could use a little reminder that spring is coming, soon to be followed by warm summer days. How about you? Last May a friend who loves old homes as much as I do, took me on a wonderful tour of some of the beautiful historic homes in Louisiana. I took way too many pictures on that trip … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Historic Homes, In the Garden



Epic!

February 10, 2015 by 39 Comments

When I clicked on Elgin's e-mail in my Inbox on Saturday and looked at the pictures she had attached, my eyes grew wide, my mouth fell open and I was completely speechless, something that rarely happens to this motor-mouth. When I could speak again, the only word that kept coming to mind was, Epic! Elgin lives in Canada and I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like the pictures she had attached to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



Farm Living Is The Life For Me

February 3, 2015 by 42 Comments

I'm always taking pictures to share with you. Last summer I took some photos but never found a good time to share them here on the blog. It's really cold here today in Georgia and I'm craving a little summer. I thought you might be, too. We're headed up to the farm today where it's still summertime. So for the next few minutes, let's forget all about the cold. Where we're going, there's nothing but green … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Inspire



Ready For Spring Planting

January 19, 2015 by 46 Comments

Welcome to the 312th Metamorphosis Monday! Thanks so much for all the comments left on my last post. I read each one, not just once, but several times. Your prayers, encouragement and individual stories have been a true blessing and they have brought me much comfort over the last few days. So many of you well-know the heartache of losing someone very close to you. I'll be returning to that post to read … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest



It’s Flag City Around Here!

January 12, 2015 by 48 Comments

Welcome to the 311th Metamorphosis Monday! If you are participating in Met Monday (a blog party that's all about Before and Afters) please don't forget to include a link in your post back to today's party so your readers will find the other participants who have also linked up. Please do not link up a post you've just previously linked up in the last 2-3 weeks since readers will have already seen that post. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



Gardening Challenges And A Wacky Idea That Just May Work

October 20, 2014 by 131 Comments

Welcome to the 299th Metamorphosis Monday! I have something kinda wacky to share this week. You'll either think it's the most brilliant thing you've ever heard or you'll think it's completely NUTS...pun intended! But before I share my wacky plan, here's what I've been up to...planting Double Mint Gardenias. So far I've had two planting sessions and I still don't have all five of them in, but I'm making … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



Leyland Cypress Trees Offer Screening And Privacy

October 13, 2014 by 39 Comments

Welcome to the 298th Metamorphosis Monday! Shortly after moving into my home 22+ years ago, we planted a lot of Leyland Cypress trees on either side of our home to provide screening and privacy from the houses on either side. One side of my porch and deck is very private, the other side is kind of close to my neighbor's home. I like my neighbors but there are times when it would be nice to have more … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , ,



In The BNOTP Library: On Garden Style by Bunny Williams

October 10, 2014 by 2 Comments

Did you know the wonderfully talented Interior Designer, Bunny Williams authored a gardening book? She did! When I discovered this a few years ago, I was so excited I immediately ordered her book based solely on how much I had loved her book, An Affair With A House.   In the BNOTP Library: On Garden Style Author: Bunny Williams Hardcover: 288 pages Book Size: 9.3 x 9.4 x 1 3 Things … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , ,



Goodbye Squirrel Highway

October 10, 2014 by 32 Comments

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on whether I should move the Savannah Holly I planted recently back a little toward the house, or leave it where I had planted it. In case you missed that post, I planted a Savannah Holly tree at the right corner of my home as kind of an anchor plant for that end of the house. The landscape plan created by a landscape designer last year indicated the tree should be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



The Landscape Plan

October 8, 2014 by 39 Comments

Last September, after a summer spent reclaiming my front yard from the overgrown jungle it had become, I consulted the services of a local garden nursery and had a landscape plan created. I thought you might enjoy seeing it so I'm sharing it in today's post. To get a closer look, press CTRL + a few times on your keyboard. Once you're done viewing the plan, press CTRL 0 (zero) to return to normal. When … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



Need Your Opinion: 8 Feet vs 10 Feet

October 6, 2014 by 118 Comments

Welcome to the 297th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings! How was your weekend? This weekend was a productive one around here. I was able to get all the Savannah Holly trees in, although one may need to be moved. I need your help to decide. I hired someone to help me get all the trees planted and I worked alongside him digging the holes and helping the entire time. I'm sore today, but it's a good … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Garden, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



In The BNOTP Library: The Well-Placed Weed

September 26, 2014 by Leave a Comment

This morning I took you on a tour of Ryan Gainey's beautiful garden in Atlanta. The book I'm sharing today takes you back into Ryan's garden for a much more in-depth look, as well as into his cottage-style home for a look at how he sets the table for a dinner party.   In the BNOTP Library: The Well-Placed Weed: The Bountiful Garden of Ryan Gainey Author: Ryan Gainey Hardcover: 176 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , ,



Scenes From The Garden Of Ryan Gainey

September 26, 2014 by 14 Comments

This past spring on Mother's Day weekend, a friend and I went on the Atlanta Botanical's "Gardens for Connoisseurs" garden tour. One garden I always love seeing and look forward to each year is the garden of Ryan Gainey. His garden has been on the tour every year for the past 20+ years! Ryan Gainey with his dogs via Ryan Gainey dot com   This year I heard rumors this would be his last year … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , ,