I Broke The Number One Rule Of Container Gardening

June 9, 2014 by 82 Comments

Welcome to the 280th Metamorphosis Monday! I never did much "container" gardening until I added on a screened-in porch.  My old deck was hotter than the hinges of...well, you know. The west sun beat down upon it every single afternoon making it impossible to sit out there. Forget sitting, you couldn't even walk barefoot out there without risking 3rd degree burns on your feet!  And then there was the … [Read more...]

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



In The BNOTP Library: P. Allen Smith’s Living In The Garden Home

June 6, 2014 by 5 Comments

After taking you along on a wonderful garden tour this morning in this post: Breathtaking Garden From The Gardens For Connoisseurs Tour, I thought I'd share another one of my fave gardening books. I have quite a few gardening books but when I was going through them, trying to choose one to share, I kept going back to a book by one of my favorite gardeners, P. Allen Smith. This is the 3rd one of his … [Read more...]

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



A Breathtaking Garden From The “Gardens for Connoisseurs” Tour

June 6, 2014 by 26 Comments

This year on Mother's Day weekend, a friend and I went on a garden tour that we've been going on together for years: the Atlanta Botanical Garden's, Gardens for Connoisseurs tour. It's always an amazing tour with around 12 gardens and some are absolutely spectacular! During all the years I've been attending this tour, I've been through some absolutely amazing gardens, some belonging to folks whose names … [Read more...]

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



How To Keep Squirrels Away From Flowers & A Hungry Visitor

May 31, 2014 by 61 Comments

I am cautiously optimistic I've found the cure for keeping the pesky squirrels living in my backyard out of my flowers here on the deck. This may even save my hibiscus from being denuded as it has been in past years.   The last two years I've been putting Knock-out Roses in the tall urns under the pergola but after two years of having them prick my shoulders and arms with their thorns as I … [Read more...]

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



In The BNOTP Library: P. Allen Smith’s Container Gardens

May 28, 2014 by 12 Comments

I love container gardening during the summer months because it let's you grow your fave flowers where you can really see and enjoy them, right on your porch, patio, balcony or deck. After this morning's post filled with lots of container gardening, I thought I'd share a book I've had for a while on this subject. It's another one by one of my favorite authors...can you guess who?   In the … [Read more...]

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



Tree Form Tardiva Hydrangea Adds Privacy and Screening To The Deck

May 28, 2014 by 62 Comments

Every year I spruce up the deck a bit for the spring/summer season. I've delayed this year because I've been getting estimates for having the porch and decks pressure washed and painted and it didn't make sense to buy plants and fill up all the pots if they were all going to have to be moved, come painting time. Once plans for a Memorial Day cookout got underway, I threw caution to the wind and started … [Read more...]

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



Lewis’s Woodpecker & Rose-Breasted Grosbeak In A Spring Garden

May 19, 2014 by 68 Comments

Welcome to the 277th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently my friend, Bonnie, who lives in the beautiful state of Oregon, shared a few pics with me via e-mail of the wonderful view from her deck. I don't have any "Before" winter pics to share but the "After" is stunning! Is this not gorgeous?! Spring has sprung in the state of Oregon and it's absolutely beautiful! The wisteria running along the fence in … [Read more...]

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



Faerie Houses in the Garden, A Sunday Garden Tour

May 18, 2014 by 13 Comments

Sharing a few more pics from a garden tour I took recently in my home town.   Look! A garden seat that's actually in the garden! :) I'm so used to seeing them used inside in all the decor magazines and ads, I was actually surprised to see one out in a garden. The bench with the built in birdhouse is just so cute!   Did you know there's a climbing hydrangea?  I did not know … [Read more...]

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



In the BNOTP Library: The Gardener’s Life by Larry Sheehan

May 17, 2014 by 4 Comments

When I order a new book from Amazon, one of the first things I do when it arrives is lift off the dust jacket to see how the book looks underneath. I absolutely love it when a book has a fabulous cover, one that would look wonderful on my bookshelf if one day the dust jacket became damaged or worn. Some of my favorite covers are those that completely mimic the dust jacket with a cover that's the exact … [Read more...]

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



The Colorful Shutters of New Orleans, Plus A Video

May 16, 2014 by 38 Comments

When I was in New Orleans last week, I had a love affair with their colorful shutters. They were everywhere in the French Quarter, as were lots of pretty wrought-iron balconies decorated with window boxes spilling their flowers out into the streets.   Color!   Vivid beautiful color!   I was fascinated by all the shutters--shutters with real working parts that … [Read more...]

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



Inspiration & Whimsy For The Garden

May 12, 2014 by 48 Comments

Welcome to the 276th Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Was it busy with spring chores are spring fun? Sometimes they are the same thing, aren't they? I have some fun "Before & After" gardening ideas to share today, pulled from a wonderful garden tour I attended locally on Saturday thanks to my friend, Carra who generously shared her tickets when it turned out she wouldn't be able to … [Read more...]

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



In The BNOTP Library: P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home

May 9, 2014 by 22 Comments

I used to love watching P. Allen Smith when he was on TV. He may still be on TV, does anyone know? Many years ago when he was the speaker at a spring garden tour in Macon, Georgia, I drove down with a friend to attend the tour and hear him speak. I was so impressed with how down-to-earth and nice he was. Over the years I've purchase a number of his books and the one I'm sharing today is my favorite because … [Read more...]

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



A Surprise Visitor!

April 16, 2014 by 51 Comments

I'm back! I had hoped to get this post up this morning but it took a lot longer to go through all my photos than I ever anticipated. I've saved the best part for the end, a surprise visitor, so no peeking ahead!  :) With spring here, my backyard feeders have been going gangbusters. I always have a lot of birds visiting but it's busier than ever. It can be tricky photographing birds because if there's one … [Read more...]

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



In the Garden: Daffodils and Pansies

April 7, 2014 by 61 Comments

Welcome to the 271st Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend? Hope it was a nice one! It's been raining here so it was a good weekend to stay inside and gets some things done around here. I just spent it cleaning and clearing out some drawers. Exciting stuff! Ha! For this Met Monday, I thought I'd share how the bulbs are looking now. Remember this picture from a post a while … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



In the BNOTP Library: Garden Room Style

April 5, 2014 by 4 Comments

I have a thing for conservatories, greenhouses and any room where you can bring the outdoors in. The cover of the book I'm sharing from the BNOTP library today, drew me in and it was not a disappointment. The rooms inside are just as beautiful, some even more so! In the BNOTP Library: Garden Room Style Author: Peter Marston Published: Rizzoli (September 15, 1998) Hardcover: 160 pages Book size: … [Read more...]

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



Shopping for a Breath of Fresh Air

March 11, 2014 by 47 Comments

Whew, wee! It was time to get the heck out of the house last night. I was late applying the third coat of marine varnish to the potting table. Each night before, that job had been done by 5 or 6:00 PM so I had a few hours of daylight when I could have the doors standing open in the basement.   Last night I was running way behind and didn't get that third coat of varnish on until closer to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



The Best Way to Protect & Care for Outdoor Wood Furniture

March 10, 2014 by 85 Comments

Welcome to the 267th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! This weekend I was busy adding a bit of protection to the Pottery-Barn-Inspired potting table I made recently. I'm hoping to move it up to the deck soon for spring planting and summer parties and I really don't want to see it become weathered and damaged over the years.   I've never before had to worry about protecting … [Read more...]

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



Dimensions and Cut List for a Pottery Barn Inspired Potting Table

February 28, 2014 by 13 Comments

Recently, I shared a tutorial for building a Pottery Barn inspired potting table that can also be used as party buffet server for an outdoor party. You'll find that post containing lots of detailed photos here: Building a Potting Bench Garden Table   I've had a few folks ask for more information about where I purchased the vintage styled wheels and dragonfly hooks, as well as additional … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: , , , ,



Build a Potting Table, Great for Parties, Too!

February 26, 2014 by 144 Comments

Love! That perfectly describes how I felt when I saw this picture of the Abbott Potting Table online. Was it the orchids that lured me in, those wonderful old windows or was it that fabulous potting table? I've always wanted a potting bench or potting table. I was doubly smitten when I realized the table could also function as a serving table for parties! Awesome!  There was just one problem, it was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, DIY Decorating, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden Tagged With: ,



Ice, Ice Baby!

February 12, 2014 by 105 Comments

The ice is here and still falling. I think it ends around mid-day tomorrow. The birds don't appear to be coming to the feeders. I can't see the food so I'm pretty sure it's frozen up inside the feeder and not dropping down. Or maybe it's the ice on the ring where they would normally stand that's keeping them away. I put bird seed on the rails of the deck last night before turning in, but it's all iced over … [Read more...]

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



Build a Garden Shed From a Child’s Play Gym Set

February 10, 2014 by 34 Comments

Welcome to the 263rd Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I came across a Before and After online that just blew me away. Angela who blogs at UnFussy Fussiness had a large play set in her backyard that her children had sadly outgrown and were no longer using. Shouldn't it be against the law or something for our children to do that? They grow up way, way too fast! Angela decided it was time to do something … [Read more...]

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



A Winter Table Setting, Tablecloth by Mother Nature

January 30, 2014 by 163 Comments

Welcome to the 281st Tablescape Thursday! So, you know how I opened Tuesday's blog post with these words: "It’s snowing a teensy bit in Georgia today, nothing too serious although I do see the cars crawling very slowly on the road back behind my home." I'd like to retract that statement, please! If you've been following the news, you know the weather got crazy really fast around here. I rarely watch … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, Seasonal Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , ,



A Little Bit of Everything

January 28, 2014 by 86 Comments

It's snowing a teensy bit in Georgia today, nothing too serious although I do see the cars crawling very slowly on the road back behind my home. Think I'll stay home and not get out in it.   I wanted to give you a little update on the dovecote in the garden. I'm afraid things have gone from bad to worse.   Remember this?   I'm pretty sure it was caused by a … [Read more...]

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



A Backyard Visitor: Red-Shouldered Hawk

January 12, 2014 by 76 Comments

I had a visitor to my yard recently.   He was having his dinner on a tree branch in the backyard. I think a squirrel may have met with an untimely demise.   This was one of those insanely cold days when the high for the day was around 10 degrees. I didn't have on a coat, just ran out onto the porch and peeked my head through the screened door to capture these pics. I couldn't … [Read more...]

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



Woodpecker Attacks Lazy Hill Dovecote

December 15, 2013 by 48 Comments

Sounds like a salacious headline, doesn't it?  Woodpecker Attacks Lazy Hill Birdhouse: News at 5. Over the years I've gone on many garden tours here in the metro Atlanta area. Often while touring I would see these amazing birdhouses that I later found out were Lazy Hill Dovecotes. After pricing them I decided they were just too expensive but years upon years of seeing them in gardens wore me down, … [Read more...]

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



Decorate A Lantern For Christmas With Greenery From The Garden

December 2, 2013 by 66 Comments

Welcome to the 253rd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and an awesome weekend! I worked on Christmas decorations for the front porch and it's basically done, but it feels like something is missing. I'm not sure what just yet, but I'll figure it out and share it soon. So, for today I thought I'd share how I've decorated the gas lantern this year. Throughout the year, the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, The Holiday Home



A Heated Bird Bath for the Birds…and a Wily Raccoon

November 24, 2013 by 39 Comments

Happy Sunday! How's your weekend going? I wanted to pop in and share how the heated bird bath looks installed out on the deck. I attempted to install it yesterday but it was late in the day and getting dark quickly. It has a tilt feature so when you want to dump the old water and add new, you just lift it up and tilt. I couldn't get the tilt mechanism to catch yesterday and since my light was quickly … [Read more...]

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



Wildlife Visitors to the Autumn Garden

September 7, 2013 by 37 Comments

My friend Bonnie lives in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, the state of Oregon. She and hubby Leon have a lovely home surrounded by the most amazing gardens. They share it with some real characters, too! There's Pearl who loves to remove to the top off the bird feeder and carry it as far away as possible in an effort to keep Leon from placing it back on the feeder.   She … [Read more...]

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



A Brick Walkway Redesign

September 3, 2013 by 63 Comments

In my front yard, there lives a Southern Magnolia, Grandiflora. And grand she is! I didn't place her here. Even with my limited knowledge of gardening, I know better than to plant a Southern Magnolia 10 feet out from a house. (Remember when the yard looked like this?)   Let's take a little ride in my time machine. The year is 1989 and we are house hunting or "trying out houses" as Chip who … [Read more...]

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



Boxwood Topiaries for a Traditional Landscape

September 2, 2013 by 86 Comments

Welcome to the 240th Metamorphosis Monday! How's your Labor Day weekend going? I hope you're having a fun one! Well, it took some doing but I finally found a couple of matching boxwoods for the planters I purchased recently for the front porch area. Remember these large containers I purchased a couple of weeks ago?  They replaced the too-small concrete pots that had been there for … [Read more...]

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



Living in the Garden of Weeden

August 30, 2013 by 63 Comments

I have a dirty little secret, actually it's more like a weedly little secret. While I've been working on this side of the yard... I've been trying hard to ignore this side. I just wasn't ready to face the disaster that awaits on the other side of the driveway. Years ago my perennial garden contracted a terrible weed infestation. I'm talking super-dooper, on steroids, kind of weed … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



Dinner on the Porch and A Garden Tour

August 27, 2013 by 38 Comments

Thanks so much for your wonderful comments on yesterday's post! Posts like that are a little hard for me to write because I can easily feel overwhelmed with emotions when looking back at old photos. I know all you Moms and Dads know what I mean. Thanks so much for all the well-wishes for Chip and Nancy. As you get older you realize there are so many seasons to life and soon I'll be moving into another … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden



How To Create a Watermelon Flower-Garden Centerpiece

August 23, 2013 by 41 Comments

  Each summer I like to create a table setting with a carved watermelon centerpiece. I missed last year but I couldn't let this summer get away without trying a new one. They are just so much fun to do! (You'll find the table setting below here: Summer Table Setting with Carved Flower Garden Watermelon Centerpiece) Two summers ago I carved this whale centerpiece. You'll find the tutorial for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Independence Day Recipes, Recipes, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes



Create a Small, Sun-Loving Perennial Garden

August 19, 2013 by 69 Comments

Welcome to the 238th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I did a little more planting and if the rain will let up, I'm headed to a nursery today in search of plants for the large planters I purchased recently for the porch. I'm in a bit of a conundrum, though. Two of the nurseries I have talked to told me they will be getting large shipments in for fall, so I'm trying to decide: Do I … [Read more...]

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



New Lattice Planters for the Porch

August 16, 2013 by 68 Comments

You know those days when you run and work, work and run, but at the end of the day you're not real sure what you've gotten accomplished. Lately some of my days are feeling that way. I'm kind of in never-never land or maybe a better term is landscaping limbo. I have about forty-eleven projects running through my head and some require decision making, some require additional money and some require input … [Read more...]

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



A Landscaping “To-Do” List and a Surprise “Before and After”

August 13, 2013 by 150 Comments

I've been putting off a major landscape renovation for several years. I knew it would have to start with some serious tree removal and the process would be expensive and emotionally taxing. I hate cutting down trees but there is no shortage of trees in my yard, my neighborhood or this area. If anything, as I drive around my area I see so many houses in the same situation mine was in--buried behind and under … [Read more...]

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



Adding Color and Whimsy to the Garden

August 12, 2013 by 80 Comments

Welcome to the 237th Metamorphosis Monday! This weekend was a first for me. It was the first time I've ever planted annuals in August. When I went shopping, I wasn't sure if I'd find any since I've never shopped for them this late in the season. Surprisingly the usual places (hardware stores, big box discount stores and garden centers) do have them, even in August. The selection isn't what it is in mid … [Read more...]

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



Water New Grass with an In-ground Irrigation System

August 9, 2013 by 40 Comments

One of the chief components to ensuring a newly installed lawn takes root and establishes well is water, lots and lots of water. I was told by my landscaper and the sod farm to water it at least twice a day for the first two weeks. If we were having a really super hot August (thankfully, we're not) I'd probably have to water even more. Fortunately, when I moved into this house 22 years ago, I installed … [Read more...]

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



Chipmunk Baths

August 6, 2013 by 52 Comments

When I decided to sod my yard with Zeon Zoysia, to save money I planned to do it in two stages: Front yard, followed by the back yard next summer. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that was probably not such a great idea. I was concerned the grass in the front yard would get damaged next summer when the backyard sodding process got underway. I'm so glad now I went ahead and did both at the … [Read more...]

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



A Sweet Bird Girl in the Garden

August 5, 2013 by 97 Comments

Welcome to the 236th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! I spent all day Friday and Saturday at the Haven Conference in Atlanta. On Sunday, I finished putting out another 25 bags of mulch. That brings the total to 102 bags of mulch! Normally it wouldn't take that much mulch but many of the beds/islands are empty, awaiting shrubs this fall. Today I'm taking you into the yard to … [Read more...]

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



Zeon Zoysia for the Front Yard

July 31, 2013 by 93 Comments

Yesterday was definitely a day of mixed emotions, first excitement, then some disappointment.  Though things didn't go quite as planned, I still have some fun "after" photos to share. The Zeon Zoysia sod was delivered and installation got underway. As the day wore on, it became apparent there wasn't enough sod to complete the job. The side yard and a portion of the back still needs sod, so instead … [Read more...]

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



Sod Day!

July 30, 2013 by 48 Comments

Today is another crazy day in the neighborhood.  This morning there was still a little work to be done in preparation for the sod, but the sod is here. 12 pallets waiting to be installed in the front and back. I went with Zeon Zoysia.  I have plenty of sun out front but the back is kind of shady. Zeon is the most shade tolerant of all the warm-season turf grass varieties. It's a fine-textured … [Read more...]

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



A Gardening “Before and After”

July 24, 2013 by 29 Comments

Wow, crazy day! This post was suppose to be up hours ago but so much has happened today, I'm running way behind.  I've decided to go ahead and sod the back yard at the same time the front yard is being done.  Since the job has grown, we've decided to wait and start it on Monday. Monday will be prep day and Tuesday will be install day, barring no more rain. The sod farms can't cut sod when it's standing in … [Read more...]

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



Landscape Renovation: Big Changes and Ready for the Sod

July 17, 2013 by 57 Comments

Things are starting to happen quickly now with the front landscape renovation. The stump grinder guy didn't make it out yesterday but he is on his way now as I type this. Then the slate will be clean for the sod installation on Tuesday. Yipee! Last week I drove by a few of the lawns installed by the company I've chosen to install my sod.  I've decided to go with Zeon Zoysia.  I like what I've read online … [Read more...]

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



Front Yard Landscape Renovation

July 1, 2013 by 109 Comments

Welcome to the 231st Metamorphosis Monday! Before I dive into this week's Met Monday, just wanted to take a second to answer a question I've been getting about the BNOTP newsletter, Postcards from the Porch. I haven't sent one out since Max passed because I just didn't have the energy to create blog posts and put together the newsletter, too. I will be starting it back up soon though, most likely this … [Read more...]

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



Front Yard Landscape Makeover: The Beginning

June 28, 2013 by 96 Comments

Atlanta has a lot of nicknames, Hotlanta and The Big Peach to name a few.  My favorite has always been, the City in the Forest. Apparently, it got that name because when flying into Hartsfield Jackson, Atlanta appears to be nestled down into a forest.  The drought has taken its toll on a lot of trees over the last few years though, so not sure if Atlanta is still living up to its City in the … [Read more...]

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



Shady Porches, Lazy Hammocks and Tire Swings: A Garden Tour

June 18, 2013 by 35 Comments

Last spring, or maybe it was the spring before that...I forget, a friend and I went on a spring garden tour.  Even though it was a garden tour, I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures of some of the wonderful houses we saw along the way. I'm such a sap for a yellow cottage. Love the double peaks, the red chimneys on either end contrasting against the butter-yellow color of the home and of course that … [Read more...]

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



A Tabletop Greenhouse for Growing Herbs

June 3, 2013 by 80 Comments

Welcome to the 227th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was wonderful! Today for Met Monday, I'm sharing a small update out on the porch.  I don't often change things out here since I'm pretty happy with it, as is.  If I make a change something else usually has to leave. A while back I made an update to the small oval table under the Summer Breeze sign.  You may remember, it got … [Read more...]

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



Backyard Paradise Perfect for Entertaining

May 22, 2013 by 33 Comments

It's spring!  The flowers are blooming, the birds and bees are busy do birdie and bee things and it's time for a garden tour!  Phyllis who blogs at Around the House has one of the most beautiful backyards I've ever seen.  Wait until you see what's behind this fabulous gate!  I love the basket of flowers on the gate because it a small hint of the beauty just on the other side. Ready?  Let's go! As we … [Read more...]

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



Fill Those Summer Pots and Planters Without Blowing the Budget

May 10, 2013 by 89 Comments

This past Sunday I managed to get a little planting done before the rain started back.  Most of the planting took place on the deck off to the right of the porch, the one with the bottle tree. Come spring, I'm always looking for ways to spruce up and add color and life to the deck without spending a whole bunch.  Bottle trees are a great way to add color and liven things up and they require no … [Read more...]

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



8 Months of Procrastination Finally Ends

May 6, 2013 by 70 Comments

Welcome to the 224th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend.  This was one of those weekends where I had a long list of things I really wanted to get done but Mother Nature had other plans.  It rained "monsoon style" all day long on Saturday, but being the determined, crazy woman that I am, I dragged the tall urns from the deck onto the porch and replanted those as I had planned. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, Nature Tagged With: , , , ,



The Rescue

April 26, 2013 by 88 Comments

Each week when I take Max to Georgia Veterinary Specialist for his chemo treatment, I pass by a wonderful sculpture just outside their front entrance.  I've been meaning to take my camera to capture some pics for you but unfortunately, I keep forgetting it.  While there today I took a few pictures with my cellphone. They aren't the greatest but I hope you'll enjoy them. The sculpture is called, The … [Read more...]

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



Water Plants While Away on Vacation

March 12, 2013 by 52 Comments

I spent this past weekend in Highlands, North Carolina.  It was a fun getaway and the weather graciously cooperated giving us unseasonably warm temps.  I'll share a few pics from the trip including the home where we stayed real soon. While there, we had to do a little shopping.  That's pretty much mandatory when you're visiting Highlands.  There are lots of cute shops, some filled with antiques and … [Read more...]

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



Birdwatching Fun for Your Weekend

March 9, 2013 by 49 Comments

Have you heard about Phoebe?  She's a Channel Island Allen hummingbird living in Orange County, California.  She lays 4-5 clutches a year and a gentleman in CA has a web cam set up to capture it all. When I was last watching, she had a baby in the nest and an egg about to hatch. You can see both the baby and the egg in these pics. Here's Phoebe, returning back to the nest to feed the … [Read more...]

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



Carbon Monoxide Detectors and a Masked Visitor

February 6, 2013 by 68 Comments

How is that for a crazy post name?  I often have  things I want to share or blog about, but sometimes it's just not enough to warrant a full post.  So today I'm lumping a few things together, thus the wacky title. Recently, I've been feeling sooo tired...just want to sleep, sleep and sleep.   I can't make it through the day without taking a nap and even after a nap I'm still tired.  Very strange and … [Read more...]

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



Birdwatching: Cardinals, Bluebirds and Woodpeckers Came Calling

December 21, 2012 by 57 Comments

A few minutes after I put up this mornings post, a male Eastern Bluebird stopped by...sooo cute!  The following photos were taken through the glass of my bay window with a Nikon D7000 and my 18-200mm zoom lens.  Hope you enjoy. Then along came Mr. Cardinal which didn't please a little Nuthatch who waited patiently for him to leave. Mrs. Cardinal came by to check out the new … [Read more...]

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



Atlanta Botanical Garden: Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

December 10, 2012 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 203rd Metamorphosis Monday! Recently the Atlanta Botanical Garden went through an amazing metamorphosis.  Each year during the Christmas season, the gardens become a magical fairyland.  A lovely friend of mine works there as a volunteer and she invited me along for the opening night this year.  It truly was awe-inspiring and I'm taking you along, too! Can you just imagine all the … [Read more...]

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



Squirrel Wars: The Latest Trick Up My Sleeve

September 17, 2012 by 81 Comments

Welcome to the 191st Metamorphosis Monday! I spent mine running lots of errands and trying to get a few things done around the house.  A long while back I shared this view of my screened-in porch.  As you can see it is a full story up and I have bird feeders hanging from shepherd's hooks off the decks on either side of the porch.   The feeder on the left is hanging from the deck that holds a table with … [Read more...]

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



Dining in the Garden at Greenwood’s on Green Street

August 21, 2012 by 23 Comments

A friend and I recently had dinner at one of my fave restaurants, Greenwood's in Roswell, Georgia.  When you visit Greenwood's, not only do you enjoy a great home-cooked meal, but you get a wonderful garden tour, too.  Here's a view of one section of the sidewalk out front of  the restaurant.  On the other side of the brick wall is a large courtyard where folks either dine or wait for a table to become … [Read more...]

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



A Beautiful Mosaic Planter for the Front Porch

June 8, 2012 by 38 Comments

Moving a blog is a lot like moving in real life.  Do you remember the last time you moved?  You know it's going to be a big job but you really don't know how big until you are in the thick of it.  And while in the midst of it, you probably think to yourself, "I'll never do this again."  Once you're all settled in your new home, you're happy you did it.  I'm not quite to the happy stage, but I'm getting … [Read more...]

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



A Secret Garden Tablescape

May 28, 2012 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 195th Tablescape Thursday! Wow, what a week!  This is turning out to be one of the busiest and most exciting weeks I've had in a while.  My son and his sweetheart were here last night.  We're all in wedding mode since the big day is just 4 days away.  After dinner out we came back home and stayed up late into the night talking.  I miss them terribly and love it when they are here … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , ,



Kimberly Queen: The Shed-free Fern

May 8, 2012 by 41 Comments

Thanks so much for all your input yesterday!  So far, the tall file organizer seems to be leading in the voting.  You all made so many great points about the pros/cons for both the short and the tall.   It is tempting to keep them both as so many folks suggested. This week I've been working on spiffying up the porch a bit more for spring and summer.  I just discovered a plant I didn't know about before … [Read more...]

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



A Garden Seat for the Porch

April 21, 2012 by 24 Comments

When I last left you I had purchased this cute little garden seat for the screened-in porch.  That was the plan.   Well, you know what they say about "best laid plans."   Once I brought it upstairs...   And tried it out as a little side table for this reading corner in the guest room, I didn't want to take it away. I really, really liked how it looked here.   So … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Before & After, Blue & White Design & Decor, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , ,



Garden Seat, So Versatile for the Home or Garden

April 17, 2012 by 33 Comments

As the years pass things wear out, my ideas for a room in my home may change, or I find something better for a space than what's currently there.  Does that happen in your home, too?  It gives us an opportunity to "freshen up" and revive our rooms, giving them new life. A while back, just for fun, I created a "wish list" board at Pinterest.   It's a virtual pin board where I can store a picture or idea … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bedroom (Guest Room), Blue & White Design & Decor, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Living Room/Bonus (Upstairs), My Nest, Nature, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: ,



Wake Up the Porch & Decks for Spring

April 9, 2012 by 53 Comments

Welcome to the 168th Metamorphosis Monday! Preparing the Porch and Decks for Spring: Cleaning and Planting At the start of this past winter, I decided to try something new.  Instead of tossing the big geranium that lives all summer on the porch, and the three smaller ones visible behind this summer table setting below, I tucked them all away in my garage for the winter. Amazingly, they lived.  They … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Nature, Porches, Porches & Decks, Seasonal Decor Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



Double Bowl Hurricane Floral Centerpiece: Pottery Barn Knock-Off

April 3, 2012 by 49 Comments

I've been using a lot of fresh flowers in table settings lately.  Once those cold winter months are behind us, it's such a joy to bring fresh flowers into our homes.  One of my favorite flowers is the tulip.  It's almost impossible to think of spring and not think of beautiful tulips. Tulips are a wonderful flower to give or receive for a birthday or for Mother's Day.  I've been the happy recipient of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decor Knock-offs, Easter Crafts, Easter Decorating, Easter Holiday Home, Easter Table Settings, Easter Tablescapes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Sometimes the Grass Really Is Greener on the Other Side

November 25, 2011 by 63 Comments

A while back I set up a little cozy, fall  'scape out on the porch.   A few weeks before creating that little tablescape, I had purchased some real acorns on Amazon.  They were reasonably priced  and perfect for  fall.  (You'll find more pics of this fall tablescape, HERE.)   The funny thing is, I have a HUGE oak tree in my front yard.   But for some crazy reason, 99.9% of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Seasonal Decor, Thanksgiving Decor, Thanksgiving Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , ,



Make a Wind Chime from Old Spoons and Forks

October 17, 2011 by 49 Comments

Welcome to the 143rd Metamorphosis Monday! For Met Monday, I'm sharing a fun Before and After you can make at home.  Recently, I posted a movie house tour of the amazing house in the movie, Practical Magic.  While watching the movie, there was a scene that reminded me of  something I had seen recently while out antiquing.  In the movie, the Aunts (Aunt Jet and Aunt Frances) have a fun wind chime hanging … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Movie Houses, Nature, TV & Movie House Fun Tagged With: , ,



Green Card

September 4, 2011 by 49 Comments

Take a Tour of the Beautiful, Historic Apartment in the movie, Green Card While putting together a recent post listing a whole bunch of my fave decorating and design books, I came across my copy of The Conservatory Book by Peter Marston.  This book is filled with pictures of beautiful greenhouses. The book reminded me of another beautiful greenhouse, the one in one of my favorite movies, Green … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Movie House Tours, Movie Houses, Nature, Valentine's Day Holiday Home, Valentine's Day Movies Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



Bottle Tree Dreams in Abundance

August 26, 2011 by 48 Comments

When I last shared a few pics of my bottle tree, it was looking pretty puny.   (If you're wondering what in tarnation a bottle tree is, check out this previous post: Bottle Tree: The Poor Man's Stained Glass   I've been waiting for Hobby Lobby to have another "glass" sale.  In the meantime, I've collected 3-4 more, via consumption.  Plus, my BFF, Jan, dropped a couple by recently, too.  I think she took … [Read more...]

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



Jan’s Beautiful Bottle Tree

July 26, 2011 by 32 Comments

A while back I shared some images of a bottle tree I had purchased at the Ballard Designs store in Atlanta.  It was on sale, marked down from $349 to $60.   I've gradually been adding a few bottles to it, including the glass float ball you see on the top. It's still a bit naked...a work in progress.   While in Savannah on vacation a couple of months back, I told my friend, Jan, all … [Read more...]

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



So Much for Hot Seed

July 24, 2011 by 59 Comments

Apparently, Mr. Squirrel likes his seed on the spicy side. He keeps coming back for more and he brings his friends!  Can you see where he's chewed on the window feeder?  He gets mad after he's twisted it so much the seed quits coming,  Yep, he's got quite the temper.  The chewed up spots are really bad in some places. Grrrrrr... Don't let that cute face fool you.  You won't believe all the damage he's … [Read more...]

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



Bottle Tree Shopping

June 14, 2011 by 26 Comments

Has anyone seen my computer mouse? I was planning on posting again today, but I can't seem to find the mouse. ;)   Bottle Tree Shopping: Not to beat the bottle tree "horse" to death, but I do want to share a resource I found recently in case you have a bottle tree and are looking for hard-to-find colors and unusual shaped bottles. Turns out Hobby Lobby carries bottles of all sizes and in … [Read more...]

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



Bottle Tree Dreams and Yard Art Fantasies

June 10, 2011 by 62 Comments

Help! I'm becoming one of those people! You know the one...the crazy neighbor down the street who has so much yard art, the addition of just one more tchotchke will take his yard from tasteful to tacky, from whimsical to wacky. Okay, I'm not that bad. Yet. But I'm working on it. ;) If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember I started saving bottles about a year ago for a future bottle … [Read more...]

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



Wormsloe

May 24, 2011 by 28 Comments

I've been to Savannah, Georgia many times over the years. Each time I've visited this historic city, when it came time to leave and head back home, I always thought, "Fiddlesticks! I did it again!" I came all the way to Savannah and didn't find that awesome road...the one with the arching trees overhead. I was always so disappointed and mad at myself that I kept forgetting to ask where it was and how to get … [Read more...]

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



Cat TV

May 20, 2011 by 52 Comments

Office Window Feeder Day 1: A Brief Visit Day 2: A Skirmish Day Three: Accceptance. Friends? … [Read more...]

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



Squirrel Outwits Bird Feeder: The Story of Leon and Pearl

May 3, 2011 by 46 Comments

Once upon a time there was a squirrel named Pearl and she lived on a Leon's deck. Whenever Leon wasn't looking, Pearl would creep over to Leon's bird feeder and throw it off the table and onto the deck. The poor bird feeder became badly bent and broken. Leon was not pleased and he chased Pearl away whenever he saw her. "How can I keep Pearl from totally ruining my feeder?" mused Leon. "I know, I'll tie it … [Read more...]

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



Two Mysteries: Houdini Squirrel and Every Word

April 30, 2011 by 58 Comments

Mystery 1: Today was car-tire(s)-buying day. Yuck. So, as I'm talking on the phone with the guy at the tire store, I opened the kitchen door that leads to the screened in porch. A gray blur ran by. Ummm, not good. I walked gingerly out onto the porch and I saw it. And, it saw me. A squirrel. Mr. Squirrel began frantically running around my porch, scaling the screens and in general, FREAKING OUT! I … [Read more...]

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



A Behind the Scenes Tour

April 15, 2011 by 53 Comments

Sometimes the most fun stuff to see in a room redo are the things that are hidden from sight. So though I haven't hung this bulletin board, yet... Or, this cute shelf... Or, this wrapping center I shared HERE, I have been busy with a few other little things in the office. Come take a peek. Remember the steps I found for Max for only $10 at an indoor flea market HERE? I had Home … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Organization and Storage, For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, My Nest, Nature, Office/Craft/Sewing Room Tagged With: , , , ,



Debutante Camellias in a Springtime Tablescape

March 24, 2011 by 83 Comments

Welcome to the 135th Tablescape Thursday! It was such a gorgeous day here...70's and breezy. I decided to set this week's tablescape in the breakfast room. My camellia bush has almost finished blooming. Amazingly the blooms are much deeper and richer in color now than they were a couple of weeks ago. Maybe it's the warm weather we've been having for the past two weeks. I couldn't resist … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Backyard Paradise

March 23, 2011 by 29 Comments

Y'all, Phyllis from Around the Househas been holding out on us! I've got the goods on her now, though. Phyllis spends her days blogging in a beautiful paradise and it's right in her own backyard. Come along for a little garden tour...and try to not be as jealous as I am! ;) What a gorgeous way to use a fountain! Let's go for a stroll in her lush garden. This waterfall must sound … [Read more...]

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



Beautiful Camellias

March 5, 2011 by 51 Comments

My camellia bush was positively covered in buds before the week-long winter storm hit in January. It made me sad to see them all ruined. This past week we had some warmer than normal temps and once again the camellia is covered in buds...some just beginning to open. Camellias look as if they should have a scent, but they do not...or at least the camellias I've seen do not. They come in quite an array … [Read more...]

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



A Dovecote in the Garden

February 25, 2011 by 32 Comments

A Dovecote in the Garden Landscape Recently, I posted about a kind soul who came to my "rescue." That post contained lots of photos of the large dovecote in my perennial garden that runs along my driveway. I received several e-mails from readers asking for more information about this bird house and where I found it. My interest in a dovecote for my garden came from years of going on garden tours. Often, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Garden, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Nature Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,



Knights in Shining Armor…They Do Still Exist

February 18, 2011 by 52 Comments

The ground had been covered with snow and ice for four long days. At last it had melted...just enough for her to leave her home for a quick trip out. Upon returning, as she pulled into the driveway, she noticed a little fluff of orange feathers protruding from one of the entrances to the dove cote, the same cavity where the bluebirds had nested every year for the past three years. The thought came to … [Read more...]

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



Growing Orchids

January 21, 2011 by 42 Comments

My sweet son sent me this beautiful orchid for my birthday last week. The enclosed card said he thought I would enjoy having it near my computer during the day while I work. He knows me well. I've never had much luck keeping orchids alive. All you fabulous orchid growers out there...anything special I should know? I'm a little worried about it being inside a container that doesn't have a drainage … [Read more...]

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



What Kind of Bird is This?

January 18, 2011 by 66 Comments

Last January 13th, 2010, I posted this tablescape below, and in the midst of taking pics... Something large came to call in the trees out back. I took a quick pic through the glass of the bay window, but before I could get a better photo, he was gone. I was pretty sure he/she was hawk, but had no idea what kind. A couple of readers said he looked like a Red-tailed Hawk, also known as a Chicken … [Read more...]

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



Moss Garden Table Setting

January 6, 2011 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 124th Tablescape Thursday! Hi Everyone! Hope your week is going great! Recently, for our Blogging Bloopers 2010 Party, I shared some of the gaffes I've made this past year, including a tablescape that didn't quite turn out the way I had planned. Since I let that cat out the infamous bag by sharing a few pics, I thought I'd share the rest of the info about how I put that table together, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: ,



Rosehill Cottage from "The Holiday" Movie Comes to Life Once More

December 22, 2010 by 27 Comments

Hi Everyone! Are you busy, busy, busy preparing for the holidays? Are you making grocery lists, doing last minute shopping and wrapping gifts? I hope you are having fun and enjoying these last minute preparations for family and friends. Recently, I took you on a tour of wonderful Rosehill Cottage in the movie, The Holiday. If you missed it, you'll find it HERE. This is a view of Rosehill Cottage … [Read more...]

Filed Under: For the Love of Birds, Gardening & Birding, Movie Houses, Nature, TV & Movie House Fun Tagged With: , , , ,



15 Minute Holiday Centerpiece

November 19, 2010 by 58 Comments

Beautiful Christmas Centerpiece or Table Decoration, Ready in 15 Minutes: To get you in the mood for a little holiday decorating, I'm sharing a super easy and inexpensive decorating idea. In fact, this is so simple and easy to do, you could create it the day of your holiday party or family gathering in just 15 minutes using a few items available at the grocery store and from your yard. Ya gotta love … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Gardening & Birding, In the Garden, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,



Natural Greenery Christmas Mantel in Southern Living Idea House

November 16, 2010 by 56 Comments

Recently a friend and I toured the Southern Living Idea House in Senoia, Georgia. Senoia is a very small town about an hours drive from Atlanta. We were allowed to take pics inside since the home had already been published. :) I took a bunch of pics but I wasn't able to get full views of many rooms because there were always a gazillion people around. I have too many pics to share them all in one post … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, Nature, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , ,