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 Front Yard Landscape Update, Green Beauty Boxwoods Growing Like Weeds!

July 6, 2020 by 37 Comments

Welcome to the 597th Metamorphosis Monday! Over the past few months, I've had several requests to give an update on the front yard landscaping I completed back during Spring 2016. I've been meaning to share an update because I'm absolutely stunned how much the Green Beauty Boxwood shrubs I planted back then have grown! Here's a before photo that was taken that May not too long after I planted all the … [Read more...]

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



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: , , ,



8 Ways to Brighten Your Home (and your Spirits) During These Cold Winter Months

January 20, 2020 by 26 Comments

Welcome to the 573rd Metamorphosis Monday! Recently I was chatting via email with Selma whose beautiful table setting I featured a few weeks ago. During our email conversation, Selma asked if in a future post I'd share some ways we can brighten our home during these cold winter months. I know our homes can sometimes feel a bit empty and sad after we've put away all our festive holiday decorations. One … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY, In the Garden, My Nest, Travel



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: , , ,



Dining Outdoors for Summer: A Mostly Child-Friendly Table Setting

May 10, 2018 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 502nd Tablescape Thursday! I've been visiting with family the last couple of weeks and we've been having so much fun! We've been doing a lot of grilling, or I should say my son's been doing a lot of grilling. I'm obsessed with corn-on-the-cob cooked on the grill now, don't think I'll ever be able to eat it any other way. Yum!   With all this dining outdoors, I decided to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beachy Tablescapes, Children's Tablescapes, In the Garden, Seasonal Decor, Seasonal Tablescapes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



Critters on My Feet, Part II

October 25, 2017 by 35 Comments

Recently I shared a photo of some adorable scuffs I had purchased for my daughter-in-law and for myself. I got the raccoon version for myself and the kitty version for her.   I've enjoyed these scuffs so much, I couldn't resist buying one more pair. This time I went for the moose! I took this photo outside because they are a subtle forest green that's hard to capture inside. I love wearing … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, In the Garden, Nature



A Cute Footstool with Storage Gets a New Look

April 4, 2017 by 38 Comments

A couple of months ago a large tree fell in my back yard, gently laying itself down across the length of the yard.   I'm beginning to think I may have a tree jinx going on because I was on the porch a few days ago and discovered this below! In talking with my neighbors and others in this area, I learned that we had a big storm with 70 mph winds come through about a week before I returned home … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Denim Do Over, DIY Crafts & Sewing, DIY Decorating, DIY Organization and Storage, DIY Repairs and Fixes, In the Garden, Office/Craft/Sewing Room



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: , , ,



Organize and Keep Your Entry Tidy with a Stylish Boot Tray

January 30, 2017 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 418th Metamorphosis Monday! This past summer when I was out digging and planting shrubs every day, I was coming in and out of my front door a lot.   The front door is normally the door I go out when I'm checking the mail or doing any gardening in the front yard, including vacuuming up acorns. :)   During all that gardening this past summer, I began to notice a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, In the Garden, Porches Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,



Brad Nailer for a Small Gate Repair & Deer Ate My Violas!

January 9, 2017 by 112 Comments

Welcome to the 415th Metamorphosis Monday! I've been on a mission the last several months, really going all the way back to last summer, to clear out anything and everything that I don't use on a regular basis. That has included going through all the closets in my home. There are 12 closets in this house: 10 upstairs and 2 on the main level. That's not including the eve storage off the upstairs living … [Read more...]

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



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: , , , ,



A Recycle-Upcycle Idea and a Limelight Hydrangea Update

September 19, 2016 by 62 Comments

Welcome to the 399th Metamorphosis Monday! If you follow Between Naps on the Porch on Instagram, HERE or have subscribed to Postcards from the Porch, the free BNOTP newsletter, you'll have seen this photo shared from a recent visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Currently they have a delightful Chihuly exhibit in place all throughout the garden and it's beautiful. Every corner you round reveals a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, 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



A Match Contacted Me & Other Fun Updates

August 26, 2016 by 38 Comments

Happy Friday! Over the last few weeks, there have been so many things I've wanted to share but none of them were quite enough to create a whole post about, so I today I'm putting them all into one post. Contacted By a Match So remember back when I did the Ancestry DNA test? If you missed it when I got my results back, you'll find that post here: Ancestry DNA. After I got my results from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 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 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: , , , ,



10 Easy Centerpieces Anyone Can Make for a Spring or Summer Celebration

March 10, 2016 by 28 Comments

Welcome to the 390th Tablescape Thursday! For this week's Tablescape Thursday, I'm sharing 10 fun centerpieces anyone can make. These centerpieces use common things we already have or items that are usually pretty easy to find in dollar stores and discount shops. The only exception may be the 5th one down, the cookie tree centerpiece, which needs a little tree of some type for display. Hope this gets … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, In the Garden, Spring & Summer Tablescapes 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: , , , , , ,



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: , , , , , , ,



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...]

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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...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Shakespeare In The Garden

September 23, 2014 by 4 Comments

With gardening on the mind these days, I'm sharing one of my favorite gardening books, one I purchased per Amazon in September 2006. That was two years before I began blogging; I didn't even know what a blog was back then and today I have the joy of sharing it with you on this wonderful thing called the World Wide Web. Amazing! :)   In the BNOTP Library: Shakespeare in the Garden Author: … [Read more...]

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



Here We Go Again!

September 23, 2014 by 43 Comments

I'm in serious landscaping mode again and I may have bitten off more than I can chew. That's usually my modus operandi, dive in head first and when it appears I'm in over my head, start digging my way out. Only this time I'm just plain digging! :) Before we get to the digging, I am busting to share some absolutely adorable stuff I found in a local nursery this weekend. I love shopping at a Pike Nursery … [Read more...]

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There’s Gold And Wine In Them Thar Hills!

September 16, 2014 by 29 Comments

Actually, Dahlonega Mint assayer, Dr. M. F. Stephenson was misquoted. What he really said that day in 1849, standing on the courthouse steps was, "There's millions in it!" as he tried his best to persuade miners they should stay in Dahlonega instead of heading out west to California where another famous gold rush was underway at the time. A few weeks ago some friends and I headed up to the north Georgia … [Read more...]

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



Backyard Makeover: Convert A Pond To A Backyard Oasis

September 15, 2014 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 294th Metamorphosis Monday! In 1999 Liz who blogs at Infuse With Liz and on her garden blog, Sit With Me In My Garden, added a pond to her backyard. The pond eventually grew into a much larger scale project that included a creek with extensive plantings. Liz and her hubby, Dan enjoyed the pond for many years but in spring of 2009 they decided they were ready for a change. The pond, … [Read more...]

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



A Gift From Nature

September 14, 2014 by 40 Comments

Just because I'm weird, I have to share this with you. :) Remember the perennial garden I put in alongside my walkway last fall. I shared this photo of it earlier in the summer. (See that post here: Create A Small Sun-Loving Perennial Garden)   Well, I'm not sure how, but a sunflower just appeared along the edge of it recently. Maybe a bird visiting my backyard feeder brought a sunflower seed … [Read more...]

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Concrete Walkway Transformed With Beautiful Cobble-Stone Pavers

September 8, 2014 by 52 Comments

Welcome to the 293rd Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever thought about making over your front walkway? Often, our walkway is the very first impression visitors have of our home since it's one of first things they see upon arriving. We want our walkway and entrance to always feel inviting and welcoming since it guides our friends and family right up to the front door of our home. Carolyn who reads … [Read more...]

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



Overcoming Winter Kill And My Own Personal Version Of Crop Circles

August 11, 2014 by 104 Comments

Welcome to the 289th Metamorphosis Monday! So, remember when that awful ice storm hit Georgia this past winter and paralyzed all of metro Atlanta? It was in the news for days since so many folks were stranded on the interstates and roads, unable to get home for several days.   That ice storm did this to my "just-sodded-last-summer" front yard. I shared these pics on the blog in May of this … [Read more...]

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



A Garden Update

July 21, 2014 by 57 Comments

Welcome to the 286th Metamorphosis Monday! We've been having spring-like weather all this week, crazy weather for the middle of July. The cooler temps have been a nice respite from the heat. The garden I put in around the mailbox several months ago has been thriving in the milder temps.   I thought for this Met Monday I'd share a how's it changed over the past six weeks. Here's how it … [Read more...]

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



Has To Get Worse Before It Gets Better

July 11, 2014 by 63 Comments

That woman you see, the one walking around muttering and looking distracted...yeah, that's me. I know it has to get worse before it gets better but I still don't especially like it. The porch that normally looks like this...   ...currently looks like this. I just keep reminding myself, chaos is a sign progress is being made. The porch has weathered well for the past six years despite being … [Read more...]

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



2 Beautiful Garden Table Settings

July 10, 2014 by 22 Comments

Welcome to the 304th Tablescape Thursday! I've had sooo much fun reading all of your answers to the style questions yesterday. I have a whole list of books I want to check out now and for some reason I am seriously craving chocolate! I can't imagine why! ;)  I also want to visit every single place you named in your answers for question #10. If you didn't get a chance to read the comments on yesterdays … [Read more...]

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



A Beautiful, Enchanting Spring Garden

July 7, 2014 by 65 Comments

Welcome to the 284th Metamorphosis Monday! I don't have a typical Before and After to share today, but I do have a beautiful spring garden metamorphosis. I toured several gardens the weekend of Mother's Day and the one I'm sharing today was completely enchanting. Even the house had that fairy tale feel.   The window boxes across the front were overflowing with beautiful … [Read more...]

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



A Vicious Intruder In The Garden

June 23, 2014 by 97 Comments

Welcome to the 282nd Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Mine was great although part of it involved dealing with a vicious intruder in the garden. You may remember this view from last summer, it's the walkway that leads to my front porch.   Notice the clump of bushes off to right. Three of those are spiraea a friend gave me many years ago. They have pink flowers each … [Read more...]

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Bird Houses Add Beauty & Design To The Garden

June 17, 2014 by 20 Comments

How about a little garden tour? This is another one of the gardens we saw while on the Atlanta Botanical's Gardens for Connoisseurs tour on Mother's Day weekend. This garden featured some beautiful Lazy Hill birdhouses and bird feeders. I love their feeders and houses, they add so much beauty and interest to the garden.   Beautiful rhododendron...   Lots of pretty … [Read more...]

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



In The BNOTP Library: The Garden Room

June 13, 2014 by 4 Comments

I love gardening books but my most favorite gardening books of all are the ones that combine gardening with interior design. The book I'm sharing today does this beautifully. It features the garden rooms of some of my fave designers, including Bunny Williams.   In the BNOTP Library: The Garden Room: Bringing Nature Indoors Author: Timothy Mawson Hardcover: 176 pages Book size: 10.5 x 8 x … [Read more...]

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A Playhouse Adds Whimsy to the Garden

June 13, 2014 by 29 Comments

A few weeks ago, I spent two days, back-to-back on garden tours. It was truly a whirlwind weekend of gardens! Some were grand, spanning five acres like the garden I shared recently in this post:  A Breathtaking Garden From The Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour Other were more the size you would expect to find in most backyards. It was a wonderful mix of gardens and if there's one thing I've learned over the … [Read more...]

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



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...]

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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: , ,



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: , , , ,