DesignsandEvents: Adding Whimsy to a Somewhat Carefree Late Spring Garden

Hi Everyone! Hope all is well. I am in the midst of preparing for some special events that are coming up in the next few weeks so, I have been very busy with that. I hope to be sharing those journeys with you soon. However, whenever I have a moment AND it isn't raining (It's been raining all day today!) I try to work on my yard and flower beds. I must admit I have not gotten very far in that task but, I am plugging along.

Since I am behind in getting my gardens ready, I am eternally grateful for the person or persons who first designed the landscaping for my house. In the spring there is a constant changing of colors and textures. The process is so much fun to experience!

First the forsythia was in full bloom...then the daffodils...then the tulips...then the magnolia tree outside my living room window. I think I shared the magnolia tree in this post. Now the dogwood is in bloom. So, so pretty! I am thankful the deer didn't eat the buds like they did last year. That was heartbreaking.

I am disappointed with myself because I forgot to photograph the P.J.M. Rhododendrons in bloom but, they were as gorgeous as always. As soon as they stopped blossoming, this pink azalea started to put on a show of its own. Pretty soon the Siberian Iris will be blooming all around it.

While all of this was going on in the yard, I managed to plant one little, itzy, bitzy flower box. My back deck was so bland at the time and I just couldn't resist the pansies and stock at the garden center. If you didn't know this, stock is very, very fragrant. It is worth planting a small flower pot of it just to take advantage of the amazing aroma.

Stock is pretty too!

I know I sound like a broken record but, I cannot resist the deep blue of these pansies. I am a sucker for

them every year. As soon as the garden centers are stocked with pansies, I am there!!

I believe this is wild columbine. It grows freely all over the place in my yard. There is no rhyme nor reason to where it plants itself but, I am perfectly fine with that because I love the wild and, yes, whimsical look of it.

If you are a stickler for order and symmetry, you would not want this plant in your yard but, for someone like me who likes fun surprises in the garden, I am happy to let it grow wherever it pleases. When the columbine is done blooming I cut it back a bit because the stems can become unsightly. Even for me, that can become too messy :).

I like to add fun accents to my garden. Unfortunately, I have not been able to put all of my garden buddies out in the garden yet but, I do have a few I can share with you now. Most of these little additions were gifts from friends of mine over the years. Placing them in my garden reminds me of the person who gave them to me, which is always nice. This little guy came from my friend, Michelle. She is an avid gardener.

I told you I couldn't resist these beautiful blue pansies. Mixed in with the yellow Basket of Gold, they
are quite striking.

Sorry about the not-so-clean birdbath. I should have cleaned it before taking the picture but, I didn't

notice it at the time /-:

While I was doing working outside in the yard this week, I discovered this children's adirondack chair in the

garage. I decided it would make a good prop for one of my Instagram photos... and... look cute in the garden.

I found Annabel the Cow in the garage, as well. I'm pretty sure she was something I had purchased on my own a few years ago.

I find her adorable.

Here the wild rose bushes of my Instagram shoot were sitting in the shed waiting for their "cameo" :).

**************************

This blue mason jar will be used for one of the projects I am doing but for now, the blue jar added just the right touch.

My friend, Gail, gave me this little garden plaque. My husband always laughs at it because I am often frustrated with the progress and quality of my garden. The plaque seems to expres my feelings.

Here are what I call my fireworks alliums. I know they have another name but, I think they look just like fireworks and are whimsical too. I had forgotten I had planted them last fall. What a great surprise when they "burst" on the garden scene!

The foxglove and jacob's ladder were not surprises, however. Every year I seem to have to replace them in my garden. For being perennials, they do not act perennial! The dance will certainly continue because of how much I love these plants.

Unfortunately, my garden is not for primetime quite yet. I have just begun planting and to be honest, it takes a while for annuals to become established and to actually look like a garden. For now I can only give you snippets of the things I have finished. This is one of the planters I finished on the side deck which overlooks my new "she"shed. I will be adding flowers for the shed, as well. I am still enjoying the view anyway.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Again, thanks to the original owners of my house, I have an abundance of "rhodies" in my yard. This bush decorates the path that leads to my back yard. I am very fortunate because my yard has created a whimsical feel of its own. The house is contemporary but, the yard is quite rustic...funny combo :).

My mom gave me this garden angel and, although the angel has seen better days, I always find a place for her in the garden. She must be bring garden blessings, right?

This huge patch of Lily-of-the-Valley is also the labor of love of the original owners of the property. I am lucky to be the heir of their hard work. One of these days I am going to remember to pick a bouquet of it to put on my table. I always seem to forget!!

Finally, every year this orange shrub blossoms like clock work, without me doing a thing. It's it gorgeous?! I am very grateful for the flowering trees, shrubs and plants that inhabit my home. Every spring a colorful and spectacular flower show performs right before my eyes and for the most part it goes on without me having to do anything.