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April 23, 2008
Posted by: Deb at 12:29 pm
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My dh and I just returned from a four day trip to Colonial Williamsburg. It is one of our favorite places to visit, and where we first fell in love with the simplicity of Early American decorating.
The third week in April is garden week. The boxwoods are trimmed to perfection, and flowers seem to be in bloom everywhere you look. Formal gardens with their symmetrical brick paths and perfectly shaped patterns sit in fenced backyards. Herb gardens flourish providing flavor for eighteenth century dining experiences. And pops of color from tulips, pansies, azaleas, dogwoods, and far too many others to name, announce that Spring has finally arrived.
Although I’m sure it is hard to believe, this really isn’t a travel post. My purpose is to get you thinking about your outdoor space. Do you plan your garden down to the last detail, aligning everything with symmetry and perfection? Do you prefer the control of potted plants to prevent them from spreading into each other? Do you favor the look of wildflowers, less order but lots of variety and color? Gardens are wonderful! You can decorate the exterior of your home with as much detail as you do the interior.
Once you have your outdoor space planted and pruned, it’s time to think about setting up areas for relaxing and enjoying. It’s time to think about furniture and accessories. Stratigically placed benches, tables, chairs, loungers, plant stands, lights, birdfeeders . . . all of these and more make your space friendly for your guests.
These are just a few garden ideas, if like me, you want a Colonial Garden. We would love to hear and see pictures of your ideas as well. Share your before and after photos. Jot down your thoughts on your traditional garden, your modern garden, or your totally creative artistic garden. Let your designer genes produce and share the harvest with your fellow gardeners.
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1. Oh Deb, that is beautiful! Here in Connecticut we’re a few weeks away from that! I’ll be planning my first ever veggie garden with my neighbor this summer. I’m looking forward to adding some decor ideas as we progress, such as labels for what’s planted where, little white pickett fence, and an artistic scarecrow. Any ideas?
by Susan — 4/23/08 at 9:28 pm #
2. Hi Susan,
What a great idea to plant with a neighbor! I am a believer that even a veggie garden can be a visual asset if designed well. I like your idea of a decorative fence. That will enhance the look from the start. Planting a few flowers either scattered within or around the exterior will add color and beauty. There are so many decorative markers, you should have fun deciding on the look you want there. Also, critter statues are cute and won’t devour your veggies.
Garden flags are popular and the movement will help to keep the birds from snacking as well.
Now, all you need is a place to rest close by when all of the work is done and you just want to realx and enjoy.
Thanks for your comments Susan, I always love to hear from you.
Deb
by Deb — 4/24/08 at 12:13 pm #
3. Ooohhh, lots of ideas to think about…thanks! I especially like the part about a comfortable place to rest nearby when finished! But perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself! *smile*
Susan
by Susan — 4/24/08 at 7:16 pm #
4. I have an important sucess story for bulb gardeners, Chicken wire boxes! Will bring Tulip after tulip; year after year, bulbs like it humid.
I learned this trick from my nieghbor down state in Queens. She said without the chicken wire, the squirrls will feast on the bulbs! I have always enjoyed her garden down state; so when I moved up state, I adventured the task! I started with boxes, which I made too large. Thus; they became too heavy, when checking for production (bulb doubles)! So I adventured, a new set made like envlopes! Happy Spring Time Gardeners!! P.S. Double layer when using smaller bulbs !!
by April — 4/25/08 at 10:55 pm #
5. Susan, I love your enthusiasm! II would love to see a picture when you get your garden planted. Isn’t it wonderful to be thinking about moving outdoors once again. After a long Winter in by the fireplace, a little relaxing with an iced tea sounds like heaven!
by Deb — 4/28/08 at 10:29 am #
6. April,
THANK YOU! I can’t wait to share your suggestion with my gardener husband! I can’t tell you how many times he has planted bulbs only to provide fine dining for the squirrels, deer, chipmunks, and raccoons. I’m not sure they are all guilty, but they all check out our yard regularly to see what is on the menu.
My dh had gotten to the point of giving up on having Spring flowers. I’ll bet we give this a try. Thanks again, what a wonderful suggestion!!
Deb
by Deb — 4/28/08 at 10:33 am #
7. Hi Deb,
Now lets see if my abilities match my enthusiasm! It’s got to get warmer than today though…it’s a cold rainy day here in CT. 10 degrees colder and it would be snowing! Maybe there is a reason I’ve not yet replace my snow tires!
Susan
by Susan — 4/28/08 at 1:59 pm #
8. Hi Susan,
I hope it is warmer there now. Spring has been slow to arrive here in StL as well. One or two nice days, and then a few cold and rainy days . . . Come on Spring!!! It certainly keeps our gardens in the planning stages.
Deb
by Deb — 5/1/08 at 11:08 am #
9. Hi, my name is Shari and I am redoing the outide of my house. I am having a problem finding affordable white window boxes. I had ordered some on-line and they turned out to be to bulky. I am wondering if anyone know’s if Home Goods carries window boxes?
by shari — 6/18/08 at 8:50 pm #
10. Hi Shari,
Thanks for submitting a comment to Openhouse, the new HomeGoods blog.
We understand that you have been trying to locate window boxes. As an off price retailer, we make every effort to keep our prices low, and our costs down, so that we can pass these savings on to our customers. For this reason, we do not provide a service of tracking merchandise, In addition, we do not have the privilege of ordering specific merchandise from our vendors. To locate the window boxes, we suggest that you continue to check with the stores in your area directly. We would be happy to provide you with store locations in your area. If you would like a store list, please call our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-888-0776.
Thank you,
Jessica
HomeGoods Customer Service
by HomeGoods Customer Service — 6/19/08 at 4:45 pm #
11. I feel the necessity to inform you that Home Goods is my FAVORITE store. I shop there quite frequently and purchase many items that receive numerous compliments. Everyone will ask me, “Where did you find that”? and, of course, my reply is always the same-HOME GOODS. Seriously, I should receive commission for all of the advertising that I do for your company. I feel that the prices are always fair, and the quality is commendable. I am so pleased that ther are many stores nearby, and believe you me, I visit all that I can with the knowledge that I will never leave one without having made a purchase—keep up the great work!!!
by Gerrie — 6/19/08 at 9:59 pm #
12. Gerrie,
We love your enthusiasm! I call my HomeGoods outings, “Treasure Hunts,” because I always find wonderful and unique treasures for my home. LIke the rest of us who are fans, putting the word out and sharing our enthusiasm is part of the fun. Thanks for your comment and for sharing with us your love of HomeGoods.
Deb
by Deb — 6/20/08 at 4:10 pm #
13. Hi Deb,
We also love the Colonial Gardens in Williamsburg…in fact, I have one of their downloadable gardens for my desktop! I was just in Williamsburg this past week and I never get tired of going there! Happy gardening from a fellow Virginian! Debra
by Debra — 6/22/08 at 8:09 am #