Friday, May 28, 2010

My New England-y Flowers-so pretty


Well, my flowers are not really indigenous to New England and I am sure you can find them anywhere...but, they make me so happy and make my house look New England-y.  I guess it is the cat mint that does it for me.  It is just starting to bloom its signature long purple spikes in glorious masses.  I really cannot get enough of this whimsical plant!  I keep running out to buy more!  For me this evokes summer and the charm of New England.  My house already has that look as it is a garrison colonial with shutters and wood siding.  I just love my flowers!  {My house has to be painted...it is not the brilliant white it should be!}  The area below is my side entrance with blue stone patio.  To enhance our curb appeal, we will be adding a rock wall to frame off this area with bench seating.  We may plant a little flowering tree behind the wall.  I really want a lush setting with flowers overflowing everywhere.  I want to pull up to my house and "sigh".
This arrangement makes me so happy to see everyday when I come home.  I purchased the planter when In Home Furniture store was closing down.  So pretty!


My little black urns, that are aging nicely, are one of my favorite decorations for this area.  I needed a hardy plant for them so I planted Geraniums.  Never use red but liked the way that color stands out against all the white of my house.


Don't you just love cat mint?  This is the walkers low variety.  I guess the only problem is if you have cats.  I hear they go cookoo over this plant and roll in it.  We don't have a cat and were I live you can't have cats outdoors because the coyotes and foxes will get them!  MeOw!

Close up of all my happy little flowers


My new addition to my yard.  I found this stone swan planter at Home Goods the other day.  It is actually made from real stone and is very heavy.  It was a steal at $19.99 considering what stone planters go for.  I wanted to give it a french look so I planted french lavender in it.  I was actually thinking of aging the swan by encouraging moss to grow on it.  I think this will be a project for next year as it takes several weeks in a shady spot.  I really like how this arrangement came out and I am so excited about it.  Lavender is one of my favorite plants, next to cat mint.  Do you like?

More french lavender for me...yeah!  My mom said that this plant is so me. Well, I am off to sit out on my patio and have breakfast.  I will be planting more flowers and will post soon.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!  We are staying local.  I am relieved that we will not be in all that traffic!  We may just take a day trip up the coast...thinking of Maine?  If I could have my dream scenario, I would just move up there for the summer months!

Have fun!
xojamilyn

Photo's taken by Living It At Home







14 wonderful comments:

Design Esquire said...

All your plants look gorgeous. One of the items on my agenda this weekend is to work in my garden. You inspired me to get some french lavender and I think I'm going to get some planters like yours - they are so pretty. Have a great weekend!

Karen said...

I can see why you like coming home to your garden. It's beautiful. I just planted geraniums in my black urns too. I love the contrast of the red with the black.

Scientific Housewife said...

Are those geraniums? I love those, they grow so well here. And lavender, always a favorite :)

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

So pretty! I'm so glad you stopped by, I'm really enjoying loooking around your blog!
Take care
Kristin

Casco Bay Soap Co. said...

beautiful!
Love the catmint and lavender.
I LIVE in Maine! I am thinking renovation, in and out and acutally am looking at YOUR blog for inspiration!
Have a fantastic weekend.
:)
Shannon
www.cascobaysoap.blogspot.com

Marija said...

All of your plantings look great! And I totally agree - the cat mint makes it. Have a wonderful long weekend! xo Marija

Kotivalo said...

Isn´t it pretty!! Love your windows = )

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

Your home looks really pretty!! and your flowers are gorgeous!!! Have a great weekend! xo

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

So pretty Jamily! I'm loving the idea of putting lavender in planters!! I still need to plant my kitchen window box...how do you think lavender would work?
I love the pop of red in your black urns.
Have a great weekend and yes! Maine sounds perfect!

Mary Ann said...

hi jamilyn, your garden looks so lovely, and i can picture it with the addition that you plan to make. those black planters look great with the gerariums. you have a fun memorial day weekend! verbena cottage

Trish @TheOldPostRoad said...

Everything is beautiful!!!!

Verdigris Vie said...

I do love the cat mint.. It is so soft and welcoming.

have a wonderful long weekend

vie

Nahdi said...

Your garden is just beautiful. It is Winter here in Australia, but these photos have given me inspiration for planning my spring plantings. Thanks. Have just discovered your blog and have enjoyed looking through your beautiful home.

paula said...

It all looks so beautiful! I just adore it.