Gotta move outside…

It’s just too pretty to stay inside. My plants are screaming for attention and it’s only fair that I abide. They have been extremely kind to me since my transition to this area.

It’s been almost three years since we moved from the mountain area and I am still having to get use to the difference in sunlight for my plants. In my former neighborhood, there were trees and trees and even more trees. Even had to cut a few to pipe some sunshine into the 60’s house. (Sent the previous owners into cardiac arrest apparently. The husband stopped by one day and told us he couldn’t even drive Patty by anymore, she was so distraught. Oh well…bzzzzz…as another tree fell) NOTE TO ANYONE MOVING FROM A FAMILY HOME..severe the ties and let it go! geez.

Well back to this house…this area use to be cotton fields. So the soil is great. Things grow unbelievably. However, the sunlight is so direct, even full sun plants are gasping. I am mainly referring to my container plants. The sprinkler system gets the beds. (water company loves loves loves us!) Does anyone have any suggestions for high heat tolerant plants in window boxes? I have various potato vines in them now, but they are struggling and it breaks my heart to know their siblings are flourishing in the lower containers.

HELP!!!!!

Also, fast growing vines. What’s been your favorite and how fast? Greg and I built this visor pergola to help shade the back of the house. Yes…I included myself in this project! I am really tired of people thinking that Greg does all the building by himself. It was a weekend project. I drew the design. Decided how much wood was required (ok, so a second trip was needed to Lowe’s) Made the cuts with the jigsaw, while he mounted them. Even helped with that part, once the longer pieces needed to be installed. SO HEY EVERYBODY…Greg was not solo on this one. Ok…I feel better now that you all know that. Hey a girl needs her credit!

Before pergola (just begging for something)

In process…

Anyway, I finally found two evergreen clematis (armandii) to plant on both sides. I’m waiting patiently. HAHAHAHAHA!! You all know I have no patience. I’m thinking I may try to mingle a second faster growing vine in there. ??? I love the look of vines. But I hate the way they look in the winter. I searched high and low for the armandii. Supposedly it stays green all year long and blooms small white flowers in early spring.

Evergreen Clematis vines taking their dear sweet time.

Gotta throw those AU tigers in there whenever possibleI already love it. But I just know when that vine starts it wrapping process, I am going to feel such an accomplishment.

This is not my house, but this is ultimately what I hope to see from my vine.

Gimme me feedback master gardners!!!

Time to go get my hands dirty. Until next time….

Nancy

Oh the places you will go...

...and the things you will see (and buy).

What a GREAT weekend. First let me begin by thanking all of the men and women who give so generously of themselves to serve our country. It is a true blessing to live in the USA!

What fun I did have this past weekend. It began on Friday afternoon with a visit to Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro. If you have never been, it is worth the time to make a trip. Remember though...it's a hit or miss. All I walked away with this time was a "brand new" Calloway golf shirt for my hubby and a cool landscaping book. Missed out on this cool jacket.


Next, traveled to Gorham's Bluff to visit with family for the evening. We sidetracked for dinner to Canyon Grill for the famous "Slash-n-Burn" catfish. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!




Saturday morning it was off to Chattanooga. First stop...Knitting Mill Antiques. Found a few Mason Jars. Thanks to The Shappy Nest for all the cool jar ideas. I have the perfect place in my master bath.




Next stop...Architectural Salvage. Great stop! A few months back I had noticed a wine display in my House Beautiful magazine. It was made with underground ceramic pipe. Never dreamed I would locate the piping. I DID! Dirty and in desperate need of cleaning, but nevertheless, the perfect find. Now on a mission for a cabinet to hold them. Suggestions are always welcome!!!





Ok next stop...The Dwelling. OMG! First time visit here for me. Absolutely one of the best consignment shops for home decor I have ever visisted. Two lamps!! Saw a trunk I wanted, but my brother refused to let me purchase due to space. I'm headed back up there just as soon as possible to get it myself.




While I was there, I noticed a card on the counter advertising a local designer. As you all know, I am new to the "blogging". I noticed her blog address. Grabbed me a card and looked her up. I am now a follower (just sounds so cultish) Take a look http://chattafabulous.blogspot.com/. She has some really neat ideas.

After a few more stops to some antique malls in the Chattanooga area and a few more purchases that I won't bore you with, we decided it was time to head back home and participate in some more traditional July 4th festivities. Fireworks, BBQ, river and FAMILY. It was a great weekend!!!

Can't wait to begin turning my latest finds into my treasures.