This is almost embarrassing to admit, but I haven't bought a single flower yet this spring. A few are still hanging around from last year. And we usually have pretty mild winters, so alot of my annuals make it to the next season, but not this past year. On Monday, after a way-too-busy Mother's Day weekend, I decided to give myself a few hours to work in the backyard. I was stuck at home with no car, and no flowers to plant, and craving some color. So until we can go to the garden center, our garden color is coming from plates, garden critters, and a few other accessories.
Luckily, a few pots of ivy and lambs ear did make it through the harsh winter we had. I found a few colorful plates, and added little birds, some pretty rocks, and a few pine cones to fill in the bare spots.
Eveyone needs a chicken in their garden, right?
This thrift store candleholder got a coat of red paint to brighten a pot of ivy, along with a pretty blue plate. I added a few rocks from Lake Travis, where we found them while vacationing in Austin last year.
I gave Pig a pretty spring bow! And dressed up this gerber daisy plant with an Old Britain Castles plate and some pretty shells found on our vacation in Mexico.
A spray painted digger brightens up the oregano pot. This sweet bunny's ears disappeared several years ago. But I kept him, and do you know I found those ears a couple of years later?
Big Pig is happy amongst the growing lemon balm.
Thank you for coming by to see our garden! Today I'm joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday, Sherry's Open House at No Minimalist Here, Sherry's Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home, At The Picket Fence's Inspiration Friday, Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage, Cindy's Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home, and Kate's Outdoor Ideas Party at Centsational Girl. Thanks for hosting, ladies!!
I love your whimsical yard! The gardening vignettes are so cute!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | May 10, 2011 at 05:54 PM
Everything looks beautiful!! I love how you added plates to all your potted plants. I worked in my yard all day today and I'm still not done! Martina
Posted by: Martina | May 10, 2011 at 06:58 PM
How delightful! Lots of inspiration!
Posted by: Carol at Our Sears Kit Home | May 10, 2011 at 07:37 PM
Beautiful garden displays. I love the colors!
Posted by: Pat@Back Porch Musings | May 10, 2011 at 07:50 PM
Well you made it come out gorgeous!
Now, do y'all have a graduation this year?
Posted by: Stacey | May 10, 2011 at 08:16 PM
Looks great. I haven't done anything much in our yard yet. Thanks for joining WUW.
Posted by: Kim | May 10, 2011 at 08:43 PM
I think you did a great job adding color without buying plants! You have a regular zoo back there!
Posted by: Sue | May 11, 2011 at 01:27 PM
I love your garden/yard/patio. Everything is very pretty.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | May 12, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Everything is so darling!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Posted by: Shelia | May 12, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Each pot tells a little story and has so many interesting elements. I never thought to fill my pots with not only flowers but pretty plates, bunnies and even rock! What a great statement each one makes! I am very inspired!
Yvonne
Posted by: Yvonne @ StoneGable | May 13, 2011 at 06:47 AM
What a pretty and colorful yard. Love the plates that you have added to your flower pots and the rooster and pig are just adorable!
Marianne :)
Posted by: marianne | May 13, 2011 at 02:07 PM
How pretty your pots are on your patio. I love the fun little owls. Very nice! Thanks for linking it up!
Sherry
Posted by: Sherry | May 13, 2011 at 05:03 PM
This looks so fun and cheerful! Love all of the pops of color. :-) Thanks so much for linking this up to Inspiration Friday this week!
Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa | May 13, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Hi Andrea...
Ohhh...I love what you've done on your patio, my friend! What a GRAND idea to use dishes to decorate your planters with...I love that!!! I would have never thought to do that either so thanks for the idea!!! You certainly did create some beautiful and colorful garden/patio vignettes! Love, love, LOVE the blue and white owls...too cute! Ohhh...and that little red headed bird in the pot...adorable!!! Sure looks pretty at your place...yes...I would really enjoy spending some time out on your lovely patio, my friend! You did GOOD!!!
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy that patio!!!
Chari @Happy To Design
Posted by: Chari | May 13, 2011 at 06:01 PM
Your garden looks lovely! I really adore all the fun bits and pieces you've added to the setting. Adds a ton of color and whimsy and makes everything FUN!
Visiting from Show & Tell Friday. TFS!
Posted by: Audrey Pettit | May 14, 2011 at 10:23 AM
LOVE all the non traditional garden touches! I use plates in my garden planters too BUT never thought of figurines too!!
Posted by: janae | May 14, 2011 at 05:29 PM
Hi Andrea~Your patio is just so charming! Love all the fun touches you added! So inviting! Thanks for sharing this at FNF!
Posted by: Courtney | May 14, 2011 at 09:23 PM
I love your determination and creativity to come up with a garden that is unique to you. I bet all those fun things bring a smile to your face when you see them. They did for me, so thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Shannon @ Cozy Home Scenes | May 15, 2011 at 01:03 AM
Everything is so fun and colorful! Great work!
Posted by: Steph @ BirdHouse Family | May 20, 2011 at 11:39 AM
The plates are a very resourceful idea, though may I suggest you angle them a bit and frame them with rocks, just like you did on the picture with a pig in it. I love the owl/chicken, btw!
Posted by: Grette Spadoni | June 02, 2011 at 03:43 PM