A Little Nest

Looks like someone else enjoyed my ferns while I was away in Dallas.

I mean, seriously? Since I put the ferns up, I have been running outside every time I see this darn bird trying to make a home out of my fern. Two years ago, I thought it was cute and let the little guy (or girl, I don't know much about birds) proceed with the nest building. That fern ended up dying. This year he's been back at it nonstop. I guess he figured out I was gone (FOR 3 DAYS!) and found the opportunity for Mrs. Bird to do her thing.

I can't disturb them now-I'd feel too guilty. I guess we're going to have 3 little friends soon!

Under the Ferns

The second it starts to get warm....I retreat to my favorite place: our front porch. I sit in my rocking chair and say hello to all of my neighbors who have also come outside to enjoy the perfect Carolina weather. Nice as it is, it just isn't summer until I get my hanging ferns.

I get them EVERY spring from Old Store Produce in Huntersville, NC, and I enjoy them all summer long. I only get them from Old Store -they have the largest ferns I have seen.

Last year, I asked one of the store's owners, Madeline Phillips, how she got the ferns to grow so beautifully. She told me her secrets, and I have used them successfully. By September, they look like Weeping Willows.

Madeline's Tips:

Water the ferns every night, and only at night-they respond better.

Once a week, add one tsp of Epsom salt and a capful of clear ammonia to a gallon of water. (I myself was too afraid I bought the wrong ammonia last year, and only did the Epsom salt. This year, I'm determined to try the ammonia as well!)

Old Store Produce

While I enjoy my little "escape" onto our front porch, I am even happier to go back inside to the little face peering through the window at me.

I hope you all are having a very beautiful summer.

An "English Garden" Inspired Flower Bed

We built our home 2 years ago, and our backyard is pitiful. I mean, it needs a LOT of work. We have spent the past two years trying to grow grass, and now that we have some, we are determined to begin landscaping. My first project: a small, modest, English Garden inspired flower bed beside the back porch.

I'm growing:



Salvia



(image from http://www.panacheexteriordesign.com/plants/salvia.jpg)
(the image above is just too pretty not to share)



My ACTUAL Salvia below






and Lavender



Similar in style, but the mix of the two flowers have a natural and romantic feel. For the border of the flower bed, I found the following old scalloped brick edging and decided to whitewash it.






To whitewash brick:

1. Mix 5 parts Hydrated Lime (found in farm supply stores-be careful not to buy dolomite lime which is used commonly on your lawn and found at Lowes or Home Depot) with 1 part table salt. I add enough water to it to make a loose pancake batter-like mixture.

2.Paint the mixture on with a paintbrush, and let it dry.




I love the finished brick. One of the reasons I chose to whitewash the brick (rather than paint it) is because it will actually age gracefully over time, requiring little maintenance. The more worn it becomes, the more it will add to the "English" charm.

The end result: