In the Gardening Mode!!

How are all my blogger-land friends doing, today? We have had some gorgeous weather, here in the Midwest! Perfect for getting out and planting flowers. And that's just what I've been doing. In fact, I got a bit of a sunburn on my shoulders, not realizing I was out in the sun so long the other day! 

Our little lake cottage doesn't have a lot of land to plant on, so I've been planting in containers this year. So far, I think I have 13 containers with flowers (mostly annuals, some perennials) in them. I plan on planting even more, as the season continues.

 Thought I would share what I have, so far. 

My front porch and entrance area has been my main focus, lately.
(As you can see, my doggies are waiting at the door for me to come and let them out!)

I planted a long row of different flowers along my patio wall. Before long, they will be filling in the whole planters and spilling over the sides!!

  I also planted in several smaller pots, that will soon be overflowing. A mini 'welcome' flag invites guests to stop in.

 Along the side of the cottage is our small goldfish pond. I hope to be adding water lilies and more rocks to the setting around the pond. A birdbath is surrouded by hostas and some of my hubby's beloved rocks.

 
Some close-ups of some of the flowers I planted:
 Petunias (hubby's favorite)

 

 Violas (One of my favorites) - sorry, it's a little blurry. The wind kept moving them and it was difficult to get good picture.

 Verbena

 Dianthus

 Snapdragon

 Also, not shown, are Marigolds, Asian Lily, and Alyssum.

I love the colorful glass watering balls for plants. Have you seen them? I have 3 of them. They really don't hold much water, but thy are so pretty and come in lots of colors and designs.

My most recent creation is something I never thought I would get into. . . a fairy garden. When they were first popular, I thought they were kind of hokey! But, I saw a simple kit at our local greenhouse, where you just add the plants, and decided to try it. The moss and small plants should eventually grow and fill in the areas of dirt.

 It sits nicely on a stand by my front door.

 I got this lantern awhile back at Target. It has a battery operated candle inside that has a timer on it. It wouldn't show up in the daytime, so I'll have to take an evening picture of it sometime. It sits on a favorite mosaic table.

 Well, hope the weather is cooperating where you live. I heard that parts of Texas was getting some snow this week. Yikes!!

Ann

“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

Linking up at these blog hops:

Thursday Favorite Things (Katherine's Corner)

live laugh {linky} Thursday (live laugh rowe)

Thumping Thursday @ Nanny to Mommy
Home and Garden Thursday @ A Delightsome Life
Aloha Friday @ What Jean Likes   

I just discovered that I was featured on this week's blog hop on "Aloha Friday"! :)
Simple and Sweet Fridays (Rooted in Thyme)  
  Feathered Nest Friday(French Country Cottage) 
  Happy Friday @ BlogShe

Say G'Day Saturday @ Natasha In Oz

 Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill 
Cottage Garden Party @ Fishtail Cottage
No Rules Weekend Blog Party @ Sincerelym Paula