Mary, Mary

Mary, Mary quite contrary

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells and cockle shells,

and pretty maids all in a row.

Unlike most other members of my immediate and extended family, I have never had a green thumb. My mom and dad love yard work and create beautiful outdoor scenes in their yards. My sister has always had an interest in horticulture and grows her own vegetables. My grandmother grows beautiful flowers and plants. I have mostly managed to keep a few flowers alive for a few months only to have them succumb to my busy schedule (read: I forget to water them!). Well, last week I decided to, once again, try to take on a few brave little flowers. I promise I will try to sustain you and keep you alive so that you can bring a little beauty to our lives. Here are some pictures:

Here is the front walkway up to the porch.

Mama bought us this fountain when we lived in Florida. I got it out and cleaned it up and planted some pretty little purple flowers beneath it. My stones say "Cherish" "Imagine" "Paradise" and "Believe".

Here is the entryway. Chalk drawings are compliments of the art studio of Caleb and Jacob. Mama also bought us these planters in Florida and painted them for us when she was here for a visit last fall. I had kale planted in them and it got so tall it was about to fall over so I decided to cut it back and see if it would re-grow. I planted some Mexican Heather and Zenias (I think!) in with the kale stubs.

Here is a picture a little closer up. Notice that I did actually put some flower food in there!

Are those Zenias? I just thought they were pretty!

Here is the cute seating I got for Mother's Day. A pretty plant with delicate purple flowers on it is on the table. I planted some coleus in a pot and may decide to put it on the back porch.

This one I know....hibiscus! SO pretty!

Tips on planting and growing are always welcome! Wish me luck!