Garden Therapy! Yard Art And Adornments!
One of my very favorite books when I was growing up was “The Secret Garden”! Who doesn’t dream of a special place to take refuge from the rest of the world for a little while. As a child, I remember my sweet grandma’s beautifully nurtured gardens as being that magical and enchanted place for me when I visited her.
Aside from the beautiful flowers like hollyhocks and peonies that seemed to grow so effortlessly in my grandma’s yard, I loved the eclectic mix of what she referred to as her garden adornments!
I think it was Oprah Winfrey, or some other ostentatious person like that who said, “Your house should rise up and greet you.” I don’t know about that, but I do believe that at the very least, our yards and gardens should give us a big hug, so to speak.
In the heat of August, when our desire to do yard work is waning a bit, perhaps some yard art is a good way to give it a little “pick me up”…sort of like adding some “house jewelry” to our gardens!
In most garden centers now days, it seems that almost as much space is devoted to garden accessories as the plants themselves, making it a whole lot easier to add a little flair to our yards!
I think placing a few pieces of yard art in our gardens is a sure way to put a smile on our faces…and that is garden therapy at its best!
My grandma always told me that porches and patios weren’t the only places to put a beautiful flower pot. Following her advice, I’ve scattered a few here and there throughout my gardens.
Since creating fun outdoor spaces is so popular, all you have to do is take a walk around your neighborhood to be inspired!
These pink flamingos have seen better days…but you just have to love anyone who puts them up in their yard!
Even adding something as simple as a unique metal gate says, “Come on in, sit down and visit a while!”
A neat water feature is on my wish list to put in my yard someday!
I have a friend who says one of her favorite places is her front porch–I love these cute baskets filled with colorful plants that are hanging on her porch railing!
Although my daughter and her husband are in the process of putting in their yard at their new house, all the fun things on Malia’s cute, front porch welcome her new neighbors and friends–literally!
Sometimes it takes surrounding myself with a few words of inspiration to help keep me motivated to work in my yard during the last weeks of summer.
At this stage of our lives, with all our kids gone, my husband and I enjoy spending time together in our yard or out on our patio–we’ll read or have Sunday brunch, but let’s be honest…most often we’re out there calling up our kids to hear about how they’re doing! Go figure!
Snowflakes will be twirling in the air again before long, really savour these final summer weeks by enjoying the company of good friends and neighbors in the special places we’ve created for doing just that!
I’d love to hear about anything you’ve done to create a special haven in your yard.
–Mary
One quick footnote, Happy Birthday wishes to my granddaughter, Marli, who turns three today; she’s such a fun, precocious little girl! My daughter, Malia, calls Marli her love bug–and indeed she is! Being Marli’s grandma is a blast!
(You can’t help but notice how adorably Marli is displaying the metal flower planter that her mom put on their front porch! Talk about giving your yard some serious spunk …ha! XOXO)
What is it about summer…
Farmer’s markets, art’s festivals, boating…so many things that help make for great times and happy memories during the summer months!
Just being together with our families is always one of the very best parts about summer!
That…and lots of good food!!
