Saturday, May 11, 2013

~ Spring Colors for the Patio ~

I love this time of year, seeing the trees budding out, flowers popping, waking up from their long winter's nap, robins returning the list goes on and on. This year especially I'm ready for green and warmer temperatures. Although the weather wasn't too terribly bad, it seemed like the longest winter ever. Did this winter bother you as much as it did me? 
Once Spring
finally decides to stick around I enjoy preparing the front porch, (more on that in a later post) and the patio outside my shop area. Both are greeting areas, a place of welcome, putting cozy touches here and there only adds to the ambiance.
Using an outdoor rug grounds the area in front of the bench. Taking a watering hose to it occasionally keeps is fresh and new looking. I have been known to take it to the car wash and give it a good washing. A little secret, if you do use the car wash for your rugs  or cushions, choose the spot free wash first. Let it set a few minutes and then wash and rinse like you would your car. You will be amazed at how clean they come, they can hold a lot of dirt and pollen.
I've enjoyed many conversations with friends and customers at this small table and chairs, memories are made in so many ways. There are many times late afternoon this is one of the spots you might find me, sitting and enjoying the beautiful afternoons.
If the weather is "just" right I like to put some fun decor on the table. With this being Mother's Day weekend I chose a tablecloth Aunt Mary started and Mother finished. A worn, timeless, priceless gift; I'm fortunate to be the caregiver.

Who's says Staffordshire dogs don't belong outside? They have the cutest faces and provoke such a warm welcome.

I like to freshen up outside bows once winter is finished dishing out it's elements. In the past I've done half bows with a single loop, this year I wanted just a bit more ponce and circumstance. I carry the burlap ribbon in the shop so it was an easy trip inside, make a bow and attach to the grapevine wreath.

I added a hint of Spring for the Spring Open House Event held in March of each year HERE, way to early for our area to show of it's bountiful beauty. In March of last year, I used reds on the porch, you can see the photos HERE. I love the way blue and white makes me feel, so this year I got busy at the machine and have made a "ton" of pillows. I've pulled every pillow and form out of storage and have recovered them. To add a punch of color I chose the apple green. How can you not smile when you look at these colors together?
Large or small lanterns are a great decorating staple to have on hand, paired with the patina aged urn, great marriage for the small table in front of the bench.
You may recall a while BACK I shared with you how many ferns I buy each year, this is where some of them make their summer home. All the urns are filled with their beauty. In the past they've worked well down here, fingers crossed that tradition will continue.





After looking at the pictures I might have to order in some apple green buffalo check, toile and paisley ribbons. I think the grapevine wreath could handle a bit more color. Funny how we look at our pictures after we take them and critique the heck out of them.
They're calling for frost in our area for the next couple of nights. Then onward and upward to upper 80's lower 90's by the middle of the week. The ferns will come back in this evening until Tuesday late afternoon, fingers crossed they'll be able to stay outside until late Fall.
Happy Mother's Day!
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19 comments:

Natasha in Oz said...

Your fern is amazing! It looks so healthy. Gorgeous area you have there!

Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Everything looks so fresh and pretty! I also love using using ferns. Your little outdoor seating areas are so nice.
I don't have any large outdoor rugs to deal with, but I would have never thought about taking one to the car wash - what a good idea.
Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Christine @ Rustic-Refined said...

Your porch is beautiful, just beautiful! I can imagine drinking tea and having lots of great memories with friends and family...Thanks for sharing it.

thepaintedapron.com said...

So pretty and welcoming! The doggies should be outside of course! Nice eclectic mix!
Jenna

Kat said...

Your porch is beautiful. Everything says welcome. Enjoy your weekend.

Sarah said...

Your patio looks like the perfect spot for some leisure time. Love the way you added in the blue and white porcelain and the doggies. '-)

Karena said...

Lynne this weather is so crazy!!
I adore your outdoor space and color palette! The ferns finish it off beautifully, so lush!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Diane said...

Oh, how I wish I could use ferns on my screened-in porch! Yours are so lovely. Your outdoor areas are so welcoming and I adore that beautiful crocheted tablecloth. Stunning - happy Mother's Day to you!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your patio is so beautiful and I always drool over your beautiful decor. Gorgeous. Thanks for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

Patty Rumaker said...

Your porch is lovely. I like how you brought inside things outside! I just found your blog through (A Stroll Thru Life) and I am your newest follower.
Thanks for sharing, Patty at http://homeandlifestyledesign.blogspot.com

angela hodges abode said...

So beautiful and welcoming...I would love for you to link up at http://hickorytrailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/assets-and-efforts-linky-party-2.html

Thank you,
Angela

xinex said...

Such a welcoming front porch, Lynne. Yes an apply green bow will look very pretty. I love the crocheted table cloth, it's gorgeous....Christine

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Lynne, everything looks so pretty. That tablecloth is a real treasure and it's beautiful. I am so excited about your advice to take cushions and rugs to the car wash. What a great idea! I can't wait to try that. laurie

Anonymous said...

Your outdoor spaces are always fabulous, Lynne.

Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads said...

Lynne, you have created such an inviting area on your porch. I do love the mix of green and blue because those colors are so summery! Thanks for that tip about taking the outdoor rugs and cushions to a car wash. I would have never have thought to do that!

Pam Kessler said...

I have a rug sitting in my basement that I wasn't going to put out this year because it's so yucky. I will try the car wash trick on it. Thanks for the idea! Love those ferns!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Beverly said...

Such a great space, Lynne. Everything looks so nice.

Unknown said...

I love ferns but I do not seem to have a green thumb when it comes to keeping them alive on my porch. Your porch looks very inviting. I love the green and blue you've used as color pops. I am so done with winter as well even though it was very mild here too. I'm just a sun worshipper so spring and summertime is are favorite seasons!