Thursday, August 8, 2013

Abundantly They Grow

Over the course of the last few weeks this poor blog has been severely neglected, I've visited a few of you but for the most part banned myself from the computer to get all of this work completed. Here we are almost to the middle of August and I'm still doing yard clean up, there was A LOT of clean up to be done. I've been meeting myself coming and going through out the day well into the evenings. To say there hasn't been enough of me to go around is an understatement. I've accomplished a lot I will say that but at a price,
2 trips to the doctor and 4 rounds of medication for poison ivy or oak and a severe bronchial infection. I did not feel good, however it takes a lot to get me down and keep me there, I just kept right on pushing ahead.

Mr. P has had a rough couple of weeks, the last 2 days all he's wanted to do is sleep. He did have a visit from his sisters and brother in law the first of the week, he thoroughly enjoyed that and has slept ever since. Another doctor visit is in the makings, we'll see what course of action will be taken then. 

When you last visited I was in the throws of doing some "major" clean up around here. I'll share some of that in the upcoming week. For now lets revisit the patio outside the shop area for an update on the ferns and how they've grown this summer.
A little side trip to the front of the house. The house faces South with no trees in the front yard for shading this side of the house takes a lot of heat. The ferns don't seem to mind one bit.
I replaced the ceiling fans a year ago with outdoor Hampton Bay ceiling fans from Home Depot. The others had been there many years, the blades drooped so badly they looked ridiculous. The price of new blades was much higher than the purchase of new fans suited for outdoors. I'm not being compensated in any way from Home Depot for the mention of these awesome fans, it is certainly worth your time to check them out if your in the market for outdoor ceiling fans.

At least now you can walk up the sidewalk and not around. Just a wee part of the trimming I've been doing. Don't forget to come back to check out the before shots, folks it was REALLY  over grown.
Let's head back down the stairs to the patio area. The small clay bunny was chipped and so sad looking he got a fresh coat of paint and continues to do his best to hide underneath the fern.
Notice anything new?
The small coffee bench got a fresh and much needed coat of paint. A slight sanding and cleaning and it was ready to paint. With the humidity being so high lately I took the lazy easy way out and used Rustoleum's Gloss Black spray paint. Drying time was short the sheen is incredible. I've discovered a gloss paint holds up better under Mother Nature elements.
The ferns in early May you can follow this LINK to view the before.

As they look today. I have to say the pictures really don't do them justice, they are gorgeous! Each morning as I take the blower to the patio and give them a big drink I'm always reminded of the pleasure this area gives me each and every day. Many times when you pull up you'll see me sitting here drinking lemon water and enjoying the sounds of Mother Nature.
Just a hit of an up coming post, anyone want to guess what's under the fern?


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11 comments:

Kathysue said...

Lynne, your porch is gorgeous. My goodness those ferns are huge, green and healthy, You my dear must have a green thumb,
Kathysue

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Sounds like you have super busy - take care of yourself. Hope the trip to the doctor goes well.
Your plants looks so healthy. We enjoyed a cooler than normal July, but back to typical Summer temps this week.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Your ferns are fabulous. I wish I could get some to grow like that, but this is the desert and they just don't even want to try. Your porch is wonderful. Hugs, Marty

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Lynne your walkway looks fabulous. Your ferns an the fans do too... I sure wish I had a porch! At least my deck is mostly in the shade so I can get out there to enjoy an occasional relaxing moment. Speaking of relaxing..... It doesn't sound like you get much of that. Please take care of yourself.

Yarlette said...

You certainly have been a busy lady. Sorry to hear you had a run in with poison ivy . I had a real bad case of it several years ago when I was spreading mulch. I also had to go to my Doctor to get rid of it. Your place looks so beautiful. Love those ferns. You must have a green thumb. So glad to see your blog today. Yarlette

Yarlette said...

You certainly have been a busy lady. Sorry to hear you had a run in with poison ivy . I had a real bad case of it several years ago when I was spreading mulch. I also had to go to my Doctor to get rid of it. Your place looks so beautiful. Love those ferns. You must have a green thumb. So glad to see your blog today. Yarlette

Yarlette said...

You have certainly been a busy lady. So sorry you had a run in with poison Ivy. I had a bad case of it several years ago .Got it while spreading mulch. I also had to see my doctor to get rid of it. Your place looks beautiful. Those ferns are so pretty you must have a green thumb. It was great to see a blog from you today .

Pat said...

Lynne,
Gorgeous ferns, dear friend!!!
I invested in one this year for the front porch
(with a bit of a Southern exposure) and I'm thrilled!!!
Mine is partially under the covered portion of the porch
and has done incredible with the heat here on our side of the Prairie.
Your stairs and walk look lovely!
The chipped bunny looks adorable wearing his new coat of paint!
"Mr. Ed" recently painted our second park bench using the same spray paint.
He agrees, cuts time and gives a great finish!!!
So~o~o sorry to hear you've been ill.
Hopefully you're on the upward mend!
Prayers for you and sweet Mr. P in the days ahead!
Fondly,
Pat
P.S. Just a reminder. . .I have a new blog address
www.oncrookedcreektt.blogspot.com

Ivy and Elephants said...

Love your gorgeous ferns! I have NO success with them inside or out!
Your garden is a beautiful delight.
Patti

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Please take care of your self. Your ferns are stunning and everything looks so nice on the porch. Prayers for you and Mr. P. Take it easy, it will still be there tomorrow.
Mary

Unknown said...

Simply Gorgeous. What do you use in those ferns???