PORCH PLANTS

Finally, the ferns have arrived, and they are looking good. I green-up both porches at our house with ferns each spring. Some years, I'm in such a hurry to rush in the season that I buy the ferns sooner than I should.

This year I used some self-control -- and patience -- and didn't spring for the ferns until not only May 10, as my mother often suggested, but even later just for insurance. More than once I bought the porch plants on a beautiful day only to have storms and winds move in later and beat some of them to where I had to replace them later.

At our front entrance, I changed things up a little. I've often wanted to use this old family wheel barrel, creating seasonal displays, but it was simply too large for my available spaces. Solution? Simply remove the large side panels to open it up. Right now I'm showcasing an asparagus fern and crock I filled with a pot of pink geraniums. The geraniums were a gift.

Every year I pick up a bridal veil for my topiary-styled pot at left. This year, R & R Market in Pendleton had especially nice ones. This plant does fantastic in this space. At the bottom of the pot is a simple solution: fake succulants. That's right. But those taking a closer look will never even realize they are not real. I promise. I got them at Hobby Lobby. You're welcome.

We've talked about getting fancier seating here over our easy-going, inexpensive plastic chairs we've had for years. Brian even mentioned the rockers at Cracker Barrel. Anyone have those? How do they hold up outside?

There are four hanging ferns on our back porch. We have an all-weather sofa back there, but these are traditional wicker rockers -- both bought second-hand and painted. I redid all the back porch cushions in the winter of 2017. Thought I'd never get done!

Happy summer everyone! Remember the Americans who died so we may enjoy it -- and every day.