Instant Vintage Patio Garden

We joined the hordes and visited the local nursery this past weekend. Since our patio is small, it only takes a few plants to soften things up to make the spot a pleasant sitting area.

I always go for ferns, a little bloom of some kind, and herbs. That way a pot of basil, parsley, or thyme is just a few steps away from the kitchen stove.

But I also prefer the look and scent of herbs, and their delicate flowers. A pinch of rosemary a day is like a tonic!

I keep a variety of vintage containers to pop the pots in straight from the nursery. No muss no fuss.

Every year I look for these small pots of pink gypsophilia muralis (low baby's breath) to group together because they make a cheery centerpiece, and are low maintenance. The old enamel containers have a few worn holes in the bottom for drainage so we can water them in place. We are gone a lot, and having all the container plants in one spot makes it easier for our housesitter to manage.

The small evergreens we got for Christmas are taking on new growth. They have been wintering over on the patio since then. A pair of vintage finials decorate the bancos this season.

The parsley and thyme were left neglected under the eaves all winter too and somehow made it through. Happy to be in the sun again.

A little spindly, but holding on in its thrift store container.

I planted a fresh batch to round out the pot.

We are trying out a little Mexican heather for the first time. It's rooming up with a pretty German thyme in a vintage wire egg basket for now.

I have no idea what I picked for my vintage metal garden urn. Some viney white flower, with what looks to me to be pink impatiens mixed in. Maybe you can enlighten me! I just love how light and airy it all is, and I wanted something cascading over the edges of the container. I have an upside down flower bucket placed inside the urn in order to prop the pot high enough, and just plop the plastic nursery container right in.

This year I moved this antique sun dial out into a hidden corner. I love the sentimental Robert Browning quote.

So that's how a lazy gardener does it!

(Last spring's patio is here.)

Thanks for popping by for a visit!

 We're going to have some nice times out here . . .

I hope the new week is turning out great for you!

Jacqueline

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A Southern Daydreamer~Outdoor Wednesday

French Country Cottage~Feathered Nest Friday

My Romantic Home~Show & Tell

Common Ground~Be Inspired

The Rose Garden in Malevik~Saturday Show Off

How Sweet the Sound~Pink Saturday