header

header

Sunday, June 8, 2014

A Blue Shade Garden










Since Garden Girl was just standing in the side yard without
anything beautiful around her, I decided we should transform
that shady little spot into a lovely flower garden.

I'm looking out this window anyway, from my desk in the kitchen.
It might as well be a beautiful view as I bird-watch, right?

I really had a fun time at the garden center picking out
blue and white flowers and some slate pieces to create a
walk way to the gate.  It took me three carts and a couple
of checkouts, but I got it all loaded in the Jeep and then
arranged how I wanted it outside under the tree.

The Mister was nice enough to take up the grass, till the soil and plant
everything for me last night.  By the time I woke up this morning,
he had brought home a load of mulch and had it spread around.

Now I just need to keep it watered and enjoy the little sprouts
as they spread and fill in the whole space.

I really love how the sunlight comes softly through the tree
and makes dappled patterns on everything!
What an improvement to that little space!

*  I've joined up with I'd Rather Be Birdin' to
show off my photo of Mr. Blue Jay! *


99 comments:

  1. Look beautiful! Like I think would be when you bought betsy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you know me! ha. It was fun to pick all blue things!

      Delete
    2. I love blueand this look amazing!

      Delete
    3. I always choose pink flowers, so this is a nice change! But I do love blue...one of my favorite colors. I guess I couldn't have had a grey garden, could I? I don't think there are any grey blossoms! lol....

      Delete
    4. Grey is lovely to clothes lol
      But flowers better blue and I love pink roses (my favorites) but here blue is perfect:)

      Delete
    5. Yep, I can think of a few black flower, but not any grey ones! haha.

      Delete
  2. na I beat Eddie,Pat , Brian etc.etc.,

    ReplyDelete
  3. That little garden look really nice and welcoming. You (and the mister) have made a good job of it, but tell me fair lady, to where does that little gate lead to, some other enchanted garden no doubt?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The gate leads to the back yard where the violet patch, veggie garden and porch swing are. It isn't nearly as pretty. That should be our next project. It's due for some cleaning up and fresh ideas.

      Delete
  4. very nice....he set it up nice...love the color...and he even worked out color coding hte birds that visit as well...haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What's all this 'he' stuff??? I picked it all out, bought it, brought it home and placed them where they should. lol....he dug the holes and put them in the ground. And I did have to laugh as I haven't seen a blue jay in over a month...and today one came!

      Delete
    2. I see. You did all the really, really hard work, and the mister had the easy bit to do. Reminds me of my ex-wife doing all the hard work planning out our garden, and after three weeks of me transforming it she said "No, I don't like it. Put it back as it was!"

      Delete
    3. A few years ago, he would have come home from work and I would have had it completely finished. But my hands aren't what they used to be, unfortunately. Besides, he needs to earn his dinner some how, right?

      Delete
    4. "Besides, he needs to earn his dinner some how, right?"
      Oh you ARE a slave driver!! LOL
      Well it looks very good ant the transformation was very quick. :)

      Delete
  5. New things in the house always lead to other projects....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. that's what I said! Look what buying that statue did! haha.

      Delete
  6. Oh, I really like this! She fits it just perfectly! And I was going to compliment you on all that hard work you've been doing this week setting it all out and planting and mulching. And then I see the Mister did all the dirty work for you! MUST BE NICE!! Hahahahaha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, by the time I carried all 32 pots from the store to the jeep and then from the jeep to the other side of the house...and those slate slabs....my poor arthritic hands had done enough. I let him shovel and plant!

      Delete
    2. Ok then.... I guess I'll go ahead and give YOU the compliment of a job well done! It really is a beautiful flower bed, and came together very nicely too.

      Delete
  7. Oh my! You have been one busy bee! It is SO gorgeous . . . really, a romantic and inspiring spot! I am so happy for you- and I can't wait to see it all grow up as time passes! And you picked a hydrangea, too- my very most favorite flower/bush of all! I just hope your cats won't decide to make it a potty box like my own always do to any freshly tilled area . . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, when it matures, I hope it really is a beautiful area! But just as it is, little baby plants, I'm enjoying it already! Had to laugh about the cats. They loves the dirt before the mulch but since then don't bother it. Maybe the smell of the mulch is yucky to them. The are still, however, mesmerized by the bird feeder hanging above. lol....I think I need a blue-eyed cat to sit out there, don't you? ha.

      Delete
    2. Goodness- a blue-eyed cat is a great idea! And with your reputation among felines I wouldn't be at all surprised if one shows up looking for a good home! In fact, I'd offer my own blue-eyed monster, uh, I mean kitty . . . IF I could ever part with him! Honestly, he's just the naughtiest thing, but has me well trained!

      Delete
    3. I love your blue eyed kitty! You would think with all of mine that there would be at least one.

      Delete
  8. Ooooh! I love it! I've always loved blue flowers, and hydrangeas are one of my favorites. It looks so peaceful.
    Hooray for the Mister for all his work. I see Mr Blue Jay appreciates it too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll tell the Mister that everyone thinks he did all the work. lol....

      Delete
  9. What an enchanted garden! I think Garden Girl's coy smile just got a little brighter. This is so lovely and the shades of blue suit the spot perfectly. LOVE hydrangeas. I have a few blue/purple dried blossoms in a large blue and white china bowl - so pretty. You must be thrilled with how it all looks. It should be featured in a magazine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It needs to grow up a big and fill in, but I'm excited about it. There was nothing out there except a tree two weeks ago!
      You just can't go wrong with blue, can you? I'd never heard of an all blue garden until last year when I saw a few on Pinterest and
      I thought it was a brilliant idea. Very peaceful!

      Did I tell you that Taylor thinks Garden Girl is creepy? haha...he looks like me, but sure didn't inherit my love for the old and vintage.

      Delete
    2. Yes, you mentioned that - poor lad! Laughing. Well, then you will have to leave all your beautiful things to... ME!!!! Although I will probably go before you do - ha! It's a certain type of person that goes for vintage and most of my friends love that sort of thing - but not all of them. And the males not as much.

      I was doing a little reading about gargoyles and originally they were used as water spouts. The longer and more fantastical the animal, the longer the gutter inside it to dispense water as quickly as possible so it would not run down the walls and ruin the stone. And also they were to protect the building from evil spirits - hence why so many were constructed on churches. I had known that information, but what I did not know is that a gargoyle without a spout is called a chimera - so I guess Garden Girl's companion is a chimera. And I think it's permanently sticking its tongue out at Taylor! :-)

      Delete
    3. I still need someone to tilt that thing forward so I can look underneath and see if it's a fountain!

      Poor Taylor...I told him he'll just have to have a big auction when I'm gone. ha.

      Delete
    4. Oooooo - a fountain - that would be neat! Don't try moving it yourself. Yup - you're probably right about the auction! :-)

      Delete
    5. You should be able to see where the water comes out of it if it was a fountain - have you a tap nearby?
      Then you would have to build a pond and have her as the central feature with lots of fish swimming by - wow another engineering project!! lol

      Delete
    6. No tap on that side of the house! Too bad!

      Delete
  10. Really impressive effort, good planning and well executed by whoever! There, that is a diplomatic comment if ever I wrote one. He worked very hard doing all that and quite deserved his dinner, even thogh you carried it all. I see the mulch used is a bit different to ours - it's darker. Love the planning thar went into it and the paving slabs as stepping stones are lovely. I wonder if Golden Girl will play hop, skip and jump! lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh gosh...the man dug holes and spread mulch. I did the rest but nobody will hear me! lol....He never even carried a pot or slab.
      Ah well, whatever. I'll tell him everyone is impressed. lol....

      The Golden Girls was a TV sitcom. This is Garden Girl...she's never met Betty White, Bea Arthur or the others. lol....and she doesn't even look like them! I don't think she's reached her golden years yet. rofl....

      Delete
    2. When did you carry it all?
      I thought you said you were on-line blogging a lot today!
      Hey it must have taken some carrying!
      Was the jeep far away?
      Interesting background to the Golden Girls.

      Delete
    3. Oh, that was yesterday when I went out and shopped.

      Delete
    4. Hard work! Have you noy got a wheel barrow?

      Delete
    5. yes, we have one, but the quickest route was through the house and out the other side.

      Anyway, how was your gardening today?

      Delete
    6. Ah! I see so it meant mad (or woman) handling the paving slabs. They look heavy to carry any distance.

      Cut a lot of weeds down and will shred them with my shredder tomorrow and then I will get out the hedge trimmer and cut back some bushes and shred that. Hope the weather is OK.

      Delete
    7. Sounds like you had a productive day. Maybe you'll have good weather tomorrow, too!

      Delete
  11. Replies
    1. You are man handling your typos? Do you need a wheel barrow? ha.

      Delete
    2. I seem to be making so many typos I might weel need one LOL

      Delete
    3. There I've just done another one! lol

      Delete
  12. That looks great
    Now it is a spot to which she cat relate
    May scare the gargoyle away though
    He doesn't seem the flower type at your show
    And hopefully it will grow fast
    And not be dug up by the cat cast

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think he's sticking his tongue out more
      now that there are flowers galore.
      haha.

      Delete
  13. It looks beautiful from now and when the sprouts will fill the area it will look awesome..great job done Betsy..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, dear. yes, it will look even better as it grows!

      Delete
  14. Truly beautiful. I know you will really enjoy this area.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we will, too! We look out that window all the time!

      Delete
  15. Hummmmm...she needs a NAME.
    What a lovely spot you have chosen and it's right outside your window! How great is that?!
    Oh, got a name for you...Christine (old and vintage)

    ReplyDelete
  16. There are many sites that list female names for gargoyles or gargoyle clans... one is Avalon. That's quite pretty for a garden...

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh Betsy ~ you have made a sanctuary ~ How lovely, and gives me a feeling of something quite spiritual. I'm looking at your Blue Garden and singing "I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses, and the voice I hear calling on my ear, the Son of God discloses...And He walks with me and he talks with me, and tells me I am His own.....Oh what a lovey, lovely spot. God is smiling down on your garden....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is quite serene looking, isn't it? It must be the blue. Reds and yellows would have had a whole different feel!

      Delete
  18. Your shade garden is just beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, thanks Laurie! I always appreciate it when you comment! :).

      Delete
  19. This is beautiful! Quite the transformation. Garden girl must be smiling!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She hasn't stopped smiling since I bought her! lol....

      Delete
  20. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, ever so beautiful!! So Tranquil...the colors...heavenly. And the special treat having a handsome blue jay grace the ambiance. Extraordinary.

    ...again, thanks for joining in at the bird depot

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, thanks for inviting me, Anni! I've added your link and am off to visit the others! ;)

      Delete
  21. how beautiful a spot! anytime you want to join in on Good Fences on thursdays, i'd be pleased as punch to have you!

    thanks for sharing your joyous place. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, thanks TWG! It would be fun to join in with your fences!

      Delete
  22. Beautiful things in your garden, especially the statue, she is looking down and soft laughing. I will follow you Betsy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, thanks Bob! I appreciate that. I enjoyed my visit to your place today, too. Anni has a fun group and I'm happy she invited me to join in!

      Delete
  23. The Jay and all your images are wonderful. Thank you for stopping by on my blog too. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Adam! I'm looking forward to Saturdays in a new way now! :)

      Delete
  24. Hello Betsy and Thank You for visiting my blog in the UK. You have some lovely images from your garden with a definite blue theme going on. As a 100% bird watcher (when I'm not being a father and grandfather) I'm so pleased to see the Blue Jay in there too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Phil! Thanks for coming over. The garden is new and I had to laugh when the jay came in for a look. Everything perfectly color coordinated yesterday. haha.

      Delete
  25. Would you believe grey is? haha...but blue is a close second.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Replies
    1. Thanks Andrew...I appreciate the visit. Looking forward to Anni's group each weekend!

      Delete
  27. This is just beautiful! How wonderful that it is right outside your window so you can enjoy it often. Great job by you and the mister.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We were going to put that statue in our courtyard. I'm so glad we didn't...this is a much prettier spot and I can see her all the time!

      Delete
  28. What a lovely garden. Even the Blue Jay approves!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know! So nice of the jay to come along yesterday!

      Delete
  29. Pretty Jay. Your garden will be amazing once it grows in. I am the grandmother of a teenager boy with autism. He's the light of my life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, that is so neat that we met through Anni and have some other connections...that is just great! I enjoyed your post today, too!

      Delete
  30. Really like what you and The Mister did with this space. Beautiful shade garden.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Quite the improvement, isn't it? Make me want to do the rest of the yard! :)

      Delete
  31. Hello Betsy, what a gorgeous garden.. Lovely flowers and a pretty Blue Jay! Beautiful series of photos. Have a happy day and week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, thanks Eileen! I'm so glad you took the time to visit! What a fun group over at Anni's!

      Delete
  32. Fantastic Betsy .. can't wait to see the Blue Shade Garden flourish .. with your Garden Girl to perfect the situ. What a wonderful view to let your eye wander too .. and the little Jay .. so delightful ... that will be amazing very soon .. and the Mister is one kind Mister!!!! Cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, he was very kind to help! And I can't wait to see this flourish and fill in all lush and full! That will be so fun!

      Delete
  33. You created such a restful and beautiful retreat!

    ReplyDelete
  34. It looks wonderful! A cool spot on a summer day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blue just has that feeling, doesn't it? Red wouldn't have felt the same. ha.

      Delete
  35. Replies
    1. Thanks, Carmen...it's so good to see you again! ;)

      Delete

I'm serving coffee! Stay and chat!
And no awards, please! Your comments are my awards!