I have loved flowers and gardens for as long as I can remember. My Grandma Rita had a beautiful backyard that she maintained meticulously and I have vivid memories of the sights and smells from many, many years ago. In addition to many different kinds of flowers that bloomed at various points in the summer, she had several pretty statues in her yard, and they added to the peacefulness – welcoming you in and inviting you to stay for awhile. She also had a small deck that allowed her access to the backyard – her sanctuary – from her bedroom. She would sit out there for hours with a good book. All of this made an impression on me.

My Mom also took great pride in making her outdoor spaces pretty and inviting. We had an amazing front porch on the house in which I grew up. It had comfy seating, complete with a swing on the opposite end that was my absolute favorite. My Mom always had pots of flowers and plants on the porch and each season she added appropriate decor- red, white and blue items in the summer, pumpkins and mums in the autumn, and Christmas lights when the snow began to fall. Our backyard was also well thought out with pops of color and flowering bushes strategically placed, since space was limited because of the pool – another blog post entirely! Through the years, my Mom’s love for gardening has only increased and her her yard now, though at a different house, is stunning, picturesque, charming, and all the other positive aesthetic words that you can imagine! Each time I’m there I find myself wandering to the backyard, often taking pictures before I leave.

I enjoy creating similar spaces in and around my own home now as an adult. The fun begins every year around Mother’s Day when I go to the garden shops for the first time. It is then that I choose what flowers to plant around my mailbox – typically marigolds – the sunny yellow always makes me smile. Next I choose what kind of hanging plants I want – I love the VERY FULL planters that have lots of trailing blooms. Then I’m sneaky and bring them home, take off the hangers and set them into my pots – done! Some years, I choose a color scheme and buy only a few colors of flowers, say reds and pinks. Other years I buy anything and everything. I love having smaller pots with greenery and flowers on the patio and also within the landscaping among the perennials that come alive every year and remind me why I love the summer months so much. I also truly love that a plant or flower is a common end of the year gift to thank a teacher. I will always be happy to receive a plant – any day of the year 🙂

During Covid, when the world was forced into isolation and spending more time at home, many people started new hobbies. Making bread, painting, knitting and doing puzzles – pictures of my friends doing these things were all over my socials! I started collecting plants for inside the house at this point. I don’t think I had even one before March of 2020, and now I have around 25 -and there’s always room for more! I have added small tables and wall shelves specifically to hold and display these beauties and I truly believe they make our home even more inviting and comfortable. Indoors and out, I enjoy nature and its’ colors, textures and shapes. My Grandma and Mom have shared their passion and I hope to share it with my children as well. I’m already planning another trip to buy more flowers soon – who wants to go with me?