Monday, March 3, 2014

PICK YOUR FAVORITE- Spring Garden

Well, I don't know about you 
but I am SO SICK of winter that I could fly...
and would if my broom 
weren't in the shop for repairs.
Seriously,
I am starting to feel like the 
Wicked Witch of the MidWEST.
I don't want to grow one more icicle
or cultivate one more snow drift.
I WANT SPRING.

So, here's the deal.
I am going to show you some gardens and you all
get a chance to vote on your favorite.
And, once again, I must remind MARTINA 
that she can't say
ALL OF THEM.
Hey- I gotta pick on somebody and MyHero says 
picking on him is wearing thin...spoil sport
Okay-Ready?
Here's the set up-
The house can be anything of your choice.
Behind your house you are given the budget 
to do any one
of these projects/yards.
WHICH ONE would YOU pick?

A beautiful oasis with steps leading down into velvet greenness. 
Flowers and plants among rocks and steps
(the couple is an extra option and not included in the purchase price)
A darling little corner of someone's world
A serene little informal oasis
A wonderful study in form and function
Can you smell the "green growth" here?
Okay, folks!
Let's dream of 
GREEN & GROWING THINGS!
Which is YOUR dream garden?

Now- This 
IS NOT AN OPTION
-It is from the movie
OUT OF AFRICA.
As you can see-After a hot day in the
steamy outdoors you would have your
very own hairdresser.
Like I said-
NOT AN OPTION
SORRY!


your photo name

84 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

Totally agree. These snow drifts and MOUNTAINS at the end of our driveway can gladly disappear. In a few weeks, we'll be celebrating Josie's adoption anniversary from China. I'm going with feed the fish. It reminds me of our time in that country. Happy March!

Melanie said...

Loving Feed the Fish! Now I know that the couple is not included, but I noticed what they were wearing and it is not too hot and not too cold where ever they are. I like that and it is one of the reasons I chose that picture. Tired of bitter cold weather but don't want the oppressive heat either!

Sylvia said...

Now I like them all but I would have to Pick #2 Step it up. Love the flowers and so ready to see them blooming around my home.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I woke up to -14 this morning. I'm with you about winter. I've got the flower gardens but no good area for a vegetable garden so I'll take #7.

Vee said...

The Square Deal, which I believe is #6. All the others, with the exception of #7, make me think lizards, snakes, and mosquitoes. Yes, I am disturbed. And, I don't want Robert Redford washing my hair!

Susie said...

Diana, I truly like number 4....Just a sweet place to sit and enjoy the beauty of the flowers and fresh air. I am so thankful this morning...we did not get the predicted amounts of snow . It's less here in our town than they said was headed our way. My weather Girl Tete says if we can hang on it's going to start being in the 40 later this week...then it will all melt. So don't give up or beat knots on Hero's head, Spring is coming. Hope you get some sunshine there today, xoxo,Susie

Japolina said...

I can't choose. They are all fabulous!

Nancy's Notes said...

It was 90 here yesterday and right now it's 43! Sigh.... Fun post, I think I would like No. 2!

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

I will take number one please! We are thinking of extending the patio, but now I think putting plants and grass up close and adding another patio would be a good idea.

must love junk said...

Diana, number 2 really caught my fancy (I don't think I've ever said that before!) I can just picture a wicker set at the bottom where I could lounge, read, and enjoy a cup of coffee among the gorgeous flowers! Ahh, you've really got me dreaming of spring, now! :)
Susan

Something Nice and Pretty said...

No.4 Diana, it's what I'm used to:) All are pretty though, love the flowers in no.4 picture!

Linda at French Hollow said...

Can I have a mashup? I really can't decide between 2 and 7. We are having a high of 6 degrees today - thank you for the eye candy - I feel warmer already!

Jettie said...

Give me #7, you knew that, though, didn't you. I love flowers, but all the other stuff in most of those gardens just gives hiding places for mosquitoes.

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

I'll go with #6 because I'm a sucker for a white picket fence! But of course I love them all. And oh my, we're having another snow day today!

Kathy said...

I'm with you. I want spring. Fortunately it won't be too much longer. I like #4 the best. That's about the size of my yard and I can see myself doing that. Even though I like ponds, they draw mosquitos and are a huge upkeep.

Connie in Hartwood said...

#7, but I would substitute a mix of things like flowers and shrubs and veggies within the enclosure. The little rustic garden building is so cute.

Snowing sideways here right now ... predicted to be this way for most of the day. Oh, bother.

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

#2 for me :) Can't wait for some GREEN!!

Junkchiccottage said...

I like the small and sweet #4. Perfect and could easily kept up. Ohhhhhhhh to see beautiful green grass and flowers. Will this never ending winter go away to see some of that beauty? Have a great day. Thanks for sharing the dreamy pictures.
Kris

Unknown said...

Ok - it'll never happen in my lifetime - but WOW oh WOW number 1 is spectacular !!!
Don't you have a hair appointment today? Sit outside and have John be your Robert Redford LMHO
xox

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

They're all so pretty but #2 is definitely my favorite!!
PS-- picture me sticking my tongue out at you :)'

Donna said...

Well that is a no brainer, Diana! I will take "Out of Africa". Robert Redford can shampoo my hair any day:) Ok, since that obviously is not an option, I guess I'll have to settle for #2, it's gorgeous! Sure wish you were down here with us, it's going to be 77 degrees today!! Keep warm!

Cranberry Morning said...

Okay, we're vying for title of Wicked Winter Witch! after all, we're nearly neighbors here in this Midwest Snowbank. SO, I want 'Step it Up' garden, and I definitely want someone else to do all the work. I just want to enjoy it! Did you see that it was 29 below zero (not freezing, mind you, but -29 degrees F.) when we got up this morning. SICK SICK Of this!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Is someone else going to maintain it too? Maybe Robert R? heehee! I would want #3....feed the fish! I love water! Sweet hugs, Diane

Faye said...

This is a fun post Diana....
#2 first of all, with such an assortment of color and rocks, fits my wild and unruly side! That would be the flower garden but I have to have a veggie garden too so #7 fits my taste with the neat rows of veggies and the old rustic wood. I am so glad I am so fortunate to skip this Minnesota winter and I sincerely feel for everyone that is still freezing including my husband (I think he's on the edge too) From what I can tell it looks like this is the warmest winter on record for this part of Arizona...I wish I could send some warm air up north to thaw everyone out! And I'm not going back there until he says it's safe!!!

Penny @ Penny's Vintage Home said...

#3 for me....... I miss the pond that we had at our last house! Hugs, Penny

Linda said...

Although the choices are wonderful, I think I will stick with my own "dream garden."Yesterday I spent over 5 hours in just one flowerbed on the front of the house. The Bermuda grass wants to own it! And my five raised veggie beds are almost ready for planting. Think I can manage them better than your beautiful choices. Brrr! It is cold here in southwest Louisiana today. No gardening ;)))Linda@Wetcreek Blog

An Oasis in the Desert said...

As we sit on 1/4 of an acre of almost blank canvas, I would totally opt for a combo of #2 & #4 -- Small and Sweet right around my patio that I could enjoy every day, and Step It Up out on the wasteland. Oh, and I would need a personal gardener, please!

Well, even an aging Robert Redford could wash my hair any day!

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

I'll take #3, please (without the couple option, thanks very much!) because I love a water feature and can imagine sitting there with that little waterfall trickling away (right now the only water feature my backyard has is a hose!), #2 was a close second. Love those wildflowers.

sweetvintageofmine said...

This isn't fair we have to pick only one!!! Even though I adore and LOVE flowers...If it came down to it...#7 A REAL GARDEN. There is something about planting a vegetable garden (of course, I would plant flowers around it!!) FUN post! They are ALL BEAUTIFUL! Blessings~~~Roxie

Cheryl @ TFD said...

It's really hard to choose, but since we have a big yard, I'll choose #2 for the part of the yard that is a little steep. That is gorgeous!

Beth said...

I choose small and sweet #4. It is very similar to the way we had ours at home.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Lots of spring inspiration here Diana. I love them all. In fact, we have some of those options already....LOL
I would go with the first one. Velvet grass, xoxo

Gina said...

#2 is my favorite! Although they are all pretty in their own way. Anything is better than this never ending winter.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I pick Number Two! :) It's got that cottage garden feel to it. I'd choose the last one if I had Robert Redford to come over every day and weed and gather my vegetables for me, though ! :)

FUN STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RURAL said...

Oh Diana, in the depths of winter, you certainly know how to raise our dreams....sigh. All of them, sorry, but yes, any of them? I'll pick anything that is green.

Jen

SImple and Serene Living said...

I hate picking, but I am going with #2 or maybe #....... Okay. I picked. xo Laura

Attic Clutter said...

Wicked Witch of the MidWEST..hehe love it Nana!!
oh man I think it is the very lonnnnggggest winter in history !!
Love the post prettiness is needed these days..
but we did have a snow this morn that helped cover up the ugly brown stuff..
Spring green is needed ..for sure!!
loved that scene in 'Out of Africa' !!
hugs.Patty

Attic Clutter said...

well that #7 just draws me in..love the weathered wood buildings the country feel (:)

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

#3 or #5 anything with water...I love the sound of a water fountain, so sitting by a pool or fountain with lots of flowers and stuff would be my cup of tea.....Oh, but don't make it toooo hot either, like mid 70's would be fine and no mosquitos either!!! (I don't want much, do I)

Oh gosh it just would be nice to go for a walk and not worry about slipping on the ice or snow. But pretty soon this bad winter will all be a bad memory and I hope is not a sign of a very hot summer and no spring!!! Going from freezing cold to hot and humid!!!

Tete said...

Oh, I want number one. I would add some more color and a place to sit, but other than that- I love it.
Tell MyHero that he's a wimp and to suck it up. Its what husbands must do to get supper.
Hope you are having a fun day there. The sun is shining so bright here, but its colder than crap!
So, your broom's in the shop, huh? I figured you forgot which snowdrift you left it parked in.
I wonder if you could use a leaf blower to move the snow??? It could work on the walks and drive if its a dry snow.

This N That said...

Boo.You're no fun!! I like #3..looks like less work :)

Celestina Marie said...

They all have something special about them, but I will pick #3. Love to sit by the water watching the fish. Calm and peaceful!
Can I order the hairdresser as an extra option??
Hugs

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Definitely #1 Lush Living! I adore the steps and the rock borders. So pretty!

Chatty Crone said...

I like Number 2 - Step it up!

20 North Ora said...

Number 1 is just gorgeous!!

Judy

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

Since I love the sound of moving water, I'll have #5-Water Lilies, please and thank you. -grin-

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Diana, If you get your broom fixed fly on down here to Florida to escape the cold...81 degrees today and working in the yard. I love shady #1.
xx,
Sherry

Low Tide High Style said...

This is a tough one, I'm torn between #6 (which looks like Williamsburg to me) and #7! Both remind me of our yard growing up...especially #7! We got hit by this latest storm and have about 5 inches of snow on the ground and it's still coming down...I'm ready for springtime too!

xo Kat

Simply LKJ said...

Have to go with #3 because I finally convinced hubby several years ago that I NEEDED at pond (he said no to the swimming pool).

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Okay, since I can only pick one I picked garden number two. I really like the lush green and garden number one but I cannot live without flowers lots of flowers

Red Rose Alley said...

Number 4 Small and Sweet would be my pick. In fact, this is just what I want when we move into our final home. It's simple, charming, and I could stay out there for hours. Love it.

Have a happy week, Diana.

Love,
~Sheri

Red Rose Alley said...

The number 1 Lush Living is gorgeous too. I could see myself out there just relaxing during the day. :~)

~Sheri

Merlesworld said...

They are all great but I can see myself feeding the fish.
Merle................

Mindy said...

Number two!!!!

Nellie said...

Well, #7 is what is actually out our back door in a good growing season. However, Ii would like to have #1 beside it. That would give hubby his space, and I could relax in mine.:-) xo Nellie

J said...

Wow! We needed this! Okay, I want #2 - but at the foot of those steps I want the #3 fish pond added - and you can keep the people! I already have too many whining at me over here!

Anonymous said...

i'm tired of the big so I'll take that sweet small garden with Robert as the gardener :)

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Small and sweet...probably all I could handle (especially if you throw RR in)!!

Lisa Mangold Kosmoski said...

I do love winter but I admit I'm ready for some green too! Thanks for taking away the "who's gonna pay for it" concern. So if I can also erase the "who's gonna do all the work to maintain it" concern then I would for sure pick #3 with the fish and bench. Thanks for taking my mind off some things here ~ that was fun to think about :)

Blessings,
Lisa

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Well, in our last house we had a two pond with water fall feature.. and I can tell you it's a pain in the rear to maintain. We currently have the square raised bed garden and the larger garden.. and I'll tell you THAT is a pain in the rear to maintain. HOWEVER.. it's all worth it, if you don't mind the work. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't. I think next time we might go for something like no. 1, Lush living.. without the palacial estate behind it...LOL... I know I know, party pooper. :-)

living from glory to glory said...

Hello Glenda!!
I vote for #7 I hope it comes with a farmer! xo Roxy
Okay I am going South on Wed, Can't stand the cold and brown any longer. We are still in a drought!

One More Time Events said...

Number 2…. Diana if you get your broom out of the shop….you can always come to So Cal and enjoy some 70"s weather….I get the Starbucks!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Number 2 for me. - love the flowers.
Mary

Sew a Fine Seam said...

Right now I'd take anything with ground bare of snow and with some really warm sunshine and air included. But I pick the top garden in this post if I could have whichever one I wanted!

bj said...

#2 and, option or not, HIM....!!!

Heaven's Walk said...

Heck....I've been flying on my broom since early January, girl! lolol I am sooooo over this weather! How pitiful is it that I'm excited that we MIGHT see 38 degrees this weekend...??? Very pitiful. Anyway....looking at your beautiful garden photos was like therapy for me tonight. Thank you for that, Diana!! I adore #3. Gotta have water in my garden! :)

xoxo laurie

White Lace and Promises said...

Feed the fish! Anytime I'm near water, I feel calm and have peace in my heart.

How on earth do you have so many comments? I don't know of anyone who has that many friends. You are awesome!

joanne said...

easy peasy...4

Sweet Tea said...

I'm torn between #2 and 7, but the winner for me is TWO!

Anonymous said...

I like #2. Wonderful garden with pond in middle and fishes inside...

Craig said...

It has to be #7. When spring arrives, (and it has in southern Ca.) I can't wait to get into the garden and plant veggies. Oh no....now I'm going to get it. I forgot about the snow in the rest of the country. But, because we live where we do, we put up with crowds everywhere, lots and lots of traffic, fires any time of the year, a drought, high real estate prices, high taxes, high water prices, and flooding last week. Does that make us even with the snow you are shoveling? Thankfully, we bought 2 acres 40 years ago in the middle of no where. Our place is now smack in the middle of a city of 100,000 people (and every town around us has about the same pop.) Darn it...we are getting older and don't want to start over, on another piece of paradise, so we stay. Come late spring and summer I will be drooling over all the green, green, green yards in the rest of the country. Patty McDonald

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

I LOVE 2 and 7. I'd like them both please! They're all so beautiful, this was hard.

Kelly said...

This was extremely difficult! I love them ALL but I would combine #2 and #3. I will commit to #3 for the fact that I love the sound of water and I can see a rock water feature and there are some flowers growing on the grounds. The koi would be fun to feed too! What is your FAV Diana. ; )

Cristina Garay said...

Oh, Lush living #1, easy to take care of and it looks wonderful!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Love #1 and 3 without the couple, lol! They're all gorgeous!
Big hugs,
FABBY

Willow said...

I think I am sticking with "The real garden" but it has to have flowers all around the edges lol

T. Emrich said...

Think spring. All of them look good.

My Garden Diaries said...

I wish I could pick them all too! Ok I am going with number 2 but I love number 6 as well because I would love to have a huge space like that! So lets just go with 2!!!

Linda said...

Guess I'll take the small and sweet or is it vise versa???? Of course the real garden would be somewhere on the property, off to the side? When we were kids the neighbors had rocky area in their yard and it was so much fun to play in. I bet it would have been a pretty flower garden....maybe there were flowers and we just trampled them??? oh well, it's all in the past.

Janice Kay Schaub said...

I want all of the gardens, one leading into another. I love the steps, but would love to sit by the pond. I would also like to walk out of French doors into the little hidden garden but that would lead into another and another and at the end would be the vegetable gardens.
Oh if only I could even see my garden and know somewhere under all that snow its still there
Janice

Gert said...

This was not easy...I love all of them...but I think I'd have to go with #1! That would work best for me...it is so beautiful!

Blessings,
Gert

Kris@Littlebushshack said...

7 would be my pick ,, and I would try to keep the chickens out of this one.... thanks for the lovely garden tour xx
Kris

Tete said...

You always comment back to me on here. I have no idea what Ellie is talking about unless its the setting where I had it as only google accounts could reply- so changed it to everyone.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

OH MY GOSH! They are all gorgeous. Number 2 is still my favorite. Someone's little corner of the world is more like my reality. All brought back memories of sometime in my life.