A few years back, Don decided we should do something with what was the parking area. Well, it still is the parking area, but Don thought transforming a small section of it might be fun and it would give us another seating area. Off we went to Lowe’s where we bought some pavers, then on to a local nursery, where we bought some whiskey barrels. And thus, the Funky Patio was born.
Don has good ideas.
The pavers are a little uneven. I constantly have to weed whack so the patio isn’t taken over by dandelions and grass. But it’s worth it.
We used to pull the car right up to the house. Now, there’s a lovely outdoor patio between the house and the car. Much better. As always here at Mockingbird Hill Cottage, this was done for very little money; just the cost of the pavers and the whiskey barrels. We already had the chairs, the bench and the birdbath.
The chairs are one of my favorite things around here. We bought them from a local antique dealer, gosh, probably about 7 years ago. They are so comfortable! They even rock a bit. We used to have them up in the back forty, but eventually we moved them down to the patio. (I’d love to have two adirondack chairs up in the back forty. Someday.)
The birdbath has been around for quite a while, but when Hurricane Irene sent a huge limb from our Sugar Maple crashing to the ground, the top of the birdbath was broken in two. Those pieces are now in the big garden bed, functioning as garden decor. (Ironically, last year another huge limb from that tree fell – this time right on the big garden bed – and one of those pieces broke in two – again.)
I realized that I couldn’t go without a birdbath. I love watching the birds frolic as they take a dip too much! I managed to find a birdbath where the pieces were sold separately and now the birdbath is once again intact.
I mean, really, would you want to miss out on this?
I didn’t think so.
I replant this galvanized tub every year. This year it has a mixture of sweet potato vine, gomphrena and strawflower. I may stick something else in there. It needs some height – something taller.
The whiskey barrels are planted with geraniums. The barrels need more plants, but that will have to wait.
I’ve had this red piece for several years. I really wasn’t using it, so I punched some drainage holes in the bottom and now I’m using it as a planter. That’s lantana, a favorite of mine. Very Southern California, at least, to me. I used to see it everywhere in San Diego.
More sweet potato vine, this time in a pot my mother gave me. She found it at a local art fair.
It’s a lot sunnier on the patio this year. Losing the latest limb from the Sugar Maple has had an impact on the garden and the patio. I’ll be watching everything closely this summer to see what plants are affected by the change in light. I miss that limb so much. It gave us some lovely shade as it gracefully arched over the big garden bed. The tree looks strange without it.
Ah, well.
Happy Wednesday.
Oh, how I like the Funky Patio !!!
My parents had those same chairs on our back porch. When they weren’t sitting in them, reading the Detroit News, we as kids, would sit and bounce. My brother and I would have competitions to see who could bounce the most. Such silly fun.
As for filler flowers for the whiskey barrels, might I suggest either Zinnia or Marrigold seeds. Just throw the seeds in the soil water and watch them grow. Very cheap and many flowers. Plus the added bonus of collecting the seeds from the flowers this year for next year. I’ve been doing this for the past four years and saved a lot of money and have beautiful flowers, too.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful yard with us,
Vanessa
I have some Zinnia seeds. In fact, last year some birds must have dropped the seeds that I planted in the Chicken Wire Fence Garden into the barrels because Zinnias grew there.
That is just a charming little sitting area. I love sweet potato vine and Lantana! I miss a bird bath and plan to add one to my yard this year!
hugs,
Linda
Everyone should have a birdbath, Linda!
I agree a bird bath is a must. I love watching the birds. I am pinning some photos they are so great. Would you like some herb cutting to plant in between your pavers. They will choke out all the grass and dandelions and every time you walk across them it will give off the aroma of fresh herbs?
Herbs are a great idea, Dawn! Yes.
The Funky Patio is another great outdoor seating area. Looks like a perfect spot for you and Don to just sit and talk or relax and watch the birds. Love the photo of the robin in the bird bath!
We often sit out there and chat. Love that robin!
Great photos Claudia and love your funky patio. I want to do the same thing in an area of our yard, under our apple tree. And, I like Dawn’s idea of herbs between the pavers…close by for gathering when cooking as well!
I think Dawn is going to send me some herbs, Vera!
Your pots all look wonderful!! I especially love the red enamel piece w/ the golden lantana. So pretty as the colors play together!! I needed to fill in some planters so I went out and about yesterday. A lot of our greenhouses have marked down their plants and I got some REALLY good 1/2 price deals. We planted seeds in a few places this year and I haven’t done that in many years. Fun to watch them grow….. but patience is surely needed when doing so! Our birdbaths are busy places every day. So much fun to watch the birds as they land ~ and then decide to drink or bathe or both!! We used the little heaters for the birdbaths in the winter and they were used daily then, also.
Your little patio area looks like a wonderful place to start or to close the day!
I planted a lot of seeds, too. Morning glory, zinnia, some kale and some wildflowers. I might try a heater this winter because the birds sure love the birdbath!
Claudia, I like the patio area. I also love to see birds take baths. We have two birdbaths and two water features, Something is always bathing or drinking. I hope your shade isn’t all gone. Is your catalpa about ready for blossoms?? I think ours is getting close. xoxo,Susie
Not quite yet, but it probably will be in a week or so. We also have 3 catalpas up in the woods, so I’ll have to keep my eye on them, too.
I love it..and so simple to do..your planters are looking so pretty..Tell Don I like his new picture at the side bar..funny and very cute..him and the big boy that is..lol
Isn’t that a great photo? He took it with his computer. We found that Big Boy at a yard sale.
I love the look on his face..lol
I love your garden tour posts, Claudia. Currently drooling over that pot your mom gave you – is it navy or black on top? Looks like navy. I have a few pieces very like it that I just love. And they look well in every season. :>)
That’s navy on top, Janet. It’s a nice memory of Mom.
Always enjoy your photos and the tours of your home and garden. I have the same bird bath as you, in fact I bought two since I enjoyed watching the birds from my kitchen window. One is out my sewing room window. Wish we lived closer to each other, I share plants all the time. So when you come back to California bring an extra suitcase! Planted my zinnias seeds yesterday. I grew pink poppies last year and this year my yard was overgrown with them. I love the chairs on your patio…it’s so inviting.
I think I’m going to plant even more zinnia seeds than I’ve already planted. I love zinnias.
Lovely patio…great name! Who wouldn’t want to sit there…and gaze! There is usually a lot of scrambling around when Mother Nature intervenes, and the result is a sunnier spot than you are used to having. Fortunately pots are usually easy to move about! You know…Don has some great ideas…I think I’d keep him for awhile longer! ;)
Well, I’m actually worried about the shade part of the big garden bed. It’s not so shady anymore and there are a lot of plants there that I put in specifically for that spot.
Well…you could always pitch a tent! Or better yet….transplant one of those volunteer maple trees….should have shade in a few years! Sorry…don’t mean to be flippant…I have the same problem. We lost our birch tree a couple years ago…and it was providing shade for quite a few shade loving perennials. We had to move a few plants as well.
Lovely Claudia..Thanks for sharing..
You are most welcome, Missy.
Your flowers look great! Love your funky patio!
Judy
We all need a little ‘funky’ in our lives, Judy!
Robins are so much fun to watch in the birdbath…they really enjoy it! I love how you were able to use the broken pieces of the old top in your garden, too! Your little patio is a charming place to sit…
I would call your patio, yard and home quaint. At least that’s what I see it as. Quaint. It suits you and Don.
xoxo,
Connie
Hi there! We are really missing our gardens this year and can’t wait to get back home to them. Those chairs do look comfy…we found some that look just like yours at a garage sale a few years ago. I’ve spray painted them several times and they are a favorite place to sit…the little rocking and bouncy motion is really comfortable. Loves the photo of the robin bathing, xxoo
You don’t need much money to brighten up your garden. However, it needs a good idea and some effort and wo-man power. Enjoy the weekend sitting on your patio. :-) How’s the weather going to be like? We are expecting warm and sunny days! Summer’s just around the corner. Regula