A view from the porch. Some much anticipated porch sitting has been happening around these parts. Oh, how I love this wrap-around porch with its bluestone floor.
I know that impatiens are iffy this year. They’ve been struck by a fungus, which explains why the impatiens in our barrels suddenly up and died last summer. I couldn’t figure it out at the time – it almost seemed as if some animal had lopped off all the flowers. I didn’t learn about the fungus until I had already purchased a flat. So I compromised by not planting them in the barrels, just in pots on the porch. If they succumb, I’ll just replant using something else. The fungus only affects impatiens, so nothing else is in danger.
A couple of years ago, Don bought a cot from a yard sale. At the time, I had plans to use it on the porch, but I never got around to it. Yesterday, I pulled it out of the shed.
I threw an old sheet and some pillows on it. Ideally, I’d like to get some indoor-outdoor fabric and make a foam pad for it. In the meantime, this little arrangement cost me nothing. I can’t get all fancy here; this porch is open to the elements.
Don came home later in the day and offered to test it out. I see some snoozing ahead.
This bench faces the entrance to the porch. I found the greenhouse sign about 5 years ago in an antique shop.
We have a picnic table, two benches without backs and two with backs. The set was purchased from a neighbor just down the road for $25. I can’t imagine the porch without them.
Last year, late in the summer, I looked into a pot on the porch and I saw this frog. It was hidden away, surrounded by lots of plant leaves. I excitedly called Don out to the porch to show him. “Oh that,” said he, “that’s just a wooden frog I stuck in the plant when you were away. I forgot all about it.”
Wooden? I had been absolutely sure it was real. Though now that it’s been freed from the plant I can’t believe I ever thought that. Oh boy.
Wait, who do I see?
None other than Miss Scout, watching my every move.
It’s the first week of June. Like clockwork, late spring or not, my little babies have appeared:
Love, love, love, love peonies. The scent is heavenly.
I have two bushes. This bush is in full sun. The other has blooms like the one below.
Interestingly, this bush is at the base of a shag hickory tree. That tree was very young when we moved in, but in the past 8 years it has really grown. This is the first year that I’ve only seen a few buds on that particular bush and I’m pretty sure it’s due to the increasing shade provided by the hickory. Peonies like the sun.
I’m hesitant to transplant it. But I would really miss seeing this particular peony. Isn’t it pretty? What to do?
While I ponder that, I will wish you a happy Tuesday.
Oh, by the way, Don’s new album, Out Beyond the Breakers, is available for download on his website. If you’re interested, click on this link, then click on Music/Shop.
Such beautiful peonies, Claudia! Mine still do not bloom, but I live in hope. Your porch looks like such a haven. I have yet to buy the plants I like to put into pots around the house but hope to do so soon. The end of May and start of June has been so glorious here, and I’m glad it’s been the same for you. Wishing you lovely days in your garden and cottage as spring draws to a close. xx
Doesn’t it take a while for a bush to bloom, Haworth? When did you plant them? Or are they in the shade?
that stone floor is just amazing! Your porch is the kind of place where I’d love to relax with a book and a lemonade. so pretty, cozy and comfortable!
You’re welcome to stop by anytime, Debra!
I have been on the lookout for a couple of vintage cots for EVER and a day! I want to make a sleeping/napping area on the porch! Your cot looks so inviting and cozy!
xo Kris
It is really comfy, Kris. Reminds me of family camping trips as a kid!
I have to agree, peonies are wonderful. Love your porch and it looks so inviting. “Hi Scout”
Scout says hi right back at ya!
We have several Peonies and have moved many of them around the yard my wife is the flower, shrub specialist around here and Spring and fall are the best times. The quilt book is very interesting my younger sister quilts does workshops and even wrote a book Quilts across Canada. Have a lovely day!
Your sister’s quilts are beautiful, Rob. I’m in awe of her talent.
Maybe I’ll move the peony in the fall.
Hi Claudia, I do enjoy seeing your porch. The cot is perfect right there too. Enjoy the sweet peonies which I have never seen my friend. Olive
I will. Their bloom time is so fleeting, I have to enjoy them while I can.
Claudia, I hope you and Don do get to sit out on the porch and enjoy life. Let him nap while you read.:) xoxo,Susie
Sounds like a good idea, Susie.
Claudia, that lush green vine that is embracing your tree appears to be poison ivy. Please tell me I’m mistaken!
No, it’s poison ivy. It’s everywhere around here and you can’t really avoid it without using pesticides. I won’t use them. Even then, it would impossible to completely eradicate it. We just live with it – no big deal.
I love your porch. Porches are essential. Such a perfect place to enjoy your world.
Your peonies are the prettiest pinks. Ours are blooming, too.
If only they lasted longer!
Love the view from your porch in the first picture. Reminds me of Vermont where I grew up. Vastly different from our desert scenery.
But the desert has its own beauty, Ann.
Hi Claudia~~~~Lovely post again today! The porch is very inviting & I am lovin’ the chippy looking tiered planter! It’s super cute. You really scored on the picnic table & benches~~~~funny frog story~~~I would have thought the same thing as you did LOL! Have a peaceful day.
XO, Linda
Give Scout a kiss on the nose for me~~~
I will, Linda. I got that chippy planter in California about 5 years ago – it was from Mexico.
Your peonies are just beautiful. I’ve never had those – might have to give them a shot.
Love your cot and your welcoming porch!
Judy
I think they need a winter freeze to thrive – but you get those in Oklahoma, don’t you?
Oh, that wraparound porch is nice! And I’ve never seen a floor like that. The pinks of the flowers will look so lovely against that gray. It looks cool (temperature!). Our peony peaked several weeks earlier than yours. I bet astilbe would last longer there than here as the heat sends it on its way fast. The cot is a great idea and easy to strip covers off if a storm is coming. I know you’ll enjoy June on that porch.
Bluestone is lovely. It’s one of things we fell in love with when we first saw this house. I tried astilbe the first summer I planted and it didn’t do well. Don’t know why – because we have a great shade garden.
Claudia! How I miss my precious peonies looking at your beautiful blooms! It’s way too hot here; I can’t even find them in the nurseries; the experts know something, I imagine. Lovely porch, love all the shades of blue; enjoy!
Poppy
I think peonies, like lilacs, need a hard freeze in order to thrive. Do you get any freezes in Crete?
We have a lot of vinca around here, especially in our woods. I haven’t noticed any fungus there, but we aren’t as humid as you guys down in Florida.
The porch looks so inviting Claudia..I think Don has the right idea of taking a nap there..I think I would move the bush in the fall also..otherwise you may lose those beautiful blooms altogether..Little Scout looks like she is saying “Please Mom..Let me come out with you”
Your peonies are absolutely beautiful!! That is toooo funny about the wooden frog. :-) I have a little beaded green frog that sits outside on the deck by my potted plants and herbs. Of course I can hear it’s real cousins croaking away down by the drainage creek.
Hello Claudia
It’s not hard for me to imagine you sitting on your beautiful porch, maybe hand stitching a quilt from Sarah’s new book. Your shadow Miss Scout would be lying at your feet, nodding off and dreaming of chasing rabbits out of the garden!
I live in a small townhouse and one thing I really miss is my verandah!
I can only dream of peonies as my climate isn’t cold enough for them…. yours are exquisite!
Wishing you a happy week – are you still away on your assignment?
I must tell you Claudia my Miss Maggie Rabbit has arrived from Alicia – I’m making it for my little 18 month granddaughter and taking it to France with me!
hugs
Shane ♥
Claudia.. i was struck by how beautiful your first photo would look in a painting motif. I could get lost in the photo with my imagination. Thanks for all the beauty you post.
SueZK
I love our peonies also. I’m also looking at that gorgeous wire basket on your porch, sugar. If I love close… :-)
xoxo,
Connie
I can imagine you whiling away many an afternoon on your pretty porch, with handwork and a cool drink to hand. Love the wire basket and your rustic picnic benches and table.
Peonies are just blooming in my garden, too. They are young plants, so one bush has but two blossoms and the other 5 or 6. I love their ruffled prettiness.
I just bought 2 Peony plants..Needed something that tolerates sun..
Nothing better than snoozing on the porch. Love your peonies. Ours are just about gone. That Scout. She isn’t going to miss a thing. xo Laura
I transplanted a peonie this year and it has done quite well. That bloom is beautiful!
Porch sitting is a wonderful thing, I wish everyone could have a porch. Yours looks lovely, no need for fancy furniture.
Wonderful inspiration for the side porch we’ll have on our new house….I’m sure it will be my favorite ‘room’ :) Peonies are Indiana’s state flower, so they’re everywhere here….I LOVE them!!! I hope to plant a whole hedge of them on the back side of our yard.
Everything about your porch and view is lovely. You’ve been working hard since you came home! My peonies are one sunny day away from blooming.
Such an idyllic place to sit, relax and sip some lemonade on a summer afternoon.
Claudia, your yard and porch look so pretty and cozy. Looks like you’re ready for some warm weather.
What beautiful treasures for the eyes…my peonies are not open yet