Welcome to the porch!
Imagine the end of a long day of house hunting. Imagine coming to view the last property on that day’s list and seeing this wrap-around porch.
I gasped when I saw it. I’ve always been a porch girl, I grew up with one. But years of living in apartments had denied me the pleasure of porch sitting for so long that I thought I might never have one again.
Until I saw this porch. It clinched the deal for me. (For Don the clincher was the kitchen with its high ceiling.)
The picket gate that you see was a later addition. I wanted something to secure the porch when the dogs were out there, so I used this section of picket fence, along with two metal pieces that allow the gate to be easily put in place and just as easily removed. You can find out more about it in this post.
The leaf door knocker was used at our previous rental. I nailed it to the post. No, that’s wrong. I screwed it to the post.
This is the view from just beyond the entrance to the porch. You can see the large garden bed and the shed and lots of hostas.
The first thing you see after arriving on the porch is this bench. I got that sign about 7 years ago at an antique shop.
But if you want the entire view of this bench, you’ll see why it functions as a potting/stash/supply area.
Bags of potting soil, tools, buckets, pots, garden gloves – you name it, it’s there. Unlike the owner of the dollhouse, I don’t have a dedicated shed/room for potting.
The teak furniture that you see was a Don find. Just down the road from us is another road where we would frequently take the dogs for a walk. There’s only one house on that road and the furniture (consisting of four benches- two with backs and two picnic benches, as well as a big picnic table) was sitting out near the road with a For Sale sign. Don negotiated with the owner and we got the whole shebang for $25.
That’s the picnic table.
And that’s the wrought iron plant stand or Wrought Iron Thingy (its official name) that I bought several years ago while working in California. I had to ship it home, but it was worth it because I love the way it looks out here on the porch.
As you turn the corner, there is another bench filled with potted plants and a piece of vintage wicker.
The clematis winds it way in and out of the porch railing. (No, I haven’t cleaned the porch railing yet. And I just may not!)
On the far end of the porch is the glider – another $25 Don find from our time living in San Diego. It’s rusty and funky from years of use. I’ve been tempted to paint it, but I like the rust. I like the vintage, weathered look of it. I spend lots of time on this glider. It’s also great for taking a nap. That’s a vintage wooden step stool on the right.
You can see the roses pushing their way through the porch spindles. The garden bed behind the glider is full of hydrangeas and roses and soon they will be framing this view. I’ll be sure to share that with you.
I’m on a strict budget. Actually, even a budget is non-existent at the moment, so I am limited in what I can add to the porch this summer. However, this porch is made for hanging baskets, so I limited myself to two.
I’ve chosen the same plants for the last few years.
This is a Scaevola hybrid called Whirlwind Blue. It’s a gorgeous trailing plant and here’s the best part: it lasts all the way to the first hard frost. I have no choice but to be frugal, so I don’t want to use early spring blooming flowers that eventually die in the summer. That means I would have to buy more flowers. No can do.
These babies are beautiful and long-lasting and I don’t have to do a thing but water them.
See? Gorgeous.
If I could, I would have a hanging plant in every framed opening on the porch.
Someday.
I see so many beautiful porches out there in blogland. Many of them have painted floors and never seem to get dirty. They have lamps and beautiful furniture. They have curtains wafting gently in the breeze. I can only surmise that those porches are more protected from the elements than mine. Since my porch is a wrap-around porch and it’s on a little hill, the wind and rain and snow that we get sweeps through, leaving leaves and dirt and snow and ice and rain behind. It’s just not practical for me to have anything too ‘decorated.’ That doesn’t work with our northeastern weather or with the way our cottage is situated. So I do my best to make it naturally beautiful and the teak pieces have been the perfect solution. Simple works best here.
You can see why this is a favorite place to read a book, do some crocheting, drink some early morning coffee or just rock gently on the glider.
The bluestone floor is simply beautiful. The view of the gardens and the property makes my heart sing.
Thanks for stopping by!
(The winners of tickets to the Country Living Fair are Arianna and Cherie. Congrats!)
Happy Tuesday.
Love love the porch! So homey and relaxing. What I like most about your style of living and decorating is that is something I could afford. It’s not about buying the most expensive furniture, nor the outlandish stuff I see in magazines. It’s real life, a reflection of what you and Don seem to be. Enjoy your down to earth being. Keep it up. Take care!
Real living, real life is what it’s all about here. Living frugally but graciously, if that makes sense!
I love your porch. So inviting and friendly looking. My porch is so tiny that if I put a chair there it gets hit by the door. I do have a little spot for one hanging basket and I think this year I might try that Whirlwind. I’ll be thinking of you later today – when I fix myself a cup of tea and set outside and pretend I have a porch as nice as yours.
Smiles to you.
Linda
A porch of any kind is a good thing, Linda! Even a stoop! All you need is a place to sit a spell and enjoy being outdoors.
I just love it! Its perfect so relaxing. The weather here is not so friendly at times on my front porch either. My new hobby (therapy for losing my job, keeps me motivated) is looking on Craig’s List under FREE. After finding the rocker for the front porch and then going to Habitat for Humanity which they also had some freebies. Found 2 baskets and a 1983 Southern Living cookbook, it felt like I found a goldmine! You and Don are good people I can tell, things will work themselves out. ((hugs))
I love looking at the Free section of Craig’s List, too, Nancy. You never know what you might find!
You have a lovely porch. Very inviting and relaxing.
Thank you, Julie!
Your porch is lovely! It looks like a comfortable place to relax on a hot summer day, I love the glider! I would love it in the fall too! My front porch is very small, but has room enough for a couple of chairs and some plants. I have a patio in the back where I have a table & chairs & more plants. I really love your glider, but have no room for one at my place. Cheers to you later today when I relax with a glass of iced tea!
Enjoy that iced tea, Debbie!
I;m more relaxed having just seen photos. Imagine if I actually sat there for an hour or two! So beautiful.
Thank you, Leslie Anne – it’s pretty in all seasons, but especially Spring and Fall.
You and I live in the real world. Here in the south mold an mildew rule. I am like you. Sometimes I fly into cleaning rails and my porch furniture and sometimes I let it go au naturale. I am glad you are finally having pretty weather. Have a great day.
This is a year I just might let it go au natural, Shasha!
I long for a porch like yours!
We’re very lucky!
So lovely and tranquil. I, too, love a good porch and yours is wonderful. I’ve made note of the flowers you have hanging and will see if they are available in my area. I’d love to have some.
Our local nursery always carries them, thank goodness!
Claudia, Here’s to lots of porch sitting this summer. My porch gets too much of the elements also. I would love curtains and lamps. Love your hanging plants. xoxo,Susie
Thanks, Susie!
I love my porch but your wrap around beats it! I spent $40 on sheer fabric and made simple, gathered curtains for my porch. They are secured at the top with Velcro. This will be the fourth year to have them up all summer and they don’t show any wear at all. In very high winds, the Velcro will pull off and they drop to the floor instead of tearing. Works for me.
It wouldn’t work here, unfortunately, but I’m glad it works for you! Sounds lovely, Maureen.
One of the reasons we bought this place 26 years ago is because of the front porch and back deck. The back deck is in the shade all afternoon in the summer (it doesn’t have a roof or cover) and the front porch is big and covered. I didn’t much care what was going on inside the house! I love your porch with the complete roof. You can sit out there in the summertime in a gentle rain. Lovely.
Tana
Yes, it’s awfully nice when it’s raining oh-so-slightly and you can feel the breeze.
What a lovely dreamy spot you have there on your porch looking out over your gardens. I, too, grew up with a big front porch where my sister and I sometimes slept on a big old iron bed under the cool Vermont breezes. Nice memories. Sometimes I miss all the green in New England — but — I don’t miss the long, cold winters. So Lake Havasu is the place for me! I have a huge patio that looks out over the pool and then on to the Lake in the background … we’re very blessed.
I wouldn’t mind a pool Ann!
Your porch is the perfect place to while away the day…gentle summer breezes…a great book….a cool drink, or hot if you prefer…light conversation with your love…Just Perfect! ;)
Thank you Donna!
Love your blog and have checked in for several years.
I live in the desert north of San Diego and I share the same budget as you!
Our spring is gone and now have the summer heat. Wild flowers and roses are blooming.
When you find your way back to California for a visit remember you have a free room to stay in!
Judy
Aw, how sweet of you! Thanks!
I am laughing as I imagine that some of those porches were ‘Staged’
Yours, on the other hand looks pretty, but real. Wrap arounds are the best and isn’t it nice to have a new room for about 2 1/2 seasons? :)
Of course they were!
Yes, I love having another room!
Oh I love your porch Claudia! I want to have my morning coffee there and plan my day…then later read and take a nap on the glider. I bet it would be beautiful in a rain storm as well (so long as the winds were not howling and blowing – lol). Thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome Vera!
Love your porch, the view, the plants. All beautiful and serene.
Thank you Melanie!
What a lovely porch !!! Perfect for a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of ice tea on a hot afternoon. I love the fact that you created this tranquil oasis on a very tight budget. It’s amazing what you can do with very little money and a lot of creativity.
Enjoy your time on the porch,
Vanessa
I think having very little money is sometimes the key to a creative solution, Vanessa.
Your porch is so charming and I am so crazy about your stone floor!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Thanks, Susan!
The porch would have clinched the deal for me too Claudia..what a wonderful place to relax..I definitely have some porch envy going on here..lol..Porch curtains look pretty but they would make me feel like I was back inside..I prefer to have the view and feel the breezes when I am outside..
You know, you’re right! I want to be outside, not inside!
Claudia,
Your porch is so serene, just like the rest of your home. All the love that lives in there shows. I so enjoy your website!
Oh, thank you for those kinds words, Cindy.
I’m sure glad someone else’s porch gets dirty! My back porch could be swept every day and still have a leaf, piece of mulch or a dropping of potting soil not to mention what the birds leave behind. But, I love it! And, I am feeling a little porch envy of your wrap-around at the moment!
Oh, I’ve got leaves and dirt and bird droppings and all sorts of things!
Oh we do love our porches don’t we Claudia? Yours is bigger than mine and I love the bluestone floor – mine is just concrete.
I’m going to miss sitting out there – awaiting taxi for the airport now – but hopefully the neighbors will keep an eye on my porch and cottage – the garden will have to grow without my TLC for a while!.
Bye for now – hugs, Mary
Have a wonderful trip, Mary!
Wow Don does wonders with $25. I love the iron thingy, and you are using it just perfectly, it’s such a great art piece. Pinning!
Thanks, Dawn!
Your wraparound porch is a dream. It’s the one thing I really miss at my new place…a porch.
hugs,
Linda
Porches are so wonderful. Having been without one for many years, I understand!
Claudia your porch is lovely. I adore the glider. All of Don’s finds work well on the porch. I do not have a porch but out deck and per cola are terribly hard to keep clean or neat. Olive
So hard to keep clean, Olive! A major battle.
Claudia,
It would be so fabulous to sit there and have a cup of coffee and chat with you. I would love to have a porch. I grew up in the South and they are a necessity. Unfortunately, they don’t have to many of them here in the Pacific Northwest. Someday…:)
I love reading your blog. Thanks for being such a calm presence in the busyness of the day.
Clara
Redeemed Junk and Stuff
You are most welcome, Clara.
You are a very fortunate woman. What a beautiful, welcoming porch you & Don have created.
Your feathered friend having a bath has made my heart leap!
What a wonderful post! I can just smell the sweetness of the plants and feel the moistness of the air. It is so dry here…I would love to transport myself to your wonderful porch to enjoy your beautiful summer. I can bring a pitcher of iced tea, no sugar! Seriously, that would be wonderful.
If you ever decide to paint your glider (which would protect it and hence it would last longer) I would suggest the shade of aqua that you seem quite fond of. I think it would go with all of your greenery and flowers.
What a great porch…we have a full farmer’s porch which was a must when we built the house. Since we have no children or pets we did not enclose it….it is fun to decorate with plants.
Love your porch. I will even say I jealous. I miss my big front porch and have always wanted a wrap around porch.
I am grateful for my tiny front porch (where I gave up on hanging baskets because I could not find anything to make it through the summer – I put wind chimes on all the hooks)
We had a back porch added when we bought the house and the only regret is that we didn’t mKe it larger.
Hope you are having a great summer!