We built our new house in the woods right next to our old one. There was lots and lots of shade from all the oak trees. So I had to convert from a "sunny gardener" to a "shady" one with lots of hostas and woodland wildflowers. But there was one special place right next to our front porch. I call it our "sunny spot." From that vantage point we read the evening paper, watch the goats across the road and take life easy. (Click on pics for a closeup view)
A tiny pond with some floating water plants keep the goldfish happy. Some yellow Iris, and a few dianthus cheer things up. Later the lilies will put on there show. I somehow manage to propagate lots of amaryllis so they come outside to get their share of the sun.
Facing east we get the morning sun and a shaded late afternoon.
In spring the hanging plants are just getting started.
Also the cacti need lots of sun.
It was a long winter and cold spring this year so the "sunny spot" was finally much appreciated.
What a nice spot to enjoy while sitting on your porch. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, TB! How do you manage goldfish here in our chilly climate? How deep is their little pool? I'm interested!
ReplyDeleteIs is too soon to ask if another pup is in your future?
Full of questions, today, and good wishes to you,
Jo
What a nice place! I love sun and shade, and you've done a great job with both. :-)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a very nice place you and Mrs. TB have created in which to live and enjoy. You are to be congratulated!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice spot..you must do something right with those Amaryllis..they are beautiful! I covet that covered porch..perfect! :)
ReplyDeleteNow that's a nice porch! I see so many houses being built these days that are missing that quintessential gathering place. I can almost hear Andy Griffith strumming a tune.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the name of the amaryllis in your sunny spot? It's a lovely color.
it's a beautiful little oasis!
ReplyDeleteLove the sunny spot. Just looking at it makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely spot. I love a front porch. So many homes anymore don't have them. I think it is a great place to laze away the summer.
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs a sunny spot ~ that one looks very relaxing. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteIt can be difficult converting from one style of gardening to another, but you are making optimum use of your sunny spot! What a great place to start the day, or bring it to a close.
ReplyDeleteLovely flowers by your sitting spot. Many times, for nomadic folks like myself, we live in a home with mostly shade. Your sunny spot suggests that we should take advantage of these small spots to bring beauty into our life. thanks for pointing this out -- barbara
ReplyDeleteShade gardens are nice but you can't beat that nice colorful, sunny spot to perk you up. You really put it to good use.
ReplyDeleteA very inviting spot.
ReplyDeleteYou've used your sunny spots very well. You've got a wide variety of plants around your house.
ReplyDeleteI am so in love with your front porch!!! I miss having a covered porch. The amaryllis look great. I used to grow them...but forgot to bring them in one winter and that was the end of that. Your place is very charming ♥
ReplyDeleteSunny enough for cactus! :-)
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love a front porch? Our front porch is what sold me on our house! I have such fond memories of my family gathering on the front porch of our old childhood home in TN. You have created a wonderful Oasis for newspaper reading and memory making and the Pond is just awesome...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your sunshine on this foggy day. Your covered porch is delightful!
ReplyDeleteIt looks as if you get a lot of use out of your sunny spot. All of your plants are doing very well.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing some reading and catching up from my own sunny spot at this very moment! I think everyone should have one. Sunshine is good for the spirits. :)
ReplyDeleteSmart to have an east facing porch. We have a deck on the SW corner of the house. It is often too hot out there. The original house plan had that area shaded on the pm by a garage, but we couldn't put a garage there.
ReplyDeleteYour porch and garden look very inviting!
ReplyDeleteI like the plant pots hanging above the railing.
Lovely!
xo Catherine
I'm a big fan of shady spots, mostly for the fact you can avoid closing up the house to keep it cool. With our Minnesota winters, it seems like there are so few days in a year when you can enjoy the outdoor breezes and not worry about the heat or cold.
ReplyDeleteLovely view from your porch! Your yard is so nice.
ReplyDeleteThe amaryllis are lovely. Nice to have a warm sunny spot for the sun-loving plants.
ReplyDeleteLove your pretty garden!
ReplyDeleteI think it adds so much to life to have a favorite spot where you can read and just chill out ... or catch the sun as your lovely garden does !
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought this place I had to learn a lot about shade gardening... then pine bark beetle and 7 years of sunshine! Now the trees are back tall enough to make me search for a sunny enough spot to raise a few veggies.
ReplyDeleteI love your porch and miss mine.