Feeling the Christmas spirit

I must say there is something where after you've had that delicious Thanksgiving dinner, that good old fashioned Christmas spirit feeling comes in full force. I started my decorating on the outdoors first. I have three urns outside that I already knew what I was going to do with them. I envisioned them filled with various fresh greens that offered their beauty through their different textures and scents. Here are the end results

 

 

 I mixed some weather-proof red berry garland to give them a subtle pop of color. Usually you can tell when you squeeze the berry, if they are soft to the touch when you squeeze them then I wouldn't recommend them for the outdoors. I would assume that if you live in a warmer climate, where you do not experience freezing temperatures then you can dis-regard this tip.

 

 

 

I love having some kind of cascading effect in my plantings on the base. I always wondered how I can obtain that look in the winter months when everything that cascades would freeze. I was so glad to be able to do this with my winter greens.

 

 

 I purchased a wreath for half off at Hobby Lobby that I was okay with, but knew that I could definitely spruce things up a bit in it with extra greens to add fullness and texture, and of course some burlap ribbon intertwined with some sparkly thin ribbon to add some glisten when the lights hit it.

 

 I purchased these vintage looking ice skates from where I work and wasn't sure if I should incorporate them into the wreath. I put them up to it, and fell in love, it added a little touch of character to the wreath. What do you think?

 

 

I hung the fresh cedar greens around the entryway and added lights to give a welcoming holiday feel even before guests walk through the doors. I also added cinnamon scented pinecones into the wreath and urn arrangement.

 

 

 

I definitely completed my outdoor decorating just in time. North Dakota is definitely going to be experiencing some chilly temps and nasty weather in the next few days. Highs is the negatives! Yikes!

I really hope you found some inspiration and got some holiday cheer from this post. I love decorating for the holidays, and there is nothing more satisfying than being able to show some of my hard work to others. Right now I'm getting to completing my Christmas tree inside, and will begin a post on that.

 

Big Hugs,

Melissa :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Missing my garden

Lately we have been encountering some above normal temperatures for February here in Connecticut. These warmer temps are making me feel anxious to get digging in the dirt. But for now all I can do is just look at the pictures I took from my garden.

I hope you can find some inspiration from these photos, so let's take a walk through my garden.

I love mixing catmint with my roses, I think it compliments them very well.

The climbing rose "America", even more beautiful in person. Such a great rose, train it as a climber or keep pruning it and keep it as a large shrub, you choose.

I purchased this basket at a tag sale for only $3.00! You never know what you can find at these things.

Oh foxglove, how I love you.

One of the most popular climbers, "Blaze"

More foxglove paired with catmint, just dreamy.

This small hedge of roses is of "Bonica" in the pink, and the red are "Red Meidilland" not sure if I spelled it correctly. Bonica is such a fruity smelling rose that is just so pretty and feminine, great for making quick dainty fresh arrangement for your bedside table, or bathroom. I just love it.

I hope you enjoyed your stroll through my garden.

Have a great day everyone! Muah!