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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Things that make me happy...part 3


Sometimes when I complain to much about living in the desert I have to slap myself and take good hard look around. I am very grateful that I am able to spend time outside for most of the year. We are blessed to have a very large lot that allows both my husband and I to have the spaces we need to make us happy. My happy place in my backyard is in my garden. Well, I call it my garden. Really it's the back porch, the flagstone patio my husband and I built several summers ago by hand. (Yes, I said summer. What were we thinking???) A large grassy lawn and tons of flowerpots holding a rotating variety of plants.


When the weather is nice, I love to sit out on the porch with a good book and listen to my favorite music with the sound of my fountain in the background. A couple years ago when I was working a job that really stressed me out, sitting out there was the best therapy I could get at the end of the day.


This is an old photo. I was in the middle of refinishing a pair of wooden Adirondack chairs when I took this picture, but wanted to show you how pretty the garden is in the late afternoon.

On nice evenings my husband and I like to sit outside here together. We listen to music and talk about our day, or better yet, talk about our dreams for the future. On cooler evenings the mosaic table top that I made gets put away and a firepit takes it's place. A mug of hot coco and an afghan and I am a happy camper!


Some of the plants in the pots change out according to the seasons. I think the Garden looks it's best in the spring. We have fairly mild winters here so the plants have a chance to grow and thrive through the cooler months. If the winter is to cold for some things, I just replace them with something else. The Home Garden garden center is also a happy place for me. :)

It's a lot of work to keep the garden looking it's best. Some years are better than others, but it's definitely a labor of love.

37 comments:

The Feathered Nest said...

Hi Karen! What a gorgeous oasis sweet friend!! So many beautiful plants, add the sound of water trickling...how relaxing ~ I hope you are doing great! hugs and love, Dawn

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh how very pretty! I love seeing green in the desert. My son and dil live in Tempe and it has been quite an adjustment for them coming from Wisconsin. They miss the water and green and change of seasons, but seeing your oasis is such a inspiration. Cindy

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I hate our Winters here, but mainly for the snow. I actually have always liked having Winter as a break from having to work in my garden. It also allows me to look outside and see what might look nice where, so when Spring comes I can try some new or different flowers. I've been doing pots a lot more in recent years.

NormaJean said...

Hi Karen, Just wanted to say How Beautiful your pictures are, I so Love your home. and so enjoy just looking at your blog and all the beautiful things you have made and collected..
thanks for sharing
hugs Norma

Norma Lee @ Norma Lee Good said...

Karen, you have such a lovely beautiful home. Every room is just so warm and welcoming. Next time I'm in Arizona I am going to come over and we are going to make cookies and eat them! haha. No seriously, your home is so cozy and beautiful and it feels like a home where you could just walk in, curl up and eat cookies. Love it.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I need you here at my back yard. It has really taking a beating with the horrible heat last summer and the cold this winter. Next week we plan to replace some bushes. I love when it is so pretty and I can enjoy it...but with my health condition, I can't do as much as I would like.
Your backyard is lovely!! Hope you are enjoying it on our non rain days this month!!

stefanie said...

everything is just gorgeous...makes me want spring

June said...

Hi Karen, oh boy have I enjoyed seeing all the things in your life that give you joy. I loved the post about your dogs so much. This one about the garden is wonderful and I can definitely see how this lovely oasis would bring you happiness. It's all just so pretty.
hugs

Lora said...

I really enjoyed the pictures of your garden. Thanks so much for posting them. I am so looking forward to spring! I've been talking to my husband about really working on our backyard this spring. I too love sitting outside and looking at all the beautiful plants... very relaxing.

BailiwickStudio said...

Your garden is so lovely! I especially like that big tree shading the flagstone patio. It must keep those hot summer days somewhat pleasant? ::Jill

Linda K. said...

Your garden really is very pretty. So much greenery, it's refreshing here in the southwest. And with the rain we are getting now, the spring will be a sight to behold! I am gleaning ideas from your garden for use in our backyard. It has a long way to go since we have just been here a year and a half.
Blessings,
Linda

~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...

Hi Karen, Sounds like heaven to me. Warm weather is for me. It'snice to meet you I'll stop by again.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

Char said...

Gorgeous sweet Karen and had to believe you and I live in the same state. My yard looks like the desert and yours looks like the country, I love it and it gives me hope that some day I will achieve the same effect, Char

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

I would love to be able to sit out on your patio in the evenings and enjoy the surroundings. So lovely, peaceful and calming.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Hi Karen.....I love your patio and garden.... . so tranquil and relaxing to look at. I also love the flagstone patio that looks so natural and inviting. I would like to do something similiar in my back yard. Thanks for the comment on my "dumplings"! lol~Patti

Patina said...

I can see why it makes you happy! What a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the day!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful retreat....haven't been by in a while and enjoyed your backyard ever so much.....beautiful!

xo,
jana

Lisa said...

Karen, you lucky girl! I'm 'happy' & I don't even live there! What a wonderful place to just hang & unwind. Here in Texas it's either too bloody hot or the mosquito's are after us or it hailing the size of golf balls! Ok, maybe I exaggerate a teeny weeny bit. We do have about 3 amazing months. Lisa

Sheila Rumney said...

What a beautiful place that you have created! Your pictures make me dream for spring and summer here.

Cyn said...

What a great looking backyard! I can see why you love spending time out there.

chicroses said...

Hi karen, Your garden patio is gorgeous. But I scrolled down to look at your dogs. And here I sit with tears in my eyes. They are so precious but Rocky you explained him so well. Is it springer spanials that are so human like? Hank would look you in the eye and like he was saying something. If I sat outside he sat on me. We sat on the step on the deck and he leaned into me and put his paw on my lap.Weve had other dogs and I loved them dearly but Hank was like a human child and my dh and I are still grieving over the loss of Hank. I look at Rocky and he looks so much like hank in the face even though Hank was black. Your Harley was a doll also. We talk about getting another dog but its a long story..I have new home and so looking for ideas on patios plants..Well sorry this is long ,I shouldnt have visited your blog..well yes...silly me...sally

Charlene said...

Beautiful!!!! This would be a happy place for me too. We have a little area off our bedroom window that I would love to create an area like this. I LOVE your fountain. Don't you love the sound of water trickling? So soothing. Thanks for sharing your little spot of heaven. HUGS! Charlene

Rustique Gal said...

Karen, I can't believe you live in Arizona. It is so lush and green and cool looking. This winter I moved my fountain into the living room to help hydrate my plants-It reminds me of balmy summer nights on the screenporch. Beautiful pictures!
Sherry

Caleen said...

What a beautiful dreamy place you have created.. Hard to believe it is in the desert area.. You have added so many elements that are peaceful. I love the plants, windows, seating and cozy atmosphere.. I would be out there everyday.. So pretty. Thanks for inspiring me.. I am excited for spring.. God Bless

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Gorgeous outdoor area. We have two balconies but there's so much dust in Kuwait, it is hard to keep it clean. The poor plants are always covered in a light film. But I do so love seeing the plants out there. Everyone needs some green in their life. Hope you are having a great weekend. :) Tammy

The French Bear said...

Karen, your garden is beautiful!!! I only wish we had a long enough season to grow a garden, love the flowers and all of the wonderful plants you have. You have a definite style, just love it all!!
The outside of your home is just as beautiful as the inside!
Hugs,
Margaret B

Rosemary said...

Very nice Karen!! How lucky you are.
Thanks for your very sweet comments.
Rosemary

sparkled*life said...

Your house is beautiful love all the pictures of it in the side bar! I love your backyard what a retreat you have back there! That is for sure a lot of work to keep up with all of it, but I know you probably get every minute of that back and more in enjoyment of it! You have a wonderful blog look forward to coming back soon and reading more!

Tania said...

What a gorgeous garden to sit and relax in. I love a abundance of colour just beautiful

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Karen,
You know how much I love your garden! Every time I see it, I want to run outside and work in the yard, just like it makes me want to do today, even though it's raining cats and dogs once again! I can see why you love to spend time out there. Soon as it dries out here, I will be back to look again for inspiration.
xo~Tracie

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hello Karen,

Your garden area is just beautiful..reminds of the yard I had in San Diego many moons ago....it was wonderful having a year around growing season.

I love my mountain home and the four seasons but I do miss the desert climate that I once enjoyed. :0)

Too bad we can't have a home in all the different climates to visit every year..hehe :0)

I haven't been by in a while...time just seems to go by so fast at times...Glad to see you are doing well.

Have a lovely day,
Stephanie

Ticking and Toile said...

Hi Karen,
Oh man, your porch makes me die for spring!! Yes! You should be so happy to be able to be outdoors year round!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

Shellagh

Unknown said...

What a beautiful garden, and I love how you decorate your gorgeous photographs with lovely frames.

Karen

My name is Cindy said...

A girl after my own heart obviously!! This is a really fantastic outside space, what a lovely place to be able to sit and .....do nothing?

It's cold and miserable here in the UK, I'm pining for the Spring
:0(

Cindy

Unknown said...

WOW! I could sit out there all day long! Absolutely beautiful!

Susan said...

I just love your garden photos. Actually, I just love all the photos I've seen so far on your Blog. You have a fantastic eye and are incredibly gifted. Thank you for all the inspiration.

Susan

La-Dee-da crafter said...

Hi Karen,
I just moved to Tucson back in December and I was wondering what grows best here in the desert? As far as flowers. I had wisteria in my old garden and loved it. What months is it best to start planting?
ladeedacreations.com

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