A Garden for Two

*Warning: For those living in northern states, and not currently experiencing warm temperatures, I do not write this post to make your lives more miserable than they currently are; I simply desire to share my current joy in living in the south.

It appears that Spring is here in North Texas. Actually. It appears that Spring has almost come and gone. Bradford Pears are done. Redbuds are practically finished. The 12 daffodils that I happened to see are over. Tulips are sporadic and wilty-looking. Bluebonnets are just coming appearing on the roadside. Temperatures are hovering around the mid-70's.

And I couldn't stand it anymore. I've been itching to go to the local nursery and start my very own "patio garden". Living in an apartment definitely has it's pluses, but when it comes to growing plants and such ... a major downer. But, having lived with my mother who, in my opinion, is the queen of creating a successful showing of patio plants, I figured I would try my hand at those this year and perhaps that would fill my need to water and watch pretty things grow. So, I've been saving coupons for weeks now, just waiting for the prime time to go purchase my little plants. I wasn't sure if it was too early but didn't want to wait too long and then have slim-pickings for the choosing.

Saturday seemed like the perfect day. I drug my sweet husband to our nursery and bought my very first of everything! We had fun, pushing our cart around, trying to find plants that did well in "full sun", as our back patio has no shade for those insanely hot summer afternoons here in Texas. I wanted things that would be colorful. I wanted plants that would be easy to care for. I say we did pretty well. They aren't a lot to look at right now, but at least it's a start. And the great thing about it all is I can add to it next year!


Searching the apartment grounds for rocks to put in the bottom of the containers.

Back patio arrangements.

Impatients by the front door.

Now ... if I can just keep them alive ...