August in the Garden...

It has been the sunniest and warmest summer we've had since moving to the Seattle area 15 years ago! It reminded me of summers growing up in Northern California.

Our garden loved all of the sunshine (our grass, not so much)! 

Here is the garden gate, covered in vines and hops...

Once the hops fade to a golden brown, I love bringing them inside to decorate with. The hops vines add texture and a touch of nature to mantels and shelves.

It was a happy morning when our youngest discovered "his" corn was ready! This was our first corn - we had tried last year but it didn't grow. He shucked each ear excitedly and ran it into the house... :)

We are also enjoying watching our first watermelon grow!

Along with our first pumpkins...

Zucchini has grown in abundance.

Grapes grow along our back fence. This type is a little tart, but our boys like snacking on them. Our chickens love them too! ;)

Thank you for stopping by today and taking a peek into our garden. Did you plant a garden this year? Did you try anything new? What did the best? I'd love to hear!

Xo

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How to Bring Farmhouse Style Outdoors {10 Ways}

Comfortable. Casual. Welcoming. Rustic. 

These are some feelings that come to mind when I think of farmhouse style outdoors... Where a hurried life seems to slow down and the quiet beauty of nature is all around.

A place for family and friends to gather.

Whether you have an actual farmhouse with acreage, a suburban home in a neighborhood, or an apartment with a small entryway and balcony, there are ways to incorporate farmhouse style right where you live.

1. {Wood crates} A vintage bulb crate next to our front door serves as a rustic shelf for a pitcher of flowers. Fresh cut flowers are a quick & easy way to freshen up a porch.

Wood crates are also good catch-alls for toys and balls.

2. {Ticking fabric, grain sack and burlap} for cushions and pillows add that classic farmhouse feel. 

3. {Old tin buckets} as planters for a simple "just grabbed these out of the barn" ambience. ;)

A repurposed chicken waterer is right at home on the front porch. I found this one at a yard sale for just a few dollars  (I loved the rust for decorating, though it wouldn't work well for chickens ;). You can also find them at antique stores. New, you can expect to pay $20 - $25 for this size (2 gallon). 

4. {Chippy, weathered furniture} brings a comfortable feel to a covered porch. Use an old dresser for a plant stand, gardening tool storage, or simply a focal point.

5. {Vines} I'm so grateful to our home's previous owners for planting beautiful vines around the property. Here they are, growing up the side of our laundry/mud room.

And along a fence, vines, grapes and hops add old fashioned texture and greenery.



6. {Gates} are functional, but can also add farmhouse appeal. 

For an easy way to incorporate a gate or two, prop them up on a porch or entryway. The picture below is from our fall porch last year. I used an old gate and section of fencing on the porch to add more of that "pumpkin patch" feel. ;) I found the gate and fence at a yard sale, but similar pieces can be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot. 

7. {Arbors} add architectural interest year-round. They can support beautiful vines and wisteria during the growing months. In winter, string lights up on arbors for a "happy" dose of light, when darkness comes early. 

This arbor, set off of our gravel driveway, marks the entrance to our front yard.

8. {Outdoor seating} invites you to slow down and take in the scenery. I recently moved this bench out near the chicken yard so that we could sit and watch the chickens (may sound weird, but it's peaceful :). Is there a special place on your property - maybe in the garden - where a bench might encourage you to enjoy the view awhile longer?

9. {Outbuildings} like a chicken coop or garden shed open up lots of possibilities, as well as provide you with another charming backdrop. 

10. {Farm fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers} evoke simple country living perhaps more than anything. If you don't have space to plant fruit trees or build raised garden beds, consider a container garden where strawberries, tomatoes and herbs can be tended and enjoyed.

Find ideas on decorating with farmhouse style inside here!

And now I'm wondering, where is your favorite spot at home to enjoy some time outdoors? Or, is there a view you most love, looking out your window? I'd love to hear!

So glad you stopped by...

Xo

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An Entryway Arbor...

The arbor in the front of our house, that helps define the entrance, 
is now covered in spring-green vines... 

One of my favorite plants - the lilac - is in full-bloom near the arbor...

There's a touch of wisteria (though it grows more prolific in other areas of the yard). 

A simple stone path leads from the arbor to the front porch...

We added some strands of lights to the arbor to provide some much needed light out front. Some day, we'd love to add some built-in lighting... 

It's always amazing how quickly things grow! The first picture in this post was taken about ten days ago. If you compare it to the picture below, taken today, you can see such a change in the tree, vines and lilacs...

We've been enjoying the sunshine today... Our youngest and I took a blanket out on the grass and enjoyed a library book together (until our crazy cat started showing off his daredevil climbing skills in the tree above...tough competition when you're trying to read a book to a 5-year-old boy! ;). 

Thank you for stopping by! I hope your day is going well...

xo

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