Organizing the Potting Bench and other backyard business...

This cold Spring has really put me behind in getting things cleaned up and functional outdoors. It's been the "domino effect" around here with chores and projects. Get the yard people out to do the Spring "clean-up" and shrub trimming, then a big job of painting our pool deck which my sis and nephew helped me do. I can't do much more until we open the pool, which is usually around Mother's Day. (If it doesn't warm up it might be the 4th of July!) Then, all the real work (and fun) will start.

So... under the deck, where we house all our patio furniture, (and the potting bench) looks a little like a bunch of homeless hillbillies have been taking up winter residence. But I did manage to get the potting bench scrubbed down and put in a little bit of order.

I'm just getting started, and I'm looking forward to a visit to the nursery for some cheery blooms. But right now the potting bench is just a clean slate, emphasis on "clean". Hubbs and I put this together a couple of years ago. I'd been looking for ways to create a place to organize my flower pots, plantings, garden tools, and soil storage. I ended up with this great worktable that had been used for a tool bench and an old bookshelf. I properly "married them", and it's been fun having everything organized together within easy reach.

In lieu of purchased plants, I did find a small patch of wild violets along the fence to use as a stand-in until I can get my hands on some storebought blooms.

just a sweet little gift from nature in an old McCoy planter

Here's my vintage garden cart that I also put together a couple of years ago. I just love creeping phlox, but I've never been able to keep it going in a bed or border. I'm not sure why, maybe not enough water throughout the year, but in here it's taken off like gangbusters.

This little area will get more attention when the white garden chair gets decked out with geraniums and some other annuals join in on the fun. It's still a little bare around here, especially since we've hovered around 32 degrees several times this last week.

Here it is when I first planted it two years ago. My husband had threatened to haul it out to the curb for the trash man if I didn't do something useful with it.

How could you pitch this little garden cutie?

OK, sometimes we don't ask those rhetorical questions,

for fear of an honest answer...

I'm really looking forward to have the time to get everything in shape.
Next to Fall, this is my favorite time of the year...
Has the weather been cooperating with your outdoor plans?

joining in for these parties:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Swing Into Spring at DIY by Design
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Tips and Tutorials at Stone Gable
French Country Cottage
The Charm of Home
Rooted in Thyme
Jennifer Rizzo
From My Front Porch to Yours
Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

xoxo,

The Marketplace: Etsy and Boutique Showcase

Hi Everyone,
and Welcome to The Marketplace
This is a link party to share your Etsy Shop and Online Boutique goods,
and if you aren't selling, then have fun shopping.

Here are a few links from last week's party.

Kathleen has recently opened an Etsy Shop, Faded Charm.
You'll love her vintage wares, and enjoy her beautiful styling and photos.

Vintage French Alarm Clock  from Faded Charm

Bottled Stories

from The Old White House

Brides Cake Knife

from The Lazy Peacock

Vintage French Wire Egg Basket

from LaCroix Rosion

Chalkboard Alphabet Primer

from Knick of Time

And today the gals from Sweet Magnolias Farm are in the Spotlight. They are also having a Give Away this week celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Blue Ball Jar, so you'll want to run by and enter if you haven't already!

Here are a few items from their Etsy Shop that bring some Farmhouse fun for Spring.

Farmer's Market Towel

Mini Mason Jar Lights

Vintage Metal Price Holder Chalkboard

Thanks gals!

Hope you'll join in and link up to three individual items.

Or just a link to a blog post,

but please make sure these items are FOR SALE.

You don't have to have a blog to join in,

but if you do, please be a follower of this blog,

and I'd love for you to grab the button below

for somewhere on your sidebar,

to let everyone know about the party.

Have fun shopping,
Remember this link is open all week,
so stop back by later to see all the new items being listed.

Have a great week,