Happy summer, dear readers! Welcome to a porch and garden tour followed by a summer luncheon on the deck. I am so happy that you have stopped by for a visit!
I hope that your summer is off to a wonderful start. With the bright sunshine and warmer temperatures, I have been spending lots of time outdoors. It has been a long time since we have been in touch, so I have lots to share. Grab a cup of sweet tea, and let’s take a walk around the porch and garden.
This year, new cushions were in order for the covered porch. I was so happy to find these navy-blue cushions on sale at Ballard Designs. They were just what I was looking for. They are covered in Sunbrella fabric, and the dark navy color is perfect for not showing dirt. The new cushions called for fresh accent pillows. These floral April Cornell pillows fit the space perfectly. Her linens are always so pretty.
During the warmer months, we spend lots of time outdoors. I always start my day off with a cup of tea and a favorite book in this very spot. It is a peaceful place, and perfect for just stepping away from everyday stress.
If you look closely, the little boy statue has been repaired. When he was in a flower bed on the lower level of the yard, the deer knocked him over and broke his arm. Luckily, I was able to repair him.
The title of the book on the coffee table sums up life around my house. We do a lot of “porch living” this time of year.
Below is a little nook on the porch. A Boston Fern is tucked in the iron container hanging on the wall. My Boston Ferns have been thriving this year. In fact, the majority of my flowers and plants have been very happy. We were blessed to have a mild spring, and it is my opinion that this allowed everything to settle in before the warmer temperatures appeared.
You will find lots of geraniums and pentas around the porch and patio. These tend to do well for me, and I believe in sticking with what works. If you have followed me, you already know about all of my troubles with my fellow neighbors…the deer. We have had to start over so many times that we have just about given up. I decided this year to play up the upper levels of my yard since they cannot access this area. Also, we have been taking other measures to deter the unwanted guests from the lower level of the yard. Knock on wood, motion sprinklers and Liquid Fence seem to be working.
The picture below was actually taken earlier in the spring. The pots have since doubled in size.
More geraniums are in hanging baskets, and my Black Eyed Susans are full of buds and ready to burst with their bright golden blooms.
Kimberly Queen Ferns are potted in antique olive buckets.
This photo is a close up of a Double Knock Out Rose before the Japanese Beetles appeared. They have been relentless this year. Fingers crossed; I think they have finally moved on.
Father’s Day weekend our state was hit with tornadoes and high winds. We had sustained wind speeds of 75 mph and lost power. We were the fortunate ones. Our power was restored rather quickly. Many of my fellow Oklahomans were without power for an entire week.
Father’s Day was spent cleaning up all the debris. It was a mess! This White Wedding Hydrangea was laying on the ground, but a stake and some string fixed her right up. I have two more of these hydrangeas on the lower level of the yard. They produce oodles of blooms until late summer and are some of my favorite hydrangeas. We had an early cold snap last fall and as a result many of my hydrangeas did not bloom this year.
Sweet visitors love my purple pentas.
The deer have access to this area of the yard. This year, I decided to plant Lambs Ear and vining purple lantana in the urns on the patio. The delicate purple flowers are so pretty, and these plants are supposed to be deer resistant. So far, so good.
By now, you must be getting tired. Let’s go back up to the covered porch. A special table has been set just for you so we can enjoy some chicken salad, strawberry cake, and sweet tea.
An April Cornell tablecloth anchors the tablesetting. Her tablecloths are always beautiful with their striking floral patterns.
Blue dinner plates paired with hydrangea salad plates were purchased several years ago at Sur La Table. The blue goblets and seersucker napkins were also a Sur La Table purchase.
A green basket filled with sunflowers and sprigs of lavender create a simple summer centerpiece.
Sweet friends, I hope you have enjoyed your visit. I am so thrilled to be able to share my porch and blooms with you. It has made me so happy! May you have a most joyous day filled with lots of blessings!
Oh Shannon, everything looks gorgeous!! I love your red white and blue color palette and the vibrant AC floral print! I would live on your porch in the summertime, what a beautiful space~ all your plantings are so pretty too, and the table set for 2 is lovely. Well done my friend, it is picture perfect and magazine worthy! Happy Summer!
Thank you so much, Jenna! Have a wonderful weekend!
So enjoyed seeing the beautifully decorated porch. Gorgeous decor and flouring plants . The colors are stunning!
Thank you so much, Mary! I am so happy that you stopped by for a visit. Enjoy your weekend!
I totally love your photos and the gorgeous colors on your deck. The blue and red is refreshing from the red/white/blue splattered all over blogworld. Gorgeous pattern and flowers…you certainly must have had some rain. Here in Chicagoland we finally got the first significant rain since April.
Hi Sandra ! I am so happy that you stopped by for a visit! Thank you so much for your sweet comment. It has been dry here as well up until this last week. I have had to water quite a bit to keep my plants alive. Have a wonderful weekend!
Your decks and plants are absolutely beautiful! We have very similar taste in colors! My deck is done in blues with red accents. I love spending every available moment out on my deck!
I also have to fight off the deer! It's a challenge to keep them from eating my plants.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful outdoor space with us. 😍
Hi Joan! I am so happy that you stopped by for a visit. Your deck sounds beautiful, and I am sorry that you are dealing with deer as well. It can definitely be a challenge. Thank you for your sweet words. Have a wonderful weekend!
Shannon, your porch living is perfect…I love James Farmer’s work and books. His style matches mine exactly. Regardless of all your challenges, your blooms and plants look gorgeous. Red geraniums is a favorite of mine, but once it gets steamy hot I can’t keep them. The AC pillows and tablecloth are stunning on your porch. I can see how you would enjoy starting your day in this beautiful setting. I wish I could join you, sweet friend! Happy Tuesday and stay cool!
Thank you so much my dear friend for your kind words. I think I have everyone of James Farmer's books. I love his work as well and adore his designs. Have a wonderful weekend!
Good Morning, Shannon! Thank you for the lovely tour of your porch and gardens! Your porch is decorated so beautifully! The AC pillows and tablecloth are the perfect addition to your new furniture pillows. I also enjoyed seeing your sweet potato vine. I could not find it here!
I could sit out here all day and chat with you as well.
Have a beautiful week.
Hi Nancy! I am so happy that you stopped by for a visit. Thank you so much for your kind words. Have a wonderful weekend!
Lovely tablescape. The flowers are gorgeous. Thank You or sharing.
Joan,Marion and Marilyn
Hi Joan, Marion, and Marilyn! I am so happy that you were able to stop by for a visit. Thank you so much for your sweet and kind words. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Take care!
Thank you for inviting me to your beautiful porch and yard. So refreshing! Your use of vibrant and seasonal colors is something I always enjoy in your posts.
Hi Susan! Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so happy that you love color as much as I do. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend! Take care!
Oh, Shannon, your porch and garden are stunning. I love all your plants- so well done and eye-catching. I relate to your porch living. We love our porch. Your seating area is so spacious and attractive. I love your bistro table set for great-sounding food too. Very attractive.
I must tell you I am so upset that squirrels chewed up three of my sofa pillows last night. I am distraught and don't know what I am going to do. It will be hard to take them in every night. They destroyed the throw pillows last year, but the regular pillows are expensive to replace. Sorry, to be so negative!
I enjoyed seeing how pretty your porch and all your plants are.
Hi Bonnie! Thank you so much for your sweet words. I am so sorry that the squirrels chewed up your pillows. I know that they can do a lot of damage. My neighbor had them get into her attic. I will be sure and keep a watch over my cushions. Have a wonderful weekend, sweet friend!
What a treat to join you for some porch living Shannon! Love your handsome new navy cushions with the contrasting welting and your AC floral pillows and tablecloth are beautiful! I’m so envious of your shady backyard. Our backyard is in the full sun with a smidge of shade from one tree which limits our time outdoors in the summer. Love seeing your containers and pretty hydrangea. I have never heard of White Wedding Hydrangea, they remind me of a smaller version of Limelights. Wishing you a Happy Fourth of July weekend, looking forward to sharing some flower therapy with you on Monday. ♥
Hi Mary! I am so happy that you stopped by for a visit! Thank you for your kind words. Have a wonderful weekend, sweet friend!