Sunday, May 17, 2009

GARDEN REDESIGN


Mary, Mary quite contrary~
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells and SHABBY shells~
And pretty maids all in a row!

Yard redesign and planting was the plan this season. We pulled, removed, tore out, replaced and reworked our entire yard. Was it a lot of work? Yes, but needed to be done. After many years, some trees, scrubs and bushes just pass on and need to be replaced or at least removed. So that was the order for 3 weeks of work this Spring. DH and I did all the work ourselves except for the larger trees, which needed a small crew to remove them. It really was fun throughout the whole process. For me, I enjoy the redesigning the best. Like any interior decorating project, only outside. I really love to garden and dig in the dirt, planting and trying to see a vision for what might be. At least until the Texas heat hits.

My pictures look bare right now as everything has to grow a bit to fill in the areas, but with all the rain we had lately, everything is really growing leaps and bounds. Some very large trees, like the Southern Magnolia are original to the yard and the two we replaced are Savannah Holly, which stay green year round like the rest of the yard.

This time I forgot to take before pics, but I finally was able to take a few of the finished yard even though it was cloudy. It did help with glare outside.

This picture is from the gate as you enter the yard. In it's before life, it was a mess of ill trees, bushes and overgrowth. We removed everything except a few trees to leave an anchor and then added the smaller plantings for scale and fill in the wider areas. Eight yards of river rock was used all around the yard and pool area. The design along the path was made to follow the walkway shape and we added larger stone to define the path and keep the rock inside the area.


This photo looks back from the side to the entry.

Tne next few pics are from other angles along the pathway.






Some of the plantings are Clematis along the fence, Coreopsis, African daisies, Roses, Gardenias, Camellias, Lilac Bushes, hydrangeas, Geraniums, Purslane, Impatiens, Begonias, Azaleas and Morning Glories planted by seed.





I like to place pots of flowers among the inground plantings for interest. The bistro table set is placed on a bricked area that gives a feel of old world charm.
The next few pics are the view from across the yard and goes into another area that passes through a archway filled with mini roses and leads to a secret garden sitting area with a water feature of old world pots. It is so restful to sit under the giant magnolia tree. I just love this tree, but it sheds everyday. Picking up the leaves is good exercise.





This area, near the Magnolia is my favorite piece above all. The potting bench was made for me, by my son for Christmas 3 years ago. It was a pretty chocolate brown and this season I gave it a fresh coat of garden green. I use this nearly everyday to plant, tend to flowers and hold supplies for gardening.



The patio area needed an upgrade too so I recovered all the furniture with an outdoor fabric by Tommy Bahama in a basket weave rust. I added hydrangea and fern accents for the pillows and accessories and included a touch of blue for a punch of color to reflect the tile around the pool. We spend a lot of time here when we are not working.



While I believe the fun is in the details. I had fun making a few unique items for an element of surprise. The table between the chairs is made from a birdbath filled with rocks, shells, blue crystal stones and topped with a thick glass top.
Then, I had an old vintage mirror that I framed with shells and hung among the trees to reflect the area.




Of course I have to decorate with collectibles, rocks and old treasures.










Southern Magnolia!





Thank you for sharing in my garden redesign. It was a really fun project, but we are so glad to be finished before it gets too hot. There are many blessings to be surrounded with in a garden. Watching flowers in bloom, taking care to help mother nature and enjoying the beauty God has given us.
Until next time, blessings and blue skies always, Celestina Marie

41 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow honey, now there's a lot of love, creativity and planning in that garden redesign. It' just lovley and has so many personal touches that make it homey! It was a delightful tour.
Happy Twirls

Anonymous said...

Hehe... where do I start.. okay with the bunny you tuck so nicely down yonder. I love every inch of your outdoor rooms. I love putting my hands in the dirt, tilling over the mounds of it. Sitting back a bit & watching all of it come to life. We are new to our garden but I can already see how it will grow into what my mind's eye see's. We have some olde bricks here that i'm considering doing a meandering path to my bird bench. Nothing fancy, just a slight bend. I can't work near as quick as my mind and these days, I really have to pace myself. But, if I'm going to hurt anyway, let be in the process of creating and growth.

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Celestina..
What a beautiful home and garde you have, you really did such a beautiful job. I love every photo you shared. You have so many places just to sit and relax and enjoy, what a blessing!!!

Hugz Lorie

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Hi, Celeste! This is just picture perfect, as usual. I so love all the special touches you've added everywhere! Very serene & just beautiful! Can't wait til our talk tomorrow/today!!

Love you,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Anonymous said...

You finally did it! :-) Thanks for the tour. Love the details you put here and there Celeste. Sometimes unexpected too, like the roster in one corner of the plants or the pink bunny beneath the birdbath-turned-table or the angel statuette with those pink flowers. Yup, I think my favorites are the birdbath/table and the mirror with all those sea shells.

Sitting under those trees must be cozy, and the "ladder-like" place in the fence are for those flowers that just spreads, right?

Love the sign on the last photo too. :-)

Li

Anonymous said...

Wow! How wonderful! ♥ Y'all did a great job, Celeste! I hope you'll have time to really enjoy it before it gets too hot! But then of course you'll have your pool to admire it from!

I love your little potting bench! ☺

I love your sitting area along the house too but I'm wondering how you keep the rain from getting to your lamp, picture on the wall, etc?

If I ever feel settled anywhere, I hope to make a really nice garden area, too... Some day... ♥

Sonia said...

Oh, My word!!! Can I bring some iced tea and come chill with you in your Garden. I loved every single bit of it. Your pink hydrangea is beautiful...everything is beautiful...enjoy your garden!!
Sonia
PS. Come by and sign up for my giveaway ;)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

You have a beautiful garden. I love all of the wonderful garden art you have added.

Ruth Welter said...

Celestina, your yard looks great. I really love the pathway that leads to your patio, it is so pretty. I know yard redo's are a lot of work, but always worth it if something really needs to be done. You did a great job with everything.

♥ Noelle ♥ said...

oh wow! everything is SO beautiful! makes me want to come and sit in your garden with my cup of 'joe this morning! i love the antique bench with the flower pot and oh, the potters bench!! i dream of having one of those!!

i hope that our next home will have more potential for a lovely garden; our yard now is very strange and hilly!

you are so talented lady!!

hugs,
noelle ♥

said...

Can I come live in your backyard?

A Southern Rose said...

How beautiful and peaceful! I would stay out there most of the time! I love your potting shed that your son made for you. I need one of those! I love the painted slate too. 'Where roses bloom'. Is that one of your paintings?

Have a great day!
Hugs,
Lee Laurie

Anonymous said...

Your Gardens are beyond description. Being a Gardener myself I can appreciate the work. But I so look forward to the gardening season that I rarely call it work!!!!
Your property is a Beautiful, Comfortable sight to behold. I could see us having tea some warm afternoon & just watching & smelling & just being...
Wonderful Post & Thanks for entering my Give Away!!
Love,
Marilyn
xxoo

Connie said...

Oh, honey, it's lovely! I always imagined a Texas backyard as unfenced and large grassy area. I'm so glad you posted it. Sigh...... Maybe Love Bunny will get our small area looking similar some day.
xoxo,
Connie

Amanda said...

Aunt Celeste it looks AMAZING! I can't believe how different it looks from when I was last there! Everything is so much lighter and opened up, it is such a great change. Is the gate in front of the pool steps so that Miss Beazy doesn't welcome herself into the pool whenever she would like? :)

Great pictures!

Love,
Amanda

Unknown said...

Oh Celeste!! It is breathtaking! I could look at these pics all day :) I LOVE the potting bench Ryan made you!! I have always wanted one. your flowers are so beautiful, sigh :)

I am having a giveaway this week, so please stop by :) I will have it up by Wednesday :)

Love you,
Amy

Mary said...

Morning Celeste, Your yard looks wonderful!
It is a lot work to keep up a yard. Sorry to say I have not got to do much with mine. Love your potting bench,birdbath table and all your great details. Is your Lilac bush doing well in this heat? Does it bloom? Thank You so much for my garden tools and precious box.
I love garden things too:) Have a great week, Hugs Mary:)

Reflections from the Stone Nest said...

Oh, so very pretty! What an amazing design and alot of hard work. But, it's gorgeous! Love the mosaic and the magnolia and the roses and all the flowers. The statues are so sweet. Iced tea anyone?

Have a wonderful week
Kitty

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Celestina Marie,

What an amazing garden your have. Just loved going on a tour with you.
Thank you. It is so tranquil and pretty and you must want to be out there all the time. All your hard work has really paid off.

Lovely to see where you are work at your bench, with potting and tending to your flowers.
The Roses, Magnolia, Gardenia's, Camellia's, hydrangeas and Impatients are all favourites of mine.

Have a splendid week
Hugs
Carolyn

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

Hi Celeste.. oh my.. you got very lovely garden.. and the swimming pool look so inviting for a big splash during summer season!.. love your garden so much.. am sure you have so many fun times in your garden..

have a good week and take care
fitty

Rebecca Nelson said...

OMGOSH...you have got to be kiddin' me! Simply gorgeous. Now I'm NEVER going to show mine. You'd all think I lived in the wilderness if I did. Nothing like this garden of eden...nothing!

xo Oh taleneted one...

Rebecca

Just Between Us Girls said...

Dear Celeste,
Thank you for inviting me over. Everything and I mean everything is absolutely ASTOUNDING. You have accomplished a great task with such style. It is very impressive. My hat is off to you.
Love and hugs,
Pat

Ginny said...

What a beautiful garden! I can tell there is so much work involved, but the results are fantastic! I could languish in that garden all day drinking iced tea and soaking up the sun. And that pool! Oh if only Michigan could be warm year round......sigh.
Thanks for the feedback. I had no idea you did that too!! I know ebay does. I will be looking at your etsy shop a lot. I love your work.
Back to the garden....Great pictures. You did a fine job to make your garden a welcome place. I would love to see it in person......

Arleen ~ The Tea Room said...

Wow, what a beautiful garden and all your hard work certainly will bring dividends the likes of which Mary, Mary Quite Contrary never saw! I love the elements you used, and I especially love your mosaic treasures and the potting bench. How wise to do this outdoor work in the spring so you can relax and enjoy the fruits of your labors in the summer sun. Thank you for sharing all these lovely photographs with us! ~Arleen

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

How beautiful! You have a lovely space to work in and make it special. I love the element of surprise, too....something whimsical is fun! Enjoy the beautiful weather!

vickie said...

Celeste, the yard is beautiful, I can see you two did lots of work. Hubby and I worked in our front yard all day the past two days, it's fun, but hard work. I love your birdbath table, everything is so pretty. A wonderful place to spend some time!

A Hint of Home said...

What an amazing oasis your backyard is! I know it is a lot of work but in the end is so worth it, isn't it? All your flowers seem to be doing great. We have had a good bit of rain this year. It's taken us out of the draught state.
We've been planting lately and I hope to post some of it soon.
I love your new cushions and seating area.
What a wonderful gift your son made you and so useful.
Hope your week is going well. Always look forward to your posts.

Rhondi said...

Good morning
Your garden is beautiful. I love everyhting abouit it! I am so excited that you're going to join my porch party again. I've added your name to the list.
Hugs, Rhondi

Kris said...

Celeste, Once again you are a source of inspiration and many hidden talents. From the inside of your home to the outside is just lovely. Very inviting and welcomes each guest with hidden surprises. So, when is the backyard bbq? I'll bring a nice bottle of summer wine.

Kris

A Hint of Home said...

Thanks for visiting me today and for your sweet comments. Have a wonderful weekend and Memorial Day!

Shirl said...

Hello Celeste, Oh my how beautiful! You have done a fantastic job on your gardens. What a beautiful place to sit and relax with a glass of ice tea! Your pool is fabulous! Your potting bench is the best! I'd love to have one, I work from the back of the John Deere Gator! LOL. It's on Ed's list to build me a pink potting shed for my picket fenced area. What year I don't know! LOL Thank you for sharing I really enjoyed the tour!
Love ya, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Betzie said...

Hi Celeste!
Such a wonderful tour!!! You need to be on HGTV!!! I love all your touches and everything flows so well. I have vinca the same color...and I have an archway too...but I need you to make mine as pretty as yours! Love that stone you used. Enjoy all summer long! xo betzie

Unknown said...

What a feast for the eyes!!! I have loved talking a walk through your garden in these pictures. I know it was a labor of love!!
Sara

Anonymous said...

Celeste, I'm late in catching up with you this week and finding that you've been busy too! Everything looks so beautiful and inviting and shows your artistic touch. You're a "garden artist" too!
I know what you mean about having to redo things outside every so often. But it's fun, isn't it!
Blessings and many hours of garden enjoyment wished you!
Diane

The Muse said...

i went through this 3x! finding new hidden delights along the way...
what a joy it must be to see it each day!

Linda's Blue Gate said...

Such lovely touches everywhere in the garden..... but I LOVE the shell mirror....... what an unexpected delight....... what did you use to glue them I LOVE LOVE this idea....
HUgs
Linda

Abby Lanes said...

Congratulations! Your garden remodel is just beautiful. Enjoy yourself, and thank you for sharing the after pics. My yard is currently ripped up. Adding picket fences, decks, new plants. I'm photographing befores, and durings, but wow, what a mess. :-) Thanks for the inspiration to keep going.

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

Your outside is just as beautiful as the inside. Lovely!

Unknown said...

I love your blog and style so much that I clicked on the "Follow" button to be inspired by you more often. Please feel free to do the same with mine so that we can benefit from each others creativity!

Angela said...

Oh I just LOVE it all. I did a video last Saturday of my front and back yard...Like you, I've been working, weeding, pulling and organizing..I just had to pull out all my boston ivy off my fences the other day..Some kind of bug got into it,,so I just cut it all down right at the base of the ivy....

I still have quite a bit to do, but I'm loving it. Your new covers on your patio is very similar to two of my covers...Too cool!!

I LOVED all of it. It looks like a beautiful sanctuary..

Nola said...

Love your landscape re-do; hope mine turns out half as good! I am also curving the beds and edging with the large chop stone (saddlewood, I think). Your grand magnolia is a treasure!

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Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..