Give this area a makeover like it's the only garden space we have. Imagine the adjacent greenhouse as our house and this is the small courtyard or garden that is attached to it.
This is the thought that I kept repeating to myself as I stared at the bottom patio, trying to think what to do with it to get it ready for the summer. The pond in this area, the original koi pond is due to be redone at some point soon but recently I have started to have doubts whether we'll still be able to do it this year as there's so much going on. But I can't leave it looking as it is all year, it needed a makeover even if it's just a temporary one.
I needed some inspiration, and whist tidying up in the area listening to the radio the song Mas Que Nada was played. The sun was shining, it felt warm, and this popular Samba song by Sergio Mendes (jazzed up by the Black Eyed Peas in this particular version) was playing on radio. Now how summery an atmosphere can you get right at that moment?
Then I suddenly thought, hmmmm...Mas Que Nada...think colourful, vibrant, hot, summery...we need hot colours on the patio but not from plants. And with the idea of having bright colours an overall idea what to do with this area came to mind.
Quick! I better get moving while I'm all inspired!
So I immediately sent Gaz to the nearest garden centre whilst I carried on and asked him to buy a selection of glazed pots. Each pot being of only one colour but it should be bright and warm to the eyes. Think 'Jewel Tones'.
And he did not disappoint (much to my amazement, hehe!). He did a fantastic job, selecting some nice ones exactly what I had in mind. Actually they were perfect.
So with the pots on hand I selected succulents that would go well with them and potted them up. I removed the covers of the pond (good riddance, they were such an eyesore), swept the patio, relocated some of our garden vases and arranged them in the area, and by the end of the weekend the job was done.
This area is now ready for the summer. Ready for some barbeque in the weeks to come (weather permitting!), or a perfect place for tea and cakes.
And speaking of tea and cakes, we joined in with The Bloggers Cut, the virtual celebration of the Chelsea Fringe festival hosted by Michelle from Veg Plotting, and what better way to celebrate the newly made over patio area than with tea and cake. Check out this link to see what other bloggers have been up to!
Barbeque, cakes, tea, beer even. So many things to look forward. And with Mas Que Nada laying on the background even better (but maybe not on loop!).
Sometimes you get garden inspiration from the unlikeliest of sources. And on this occasion, it was from music.
Mark :)
This is the thought that I kept repeating to myself as I stared at the bottom patio, trying to think what to do with it to get it ready for the summer. The pond in this area, the original koi pond is due to be redone at some point soon but recently I have started to have doubts whether we'll still be able to do it this year as there's so much going on. But I can't leave it looking as it is all year, it needed a makeover even if it's just a temporary one.
I needed some inspiration, and whist tidying up in the area listening to the radio the song Mas Que Nada was played. The sun was shining, it felt warm, and this popular Samba song by Sergio Mendes (jazzed up by the Black Eyed Peas in this particular version) was playing on radio. Now how summery an atmosphere can you get right at that moment?
Then I suddenly thought, hmmmm...Mas Que Nada...think colourful, vibrant, hot, summery...we need hot colours on the patio but not from plants. And with the idea of having bright colours an overall idea what to do with this area came to mind.
Quick! I better get moving while I'm all inspired!
So I immediately sent Gaz to the nearest garden centre whilst I carried on and asked him to buy a selection of glazed pots. Each pot being of only one colour but it should be bright and warm to the eyes. Think 'Jewel Tones'.
And he did not disappoint (much to my amazement, hehe!). He did a fantastic job, selecting some nice ones exactly what I had in mind. Actually they were perfect.
So with the pots on hand I selected succulents that would go well with them and potted them up. I removed the covers of the pond (good riddance, they were such an eyesore), swept the patio, relocated some of our garden vases and arranged them in the area, and by the end of the weekend the job was done.
This area is now ready for the summer. Ready for some barbeque in the weeks to come (weather permitting!), or a perfect place for tea and cakes.
And speaking of tea and cakes, we joined in with The Bloggers Cut, the virtual celebration of the Chelsea Fringe festival hosted by Michelle from Veg Plotting, and what better way to celebrate the newly made over patio area than with tea and cake. Check out this link to see what other bloggers have been up to!
Barbeque, cakes, tea, beer even. So many things to look forward. And with Mas Que Nada laying on the background even better (but maybe not on loop!).
Sometimes you get garden inspiration from the unlikeliest of sources. And on this occasion, it was from music.
Mark :)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
It really is looking great!! I like everything, but I especially liked the rhubarb trying to eat the table :)
ReplyDeleteThat Rhubarb (Rheum) has done incredibly well this year year, and flowered for the first time too!
DeleteIt looks so festive now! I love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alison!
DeleteJust shows you don't have to spend a fortune on a makeover. Your bright pots with succulent planting create the perfect atmosphere for summer. I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debs! We spent very little, just the new pots really. The rest of the makeover just involved a tidy up.
DeleteOh my gosh you guys, absolutely fantastic! The colors of the pots and the plants chosen are perfection. Your pond area is now amazing and all of your hard work has paid off!
ReplyDeleteThanks Candice, glad you like them!
DeleteLove it, and I'm impressed once again at how well the two of you work together. If I sent Andrew to the store to pick up some pots I can't imagine what he'd come home with.
ReplyDeleteThanks Loree :) You must try it once at least, send Andrew for a pot or two and see what he comes back with, you might be pleasantly surprised!
DeleteLoree...Andrew might surprise you, but it would be a pleasant surprise.
DeleteLove that colour pop, instantly transforming the look of the pond. What a great idea for summer!
ReplyDeleteNice to have the bright colours to add cheer to the space, even if they're not coming from the plants (i.e. flowers) :)
DeleteThe pots look fantastic. Great idea and it does make the pond pop. Very creative ideas, as usual. Now that strawberry dessert looks great. :)
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
Thanks Cher! Those strawberry tarts were scrummy :)
DeleteIt looks great, colorful and summery! I love re-doing an area like that and change out the arrangements on the patio every year. I love strongly colored containers and use them here, especially in my tropical container border.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like them Deanne! With containers you can easily move them about to for an instant change of look to the place.
DeleteA great make over! You guys do such a wonderful job of everything in your garden!
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter! We try our best :)
DeleteDitto to all the above. Wish I had an 'eye' for design, I tned to just plonk!!! Is this now a fish pond or do you still have koi in here?
ReplyDeleteThanks Libby! Just goldfish left in this pond for the moment but there may be koi again there in the near future.
DeleteInspiration is right! Like Loree, I thought the most amazing thing about it was to send your partner shopping and have him return with just what you had in mind. It is all so inviting...right down to the yummy looking treats.
ReplyDeleteWe just had our first BBQ there this evening Ricki :) I'm amazed as well on Gaz's pot choices, it seemed he knew exactly what look I had in mind and got the right pots.
DeleteIt looks great, how fun! And I loved the music and video, I had not heard that yet but now I will have to put it on the iPod. Ha, and every time I hear it I am sure I will think of your garden! Jeannine
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeannine! It's a great song, very apt for summer too.
DeleteMmmm - strawberry tarts are a favourite here. Like the makeover - its looks so summery. The fish look pleased too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anna! The fish seemed happy too indeed. And they're a frisky lot at the moment, with the females being pursued vigorously by the males....
DeleteThanks :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing! I'd never in a million years be able to put something like this together on a whim.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I was inspired that weekend Tom, made it much quicker and easier to makeover this spot :)
Delete¡Me encanta! I love the pots Gaz picked, combined with all the other things you alread had. I'm a firm believer in "more is more," and I think you guys are too :-).
ReplyDeleteBTW, that gunnera is fantastic!
More is more (and the better) indeed especially with plants Gerhard, bring it on :))
DeleteHow fabulous ! Great job on pot selection--looking at these photos I could imagine myself in USDA zone 10. San Diego across the pond.
ReplyDeleteSan Diego weather here would be a dream :)
DeleteI can't imagine what would happen if I sent Norm to the store for pots...I'm afraid to think of it!
ReplyDeleteWorth a try Scott, you might be pleasantly surprised!
DeleteFrom halfway across the world, your ability to whip this area up in a day makes you and your garden seem extra magical. It's fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThank you Heather, appreciated :)
DeleteI'm loving the new pots - isn't it great how a certain song creates a mood which then leads to inspiration? I've just nicked one of those delicious looking cakes, hope that's OK ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining in with the Bloggers' Cut - it's been a lot of fun to do!
Thanks for popping by VP!! You are more than welcome to a cake :) Thanks for organising the Bloggers Cut, I have discovered a couple of new blogs thanks to the linky on your page.
DeleteI love the version by Brazil 66 too ;)
ReplyDeleteWhatever the weather delivers, it definitely looks like you guys have captured summer at your garden.
Thank you Denise :) That was a particularly sunny weekend
DeleteYour agaves go perfectly with those pots! Great views of your terrific garden.
ReplyDeleteFunny, but here we use the term 'mejor de nada' or better than nothing.
Fun song!
David/:0)
Fun song indeed David :)
DeleteWow and wow and wow! I haven't been able to update myself but your garden/patio is looking great! I'm envious now. LOL! I need a budget to work on our backyard but maybe I can get away by starting out with new pots. Great choices Gaz!
ReplyDeleteLong time no hear Bom, thank you!
Delete