Holiday Outdoor decor time!

While it was a decent winter day recently, Denny, put up his Holiday Light display on our home.  It used to be bigger but he has given into a bit of downsizing these days with less ladder climbing, etc.

So, I also took  advantage of the nice weather and did "my thing" for outdoor décor for the holidays!

This year I decided to do "the sled thing" being I found a nice red sled already for the bling at a neighborhood "garage sale" for only $10.   Just could not resist the bargain!

I think I like the change of pace result!

I did add some little white lights for some evening glitter!

And then I added a matching swag beside the garage door where the light and house number are.

Today I decided it was "close enough" to put out..... but lights won't be turned on until Friday evening!  I like to focus on Turkey Day before Christmas!

Winter Porch Pot Time!

Tis that time of the year when garden centers are stocked with winter greens and encouraging us to change our fall focus containers into winter themes!  Yep, those mums and pumpkins
are definitely finding their way to the compost sites!

I received this picture this morning from a friend who was with me the other day exploring where to find a good selection of mixed greens!   With freezing temps in our forecast she wanted to get those greens settled into the potting soil asap!

After the holidays it won't take much to convert this into a "winter theme" for the next few months!  All Rita needs to do is take out the holiday glitter accents and maybe add a little more white or red branches to accent the red cardinal, berries and pine cones!

This creation really helps put me into the "mood" to do mine!   Denny sprayed our yews as well as my assortment of greens with a winter protective spray, while temps were above freezing yesterday, so I am ready to create now!  Thank you, Denny!  ,

For those of you who have been asking me if I was OK because I haven't been updating this blog much recently....  thank you for letting me know you have missed my posts!  I am just fine!  I think  I just ran into a time period that I needed a "break"!  

Feeling a bit sad.....

When I went out to help my perennials get ready for their long winter's nap that is coming.....

I found it difficult to cut back flowers that are still blooming!   Last week  I found daisies and climatis smiling at me yet!

How about adding color to a shade garden area?

Hosta companion flowers to plant with hostas in the shade areas!

How's this for color in the shade?

This was taken at the patio tiered garden at the Mayo Clinic Rochester in early October!  Below street level!

Surprised at Shades of Green Hosta Society meeting!

I was awarded a "Certificate of Appreciation" as a thank you for the dedication and participation in supporting events since our organization was formed! 

WOW!  As a Charter Member I've enjoyed the many events and meetings we've had!  It's not been work....it's been fun and rewarding.  Most of all I enjoy the many new friends who have come into my life because of my involvement!  My favorite activity is our annual fundraiser "Hosta Sale".   

Now to figure out how to spend the $50 Visa Gift Card that came with the honor!  Then my name was drawn for a door prize and I ended up with a beautiful folding yard wagon!  What an evening!

What an honor to have Cindy Tomashek present this to me.

She is the founder of our organization!

Bringing houseplants inside that have been outdoors.....

The season is here where outdoor temps are dropping and becoming not so comfy for our indoor plants that have been enjoying the summer outdoor weather!  

Time for me to prepare my fairy gardens for the Minnesota weather we are transitioning into!

First I need to select any fairy gardens that are OK for indoor living.   The one pictured below I planted with all indoor plants while I was in AZ in January.  It spent a few months (March, April and part of May) indoors in MN but enjoyed our MN spring, summer and early fall outdoors!  It is in such good shape that I think I should enjoy it indoors for awhile.  I think there is sufficient light in the living room by my big window which faces south!

So, I need to be sure I'm not bringing in any little critters that may have been living with the fairies out there as well as doing a bit of pruning.  I'll be parking it in a big plastic bag and then spraying it with a good insecticide and closing it up for a few days before I bring it inside.  That works for me!

Do you have some plants or planters outdoors that you'd like to enjoy indoors for awhile or the winter?

I found the below link with great tips on how to bring those plants indoors that I want to share with you.

Tips for moving plants indoors from outdoors CLICK HERE

Drying Hydrangea blooms...

So many varieties of hydrangea's out there providing months of beauty to enjoy!  It's easy to dry those blooms to enjoy all winter inside!  

Here's an example of "Quick Fire" variety, thanks to my gardening friend, Rita!

Early in the season

Later in the season

Bouquet inside drying!

 How to Dry Hydrangea blooms     Click here