How does your garden grow? (Hey Mary!)

I'm still determined to dedicate a number of blog posts to my Italy trip, but in the meantime, life rolls along. So...here's a quick post to start the blog ball rolling again.

I've been going a bit crazy in the garden (such as it is.) I have a little porch, and a few tiny bits or ground to work with, but it's been such fun. In such a small space, any new plant or improvement makes a noticeable impact.

Today I planted a hydrangea shrub. It's not blooming yet, but I think the flowers are supposed to white with a subtle blue tint. I also planted an Arbor Vitae shrub, 2 potted dwarf spruces, some morning glories to climb the fence and the wall and moved some lilies. I've spent a king's ransom, but it's giving me no end of pleasure both to work at it, and to admire it. I am forever wandering outside just to look it over. I still want to plant some Impatiens and ivy in the pots with the spruces. There's still a lot that I could do.

The porch is amazing. It's the gayest garden porch ever. It looks like some Key West guest house. Giant hanging baskets of petunias, fuchsia, and ferns. Wicker chairs and a couch. Pillows everywhere. A chaise for napping backed by billowy white curtains. Little wrought-iron tables, candles, window boxes, and glazed pots of mint and basil.

There's even a trickling little water-feature and buddha-ish statue sitting among the river-stones.

OK, so the whole thing is a bit over the top. But why not? It's my little decadent summer indulgance.