Hello, friends! We are thisclose to the long weekend…can you feel it?! I’m so ready for the extra day off, and hope you get to enjoy one, too. And even though Memorial Day is the official kick-off for Summer, my kids have been swimming for the past six weeks! Mama doesn’t venture in until the water is a little warmer, but the backyard is spruced and ready for a Summer of fun. Let’s tour, shall we?!
Ever since Carmel showed us her amazing potting bench last year, I’ve been dying to have something similar. The corner by the back door (it leads to the recently remodeled Pool Bathroom) is the ideal spot, and my procrastination patience finally paid off when the World Market Potting Table went on sale!
It was fairly simple to assemble, and fits the nook by the back door perfectly.
And while it’s marketed as a potting table, lets get real…I’ll be using it as a drink station, party zone and all-around catch-all for backyard gear. It sits near the barbecue grill, so it will get a lot of use when we’re cooking out, too.
The bucket is perfect for icing down drinks, and the flip-up leaf provides more surface space.
We added a small hook for a hand towel or hats, and a bottle opener for the fancy drinks. Honestly we don’t have glass bottles around the pool much, but it’s fun to pimp out store-bought furniture for a more custom look.
The bottom shelf holds towels so there’s hopefully no more tracking through the house with wet feet, and the bucket holds sunscreen, bug spray and goggles.
What used to be a sad little corner with nothing but the dryer vent and piles of crapola, is now a cute and functional spot!
In case you missed them, read about the Lacquered Stripe Pots, the Reclaimed Bucket and Adding Texture & Character to a Builder Grade Door.
And while I’m still not ready to subject myself to a bathing suit, the rest of the backyard is ready for the season!
I decided to keep things simple this year, and chose only plants that are proven heat-tolerant….Lantana, Vinca, Sweet Potato Vine and Esperanza. And by keeping the flowers only yellow and white, the effect is much cleaner and gives a bigger impact in the small backyard.
This is my first time trying succulents outside and in direct sun, so fingers crossed.
I chose yellow since it’s so vivid, and much of the decor is already yellow…like the No Sew Outdoor Pillows and Vintage Birdcage.
Our New Fence is holding up great and aging beautifully. So far we have no plans to stain it since we love the natural look of the aging cedar. And honestly, who wants to freaking stain a fence when it’s already 90-degrees outside?! Not this person!
I’ve tried three years to plant in these containers, but have yet to find something that can withstand the heat coming off the brick and the all-day sun. Any suggestions? If not, the Esperanza will be 7-feet tall in another month, so I’m willing to look the other way.
The DIY Convex Sunburst Mirror looks as great as the day we hung it, and hasn’t budged from this spot. So that’s our Backyard Tour, everything is blooming and the pool is open…what time shall I expect you? Bring Fritos, please.
What are your big plans for the weekend? Have you braved a swimsuit yet? Thank goodness our backyard is fenced, because I need some sun on my jiggly, blue legs! Happy Weekend, lovebugs!