The Amarillus in March

In my opinion March has got to be the ugliest month of the year.

It's late winter, not spring

Everything outside is brown, grey dead and it's cold, in other words not much is going on.

It's too early for any kind of real gardening to be done , the ground is still frozen, the snow has melted,

 and we're just left in a state of limbo.

Luckily I have my Amarillus 

They were planted in February, and are in bloom now, in March 

Take a look

 

The snow angels

Spring is coming which is a good thing because I'm becoming a crafter. 

Not a bad thing actually, now I have a collection of home made Angels for my Christmas tree, and for gifts.

and we all need some Angels in our lives right now

 

The Ice Lanterns part 2

Here's another look at the 'Ice Lanterns' I made simply by filling balloons with water and setting them outside to freeze,

I moved them to my fountain which already had a set of LED lights in them, and fell in love with the way the photo's came out.

Our temperatures are supposed to finally be above freezing this week, so this may be the last go-round for the lanterns, but boy! did I enjoy them , mostly from the warmth of my house mind you.

This will defiantly be a project that I will do again in the future. A great addition to the 'Winter Garden'

It's kind of weird, but now I look forward to freezing the weather!

This we like, enjoy the season

 

The Ice Lanterns pt. one

I filled balloons with water and set them outside. My first attempt at ice lanterns.

I got the idea from Instagram, and I love the results.

The photo's were taken at different times of the evening, and are illuminated by small battery operated candles

I have since moved them to a fountain in the garden and now they are lit with LED lights that produce no heat. Those photo's coming in a future post.

I'm usually not one who does icy, wintery, cold things,

I rather enjoy the comforts of a warm house. Thankfully these can be enjoyed from the inside as well, and from a window.

This we like! Enjoy the season!

Stay warm

 

A sunny winter day here in Michigan is a rare site, actually I'd prefer it to be cloudy.

Why?! you may ask. 

The low riding winter sun is not a friend when you are trying to take photo's. The lights all wrong and the shadows fall long, it just looks weird outside, not to mention when your driving, no matter what time of day it is the sun is always your face, right in your eyes. Sunglasses are mandatory.

OK, moving on from that rant about the sun and light onto this Holiday décor done in red and golds.

 

In the details

Yes I'm a little late showing my Holiday decorating projects, I'll just blame 2020

It's all in the details.

 

A winter garden

I believe that no matter what the season in your garden there is no reason why it should be barren, or empty, winter is no excuse.

Winter pots can be stuffed with evergreen branches, pinecones, Faux berries, and twigs.

I use materials that are strong enough to withstand the long winter ahead. Evergreen branches are plugged into Styrofoam and secured in the containers with large metal pins and stakes.

Noble Fir, and Korean Boxwood form the collars for frosted branches, floral pics, and faux berries.

 

Grapevine spheres wrapped in lights add night interest, and a little sparkle on those dark long winter

nights.

Variegated Boxwood, and Scented Cedar with berries 

I also like to use fake fruit

Winter containers do differ some from Holiday containers. Winter containers don't look out of place a week after Christmas, note the use of colors.

I like to plan my containers in anticipation of there being snow (we have had very little snow) 

even just a dusting would give a whole new look to the Winter Garden 

The grapevine spheres have lights that glow in the containers nestled in a collar of Magnolia branches, and Noble fir branches

Silver plays well with snow and ice

Enjoy your garden, even if it's from the comfort of you sofa.

Enjoy your winter Garden!

This we like!