Everyday Living

Secret Gardens & Breathtaking Views

~ Gardening, Outdoors

“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:10‬ ‭

Today we continue our tour “beyond the gates” in our city nestled in the Appalachian foothills.  Eight homeowners were so gracious to open their private gardens and backyard spaces for this first annual event!  A few weeks ago, I spotlighted a view that made it hard to believe I was in my hometown, and a garden space that took me all the way to Europe!  Today, we will make four stops: from a beautiful view, to a peaceful koi pond, to a rustic retreat, to a wonderful entertaining space…you are in for a treat! Lace up your walking shoes, put on your sunglasses and join me!  You might even pass by the heavenly fragrance of gardenias along the way!


This outdoor space has a beautiful view of the city and the Appalachian foothills!


A gorgeous spot for alfresco dining!READ MORE

Private Gardens & Backyard Spaces

~ Gardening, Outdoors

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭

Blogging has opened up a whole new world for me in my hometown. I’ve always known there were little jewels tucked away in various parts of our city, but it hasn’t been until lately that I’ve actually taken a deeper look into those places!  Last Saturday on a perfectly stunning spring day, Katy and I took part in a tour of “private gardens and backyard spaces” that almost made me forget that I was only a few miles from home! The homeowners of the 8 spaces greeted us with typical Southern hospitality as they offered drinks and snacks and told us about the places they call home! The tour benefitted a great cause, Mary G Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, and I’m already excited for next year! Join us today as we tour two of the spaces that are “Beyond the Gates”!


This home has a resort-like feel…the pool and backyard area offers a breathtaking view of our city!READ MORE

A Garden Shed, Maybe?

~ Outdoors

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” 
Psalms 103:2

We have been doing more than our share of gardening over the past two weeks, as I am sure many of you have.  And it’s totally worth it! Raise your hand if you have a garden and realize how much work it can be!  Choosing flowers, planting, fertilizing and the list goes on and on!   Well, in the midst of all of the weeding and watering last week, out of the clear blue sky, Butch announced that he was going to build a garden shed!  Oh yes, you can imagine this girl’s excitement!  I have seen so many cute ones that would complete our little haven!  So who will build this garden shed, you might ask?

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None other than my husband, also known to me as the “Renaissance man”.  Besides being the best husband I could ever ask for, he is a singer, musician, songwriter, DIY’er…a very smart and creative guy with multiple talents!  You might have noticed the two buildings in my garden posts, he built the Cape-Cod style one.  Many folks think it is a guest house, but it is actually a storage building.  We have often laughed that it looks like we have a compound, two detached buildings, a detached carport, and now a potential garden shed!  What’s one more?!

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We are only in the thinking process right now and he probably wouldn’t start until fall, but naturally I started looking for inspiration right away and can’t wait to get your input!  Ours will be rustic, to go along with the fact that we live in the country with several acres behind our garden used as pasture.  If you are wondering about our inside project, it is still on our radar, but nothing has happened so far.  We are waiting on the contractor, because he is the best. Will keep you updated when the work begins.  But for now, let’s look at these sheds that will undoubtedly be so much fun and add a little character to our garden!

Click each picture to go to the original source
Be sure to follow my Pinterest board here: Outdoor Spaces 


What do I not love about this rustic and quaint garden shed…READ MORE