Leona Lane

LADDER TURNED PLANT STAND

I've always loved geraniums in the summer, especially ones in terracotta pots perched on cute windowsills or balconies or hung up on rustic fences. They're so cheery and I love the way the leaves smell! (Side note: the geraniums in Spain are stunning!)

Anyways, I decided to try growing some in my backyard this summer. Admittedly, we don't have the sunniest back yard and according to this article on caring for geraniums, they like lots of sun! Especially in climates where it doesn't get too hot - like Seattle. I thought about putting some up on the shed wall, but decided it would be better if the arrangement was more mobile, because one, we're renting and two, if they aren't getting enough sun, I could easily move them. 

When digging through the Goodwill on one of my recent trips, I found three terracotta pots and a step ladder! The perfect set up for a little movable plant stand. I picked up three geraniums in various shades of pink and popped them in the pots with some potting soil. Then I picked one of the sunnier spots in the backyard on the ladder and set a pot on each rung. So far they seem reasonably happy back there. We'll see how it goes, I've got my fingers crossed!

Also, I want to hear your thoughts... I've decided to start sharing some easier projects on the blog. I know everyone is busy and juggling a bunch of things. I personally find that the projects I'm most motivated to actually make are the ones that I can do immediately, no long term planning, no serious skill set required. Something I could easily make in an afternoon or less. So I'm curious to hear what you think? Do easy projects like this inspire you to get up and make something because it seems more do-able? Are easy DIYs, crafts or projects something you would be interested in reading about?

Mini Front Porch Makeover

Ever since we moved in last fall, I'd been dying to give the front porch a little makeover. We rent our house, so of course I wasn't envisioning anything too crazy. A little rearranging, cleaning, and some plants were just the ticket. Hopefully now we aren't those renters on the corner bringing down the neighborhood. I think it helps that we try to keep the cars off the lawn ;) 

Here are a few before pictures to give you an idea how things started off. 

And here are a few after pictures! So much better! 

I was super stoked to get rid of those sad little shrubs in the pots and replace them with some cheery flowers. In addition to some flowers, I planted some sage, mint, rosemary, dill and thyme. Our house is pretty shaded but I'm hoping we get enough sun to have fresh herbs this summer! 

Another little update is the chalkboard "Welcome" sign that I found at the thrift store for a couple bucks. The adirondack chairs were here when we moved in - I cleaned those off and faced them towards the street for better people watching (we have a surprisingly interesting parade going up and down our little street.) I also got rid of miscellaneous items left by the previous owner and trimmed the dead branches off the shrubs on the right and swept away all the cobwebs (whew...me and spiders don't mix). I mixed African Daisy's, bacopa and a purple spiky plants to complement the yellow tone of the house, and I just can't get enough of those daisies, the colors are so striking!

What about you guys? Have any of you been itching to do yard work or spruce up your outdoor space? In case you missed it, Monday I posted about my favorite summer drink - perfect for yard work days!

Around Here | Freshening Up

Have I mentioned how happy I am that spring is here? It's seems like that's all I can focus on these days. I love the change of seasons! It's always refreshing, the change feels so good - keeps things from getting too stagnant. Inside and out I'm happy to have an excuse to change things up. So I've been freshening things up around the house. I love being able to finally open the windows to let in some fresh air and hear the birds singing outside. I cleared out the wreaths, holly and Christmas lights to make room for spring! 

Starting on the front porch, I cleaned up my succulent planter and tucked in the welcome sign that my mom got me right before we moved. By the front door I hung this little zinc triangle that I found with my sister and wrote a cheery 'hello' on it. I also rearranged the entire mantel and pulled out my giant thermos and picnic basket. Absolutely love that thermos, I've literally been on the lookout for one for years and found this one recently for less than two bucks at Goodwill! And of course I had to change up the whiteboard window and this definition of spring seemed perfect 'it is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...'

Moving on to the bathroom, I decked out the Mother Fern's pot with a little message saying 'Mist Me' using black vinyl stickers, just a fun quirky touch. That mother fern is great, much more agreeable to staying alive than the maiden hair fern that I had previously - that one had a serious death wish (rest in peace Princess). The last room that got some TLC was my bedroom, I hung my patio lights on the wall in a frame around the bed - I love the scalloped shape! And I also added some sprigs of eucalyptus to an old bottle that my Grandma found on her travels. And that's it for now... 

 

When we get a few more warm days, I'd love to get outside and get the patio set up and dig around in the dirt. We have a little planter box that is begging for some veggies and I'm hoping to do a bunch of potted herbs this year too! What about you, what are you itching to do as soon as the weather gets warm?

Finally! My air plant container...

I've been trying to find my perfect air planter for a couple weeks now, and I finally found one that Nate and I both like! This simple square vase was in the spring decor section at Hobby Lobby, and it is our new dining room table centerpiece! I think Nate's also glad these little guys finally have a home other than in a pile on the kitchen windowsill! He still thinks air plants look like aliens, but says they look sort of manly in their new home. Glad he approves ;)

You might have seen this post that I did on air plant inspiration. I also love these hanging fish bowl terrariums that A Beautiful Mess did recently!

If you're wondering where I got my plants, I purchased them from Amazon here, here and here. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Friday :)

Air Plant Ideas

I recently jumped on the air plant bandwagon... I know Renae discovered these babies a long time ago, you can see her success on Instagram with the hashtag #iwillkeeptheseplantsalive. So, being always one or two steps behind everyone else, finally took the plunge and bought a few off Amazon! I didn't even know they sold plants! Ha!

So now I have seven of these little guys... And there's so many options. I'm going to share a few that I found and love. I love the look of indiviual little holders for air plants. You can find these stained glass handmade holders here and that adorable owl idea here. 

This super easy magnet terrarium DIY would be a neat addition to any fridge! I just might have to go make one. 

Another fun way to display your air plants would be vertically, in a tall vase like this. Or if you have leftover wine corks, drill a little hole and add a magnet! So easy!

I think this air plant wall is so rad! And how about that window!? Amazing. 

Flora Grubb Gardens also blogged about this vertical air plant garden. That could be a DIY project for hubby, yes?  :)

And of course, since I recently started my own wedding flower business... I had to include these air plant boutonnieres and wedding favors! dying of cuteness!!!!

I think thats a good dose of air plants for one day. How do you display your air plants?