The time had come. We were finally ready to accept the cold hard fact that we, the die-hard, do-it-yourselfers needed professional help with Daisy Cottage's front yard. Oh this was hard for us to admit. You see, we've done so many projects all by ourselves in the past. We transformed a garage into a bedroom, gutted and rebuilt a kitchen, installed wood flooring, built custom cabinetry and shelving, knocked down walls, dropped sinks into dressers, put in custom french doors, built a pergola, laid a stone pathway, and of course wallpapered and painted. Now, to be fair, sweet hubby did MOST of the work, but you all know that I was right there by his side every step of the way, right? ;-) But when it came to landscaping - well let's just say, we've wandered for years through the garden centers, not really knowing what we were doing.
So, we decided that since we NEVER had professional landscaping put in at any of the houses that we have owned in the past.... now would be a lovely time to treat our beloved Daisy Cottage to a brand new garden!
We hired Dale, and may I say, he was very patient with me. I told him that I wanted something cottagy - something to get us started on the right track and that hopefully we wouldn't kill! ;-) We wanted a cottage garden that we could add to over time on our own. After working together, he patiently fine-tuned his proposal and created the perfect plan to meet our current needs.
Friday morning, bright and early, his wonderful crew arrived and got to work...
And our cottage garden was born!
We have knock out roses, bush daisies, dwarf pentas, formosa azaleas, crape myrtles, boxwood, impatients, begonias, and mondo grass!
I am SO happy and of course I am excited to share our new Daisy Cottage garden with you! I took these photos early this morning to catch the beautiful dew and the first rays of sun...
I can't wait 'till the birds go splish splash in the bath...
Of course, I had to have lots of yellow!
Sigh. It really is beautiful. We are very happy. And hopefully, these lovelies will be happy here too and the garden will grow and bloom with its' own little personality. Because, of course, my mind is now spinning with what I will add in the way of whimsy and fun! ;-)
What do we think... stepping stones, bird houses, chimes, china pots??? I'd LOVE to hear your ideas!
xo,
Kim
This takes my breath away!!! Absolutely stunning!!!
XOXO
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | April 25, 2009 at 06:21 PM
It is just beautiful! Hugs, Bobbi Jo
Posted by: Bobbi Jo Nichols | April 25, 2009 at 06:41 PM
Wow! What a beautiful garden! It's just as I would imagine your yard would look like! I don't think it needs a thing! It's perfect just the way it is! Again, your photos are outstanding too!
Posted by: Kathi | April 25, 2009 at 06:52 PM
Kim, I think he understood very well what you wanted. It's perfect for Daisy Cottage!
Posted by: Stacey | April 25, 2009 at 07:03 PM
You will love the knock out roses! They bloom all summer up here in the midwest and always look good.
Posted by: karla nathan | April 25, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Hi...Kim
A new garden is like a fresh coat of paint.
It looks very "welcoming". I have always
admired peps who come up with "creative"
ideas in their yards. Like "ole china plates" to "ole bowling balls". Hmmmmm...
looking out my kitchen window...my neighbor
has put some glow at nite butterflies in her
yard, they change colors too...and I luv those little bird feeders made out of "ole tea/saucers". Andddd I was in Kirkland's today & they have some cute yard decor too.
Have fun "shopping" & looking forward to see what you choose.
Sue
south of you,
Englewood, FL
Posted by: Sue | April 25, 2009 at 07:43 PM
Oh, I love a bit of whimsy! There is room or all of that and more in cottage garden! How about a sign or two, too! A gazing ball is always nice, as is a splashing fountain somewhere in a corner. Have fun 'accessorizing' your painted lady! Becky
Posted by: Becky G. | April 25, 2009 at 07:43 PM
you are going to have so much fun accessorizing such a lovely garden!! I love the idea of bird houses, wind chimes and gazing balls. I can't wait to see what you come up with. jD
Posted by: Joanne | April 25, 2009 at 07:52 PM
What a wonderful addition to Daisy cottage. We have had knockout roses for several years and they are the easiest, most prolific bloomer you can ever have. I love them and I know you will too. You will have a ball adding your special touches with your accessories. I can't wait to see more. Enjoy your beautiful new gardens.
Jean in virginia
Posted by: Jean Eakin | April 25, 2009 at 08:02 PM
Kim, congratulations, it's beautiful! As soon as we are dong with our garage turned bedroom, I can't wait until we have a lot more energy to put into our gardens. I picture one a lot like yours. You must be so happy! :)
Posted by: Emily@remodelingthislife | April 25, 2009 at 08:06 PM
That is going to be a beautiful garden when it growns in. Nice grouping of plants. Bird bath and a bird house here and there.
Posted by: Bobbie Lynn | April 25, 2009 at 08:09 PM
Kim, it looks wonderful. I drove past the other day, but I didn't get a good look because I was in a hurry to meet someone. The pics, though, are GREAT! You will love your knock-out roses. They are easy as can be and are a big bang for your buck.
Looks great!
XO,
Sheila... whose yard is blooming white right now!
Posted by: Sheila | April 25, 2009 at 08:11 PM
Oh, that's so pretty. How nice to treat yourselves to a professional. Then you can really enjoy it.
Posted by: Diane | April 25, 2009 at 08:24 PM
I have terra cotta pots in different sizes placed upside down for creative edging...and then the fun occassional element of whimsical surprise tucked in places where you have to peek to find them! Like a yard flag made from silk ribbons or a cast iron grasshopper...Enjoy your new garden!
Posted by: Chandra | April 25, 2009 at 08:27 PM
I adore stepping stones!!!
I just made a little brick stepping area out of a herringbone brick pattern....soooooo sweet....also LOVE pea gravel
Posted by: cityfarmer | April 25, 2009 at 08:28 PM
meant to say....I think you're well on your way baby.
Posted by: cityfarmer | April 25, 2009 at 08:29 PM
I am right behind you girlfriend! I have been beating my head against the wall too! Drive by my house and you will see dug up holes, shovels, wilted plants and me sitting there with a sad face. I am giving this guy a call..ASAP
Posted by: cindy h | April 25, 2009 at 09:04 PM
Oooh Kim, it's looking good. I think that all you need is a bunny or two and you'll be set. ~ Robyn
Posted by: Robyn | April 25, 2009 at 09:37 PM
Love these ideas sweet girls..
xo,
Me
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | April 25, 2009 at 09:40 PM
GORGEOUS! And all done within a day or two...this is actually a DREAM of mine...and someday, we will. Too much else to do right now, but I'll enjoy yours for now, it's like a picture!
XOXO
Joni
Posted by: Joni | April 25, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Ha! Even the tractor matches your decor! How do you do it??? ;)
Posted by: mia | April 25, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Mia, I LOVE that you noticed that!
Isn't that fun? I saw that pull up to our yard and I thought - YES! A PERFECT orange tractor!
;-)
xo,
Me
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | April 25, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Fan-tab-ulous! Really gorgeous!
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kathy | April 25, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Kim... it is fabulous.. enjoy your knock out rose bush! They are so beautiful! I love the yellow as well.. stunning darlin'!
Posted by: Valarie@wwwglimpseofmyworld.blogspot.com | April 25, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Ohhhh Kim...Looks Great...you are really going to enjoy this!
Tracy
Posted by: Tracy | April 25, 2009 at 10:21 PM
It's all of a piece, Kim. The house now flows with the garden. Do we ever really get over the love for a white picket fence and a yellow cottage? I don't think so. He did a great job, but that's the true sign of a professional, giving you what you want with their knowledge. The shot of the American Flag behind the picket fence, and the birdbath, viewed while listening to Stranger ont he Shore was quite nice.
Great job. It gets so much better. The garden unfolds more and more every day. You are speaking to my heart with this post. It's really YOU. Bravo.
Posted by: Kevin Graves | April 25, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Thank you everyone!
Kevin G thank you for being YOU. Your very special garden that you have created from your heart has been so inspiring to me. Thank you for that.
I'm off to bed - sweet dreams everyone.
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | April 25, 2009 at 10:40 PM
It looks wonderful , I hope Miss Maggie approves. Thankfully Dale had a tractor that did not clash either , it fit in very well with the colour scheme. Donna
Posted by: Donna | April 25, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Kim -
What a gorgeous garden! Sigh...I wish mine looked as beautiful as yours. Knock out roses, crepe myrtle, boxwood, begonias and of course DAISIES...perfect for Daisy Cottage. Love your photos..and what a gem Dale is :)
Enjoy your beautiful new garden.
Posted by: Toni | April 25, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Your garden is sooo pretty Kim! I'm sure you'll add just the right touches. The birdbath is a nice touch. The birdies might need a little dear daisy cottage of their own.... :) Leah
Posted by: Leah | April 25, 2009 at 11:36 PM
How nice that you will be able to cut some fresh flowers to bring into the house to enjoy as well. I love to share some blooms with neighbors too! The photos are stunning!
Posted by: The Cottage Girl | April 26, 2009 at 03:32 AM
Your garden makeover looks fantastic! Sometimes it does pay to get someone in. Now you'll have your garden just the way you want it when summer comes.
Kate
Posted by: Our Red House | April 26, 2009 at 04:49 AM
Kim, it is perfect. And, so beautiful. I wish you many moments of joy in your beautiful new landscape.
Thank you for sharing so much with all of us.
Posted by: Beverly | April 26, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Perfect! Absolutely perfect for Daisy Cottage and for you and Miss Maggie. It's so right. He knew exactly what to do. Thank you for sharing your lovely new garden with us. Let us peek in often to see what's happening there. ~Adrienne~
Posted by: Adrienne | April 26, 2009 at 08:47 AM
Beautiful Kim! You'll be amazed how fast it fills in!
Posted by: Linda@Lime in the Coconut | April 26, 2009 at 09:03 AM
fabulous!
Lea
xo
Posted by: Lea Harper | April 26, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Kim,I too live in a yellow house but much smaller.Such a happy color!Every garden needs a little spot for the fairies to go when they've finished tending the flowers.
You make me smile everytime I visit!Thank you from Mi.Audrie
Posted by: Audrie | April 26, 2009 at 09:17 AM
Good Sunday morning Kim :)
You've been holding out on us! What a wonderful surprise!! Your garden looks beautiful and so perfect for Daisy Cottage. Dale and his crew did a great job.
I would add a windchime, because I love listening to mine. It sounds like church bells. Oh and stepping stones would be perfect too! Whatever you add I know it will be just right :)
Enjoy your cottage garden sweet friend!
love,
rue
Posted by: rue | April 26, 2009 at 09:48 AM
It's beautiful Kim! Makes me green with envy, lol! I can't wait until my flowers here in MN are in full bloom. I'm sure you will enjoy this new investment for years and years to come.
Posted by: Debbie Vierkant | April 26, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Daisy Cottage DESERVES a pretty cottage garden, and that is what you got. It's beautiful!! I would love to see some china pots in there somewhere, and a birdhouse or two. It looks very inviting for birds, bees and butterflies. What a joy it's going to be to watch it all evolve over time!
Posted by: Carol | April 26, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Absolutely beautiful! I think both stepping stones and bird houses would be awesome! --Jackie
Posted by: Jackie | April 26, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Now Kim, you know I'm going to tell you what to put in that garden! First, you need to add some Shasta daisies. They are the white perennial with yellow centers that I post on my gardening blog. They multiply like crazy. I have shared them often. Wish I could share some with you. But I don't think they'd make that trip! They are the perfect addition to Daisy Cottage. I'm so happy you have such a beautiful garden now!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | April 26, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Your garden looks exceptional! Just wait till it fills out and wow it's going to be stunning! There are so many possibilities of fun things to add to "pretty" it up!
Have fun in your garden! :)
Rochelle
Posted by: Rochelle Gaukel | April 26, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Good Morning (or is it afternoon) my spring chickadees... thank you so much for being happy for us that we FINALLY have a birth of a garden!
(((hugs)))
AND Miss Brenda.. I'm on my way to your place for inspiration because I know YOU are the Garden Queen!
xo,
Me
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | April 26, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Here is Brenda's blog with LOTS of garden inspiration.. she is terrific!
http://viewfromthepines.com/
xo,
Me
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | April 26, 2009 at 12:22 PM
It's beautiful, Kim!
We did all our own landscaping and gardening until we moved here. That was the first time we sought help from pro's. So glad we did. We're finding, as we grow a little older each day, we need to lean on folks for help in the garden and other areas of our home. J still likes puttering around in the garden though. And we do still paint an occasional room. Our days of knocking down walls are in the past, though.
I can't wait to see the garden, as it grows and matures.
Posted by: Pat@Back Porch Musings | April 26, 2009 at 01:14 PM
***sigh***, sooo pretty...I just planted a new Knock Out rose bush this morning! I am waiting for my hubby to get ready and we are going to pick out a gazing ball now...our weather has inspired us to work outside this weekend...your garden is sure to bring you much enjoyment!
Blessings,
Susie
Posted by: Susie Homemaker | April 26, 2009 at 02:39 PM
You did the right thing by hiring someone...do what you do best, and hire the rest! Thanks for the photos....what a lovely walk through your garden!
Posted by: sheri howard | April 26, 2009 at 04:16 PM
Hi Kim
You are full of surprises.
I love your garden. I've never heard of knock out roses before, but I sure will be looking for it when I go to the garden centre. I also think little bird houses here and there of the colours you love would look so pretty, as well as the big cup bird feeder. Good luck and lots of fun in your garden.
Your friend in Canada
Fay Marie
Posted by: Fay Marie | April 26, 2009 at 04:24 PM
It all looks amazing!!! You have a way of making everything look great. We are needing some landscaping done also. I am trying to get hubby to hire it out as we have no time these days!
I say yes to chimes and stepping stones and all things wonderful! Especially rabbit figurines for the yard they just melt my heart. Not too big though!
Posted by: Crystal Sparks | April 26, 2009 at 04:38 PM
WOW!!! Your garden is stunning, I loved following you on the tour.
Debby
Posted by: Debby | April 26, 2009 at 05:17 PM
Congrats, dear Kim! It truly looks beautiful & I know you'll enjoy it. I'm busily working in my yard now too & hope to get more things planted. I lost some of my perennials from a couple years ago, so had to replant.
Posted by: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality | April 26, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Hi Kim,
Goodness - gracious - your beautiful new garden is perfect for Daisy Cottage. You and your family are going to have so much fun taking care of your new cottage garden and finding fun things to put in your garden.
What an amazing transformation. I would love to paint your new garden some day. I am having a hand painted garden sign give away on my blog and you may want to check it out.
Have fun.
Blessings,
Erin and Bentley
Posted by: Erin | April 26, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Wow! It is gorgeous, stunning, lovely! It looks perfect and I enjoyed that pretty orange tractor too. I think a colorful, bright, mosaic birdbath would be lovely and add a touch of whimsy! I am thinking in Fiesta Ware colors like Kelee's plate border!
Enjoy it!
Posted by: Mermaid Debbie | April 26, 2009 at 06:37 PM
It is lovely..I can see myself visiting Daisy Cottage and sitting out there with you and Miss Maggie enjoying a glass of iced tea.. I like whimsey - birdhouses and leaf-shaped stepping stones..enjoy your beautiful front garden..
Posted by: bettyann | April 26, 2009 at 07:23 PM
love it...
Posted by: Deb | April 26, 2009 at 08:26 PM
THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | April 26, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Kim, It's beautiful and charming just like your cute cozy cottage. A variety of china plates make a great edging for a flower garden.
Hugs,
Cathie
Posted by: Catherine | April 26, 2009 at 08:47 PM
wow, kim, it's amazing! could dale come to rhode island? LOL
enjoy!!!
xo
Posted by: elyse | April 26, 2009 at 09:02 PM
Oh, Kim! It's loverly! Oh so cottagey and oh so Kim! Makes me want to clap my hands in delight. (I know: I'm a total dork - hee!) Your garden designer and you did a wonderful job with the plants and placement. It'll be such fun to see it all evolve. Living decor!
You've received some wonderful ideas! I like to use garden stakes in my garden. I have a shepherds' hook shape that has an iridescent ball that dangles off the end of the curved hook, another that started out as a dark blue crackled gazing ball on a stake, but the blue has worn away and now it's a sparkling white, another with a white plaque with my initial ... you get the idea!
Posted by: Rose Eliff | April 26, 2009 at 09:39 PM
Someone suggested windchimes - I love chimes! I have one in front and one in back and two inside. (When I have windows all open the two inside tinkle gently, as does the capiz chandy in the dining area.) I love the aural pleasure of chimes. Another suggestion: A colorful whirligig! They're such fun spinning away in the sunshine.
Posted by: Rose - The Center of My Self | April 26, 2009 at 09:45 PM
Kim, the garden is beautiful. Enjoy and add a little at a time as you will always find something that you just know is going to add to your landscape. I really like windchimes and have many around my house the sound is very soothing. Maggie will like the chimes and I bet a gazing ball so she can see herself and bark.
Posted by: Randee Willmore | April 27, 2009 at 12:30 AM
Kim that looks so pretty.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | April 27, 2009 at 01:32 AM
Kim your yard is gorgeous! My children and I have been working in my yard all weekend and I can't wait to post the pictures. I hope it turns out as nice as yours!
Posted by: Colleen | April 27, 2009 at 07:53 AM
It looks wonderful Kim! And with your long growing season you will get so much enjoyment out of it:>) I know whatevr you decide on to decorate it will be beautiful.
Posted by: Kathy | April 27, 2009 at 08:47 AM
It looks great!! But we know you REALLY chose him because his little red tractor looks so cute in front of your house. :)
Susan G
Posted by: SusanG | April 27, 2009 at 08:55 AM
LOVE IT!! Your landscaper did a fabulous job and I know you are loving it so much! For a little cottage whimsey, You might find a couple of really cute hummingbird feeders at a garden center. I have seen some gorgeous ones this spring!
We have been hard at work in our yard as well and I can't wait to see it finished.
Have a lovely week!
Jennifer
ps-I just wanted to let you know that my blog has changed addresses so that you can update your "Blog Candy".....it's still Fiddle Dee Dee, but now at this address: http://fiddledeedee-jen.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee | April 27, 2009 at 09:26 AM
Kim,
The garden is gorgeous! I know you will enjoy it and so will we as you post photos.
Many blessings,
Tracy
Posted by: Tracy | April 27, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Oh, it's so lovely! So many textures and colors...congrats on beautifying your outdoor space. I'm sure you'll enjoy it fully!
(P.S. I just noticed that we are door-and-window twins! Don't you just love the nine-paned Prairie design?)
Posted by: bungalowbliss | April 27, 2009 at 09:57 AM
What a beautiful garden. Good for you, enjoy it every minute you can...
Posted by: Donna Warrington | April 27, 2009 at 11:05 AM
It's beautiful - of course a bird house or feeder would be great!
Posted by: caren | April 27, 2009 at 11:36 AM
It is really beautiful. You will enjoy it even more as time passes and you make it truly "yours". Birdhouses for sure!
Posted by: Elaine/MuddlingThrough | April 27, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Fantastic job! I love your garden.
Posted by: SoBella Creations | April 27, 2009 at 03:26 PM
It looks so pretty already and it's going to be amazing once everything blooms!
Great job, Kim. :)
Posted by: PamperingBeki | April 27, 2009 at 04:50 PM
HI,your are truly bless ,it is so colorful and oh so pretty!!!!
Posted by: Diane | April 27, 2009 at 05:00 PM
It's beautiful, Kim! Love the bush daisies.
Hugs,
Donna
Posted by: Donna | April 27, 2009 at 05:21 PM
Very pretty! Can only get better with time~~~
Posted by: TJ | April 27, 2009 at 08:08 PM
Thank you SO much dear ones... Love,love,love your suggestions!
Big Hugs!!
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | April 27, 2009 at 08:30 PM
How beautiful your garden is and what lovely pictures!
Posted by: Joy | April 27, 2009 at 09:30 PM
Kim, only and you Daisy Cottage can make a tractor look so good!
Posted by: Esther Sunday | April 28, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Most definitely a bird house! The garden is perfect. How I would love to hire someone like Dale!
Blessings,
Patty
Posted by: Patty Boyd | April 28, 2009 at 09:58 PM
I missed this post by 4 days...I don't get to check everyday but when I do I'm simply amazed at all that you do. The garden is lovely, and yes stepping stones, a bird house, china pots and oh yes, definitely the chimes would spark your creative touch to Daisy Cottage... why not include all of them painted in your vibrant colors! :)
Carole
Posted by: Carole | April 29, 2009 at 08:53 AM
Oh Kim its so pretty...pls take more photos, from EVERY which way...what a nice job. I am definitely going to buy a knock out rose this year...I am not one for roses...but everyone in blogland RAVES about them so I am going to try one...I love the color of yours :)
So happy for you !!
xo Kathy :)
ps I am taking breaks from blogging, I read more than comment...pls know you are TOPS on my list :)
Posted by: Kathy | April 29, 2009 at 12:30 PM
I love the picture of the rose bud with dew drops on it. You are great photographer. I also have to say that I have never seen a cleaner, more beautiful garden.
Posted by: Kristen | April 29, 2009 at 05:19 PM
Oh Kim, I'm so excited for you! Your new garden is just how I envisioned it. Perfect! As I was looking through the pictures I was also thinking that the new garden looked like a sure place for Maggie to find some lizards too. To both of you--enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
I love the 'play' on your porch in the other post, the flowers, pots, etc. I don't remember seeing the yellow piece with the birds at the top. I'm not sure what it is but I sure do like it. A message board maybe?
I hope you have many porch days enjoying your blooms. Thank you for reminding me I was going to buy some knockout roses this week. They are gorgeous in my neighborhood.
XO,
Lallee
Posted by: Lallee | April 30, 2009 at 02:12 PM
Kim, it's very pretty. We all need help sometimes. I even had someone help me with my front garden, and I'm a garden writer and landscaper myself. :) I'd say all of the above and include a vine or two to clamber up an arbor, or a climbing rose like 'Cecile Bruner' or 'Cl. Pinkie.' Love your blog.~~Dee
Posted by: Dee/reddirtramblings | May 03, 2009 at 12:32 PM
so very nice. congratulations on your new garden.
Posted by: Tina | May 03, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Oh girl! You just got to have a rusty little red wagon amongst all those lovely yellow daisys'and some wonderful adirondack chairs for you and the hubby!
Enchanting.. I've been working on my old 1908 house's interior for 2 years and can't wait to get to the outside.I so love that you've shared it with us!I know what you mean though we're extremely hands on too.((TRANSFORMATION WHAT A BEAUTIFUL THING)). Stop by my blog if you get a chance I'd love to catch up with you.I first became acqainted with you at the oldpaintedcottage.Charlsey (decoratingyourworld)
Posted by: Charlsey | May 17, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Its really easy to make a garden when you have the right tools to use. I never had problems when I made my garden though the only thing that I used making it is an old can.
Posted by: Small Garden Ideas | March 26, 2010 at 07:07 AM
I love the idea of the plates as a border, can you send more picture of this, I have the plates, not sure how to start. thanks Carol
Posted by: Carol Seast | April 22, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Kim, are you ever going to come back to your blog? yours is the only blog that i can't forget! by the emails above i can see that you bring out the happiness in everyone, not just me... i hope you can start your blog again. it is a beautiful thing :)
Posted by: sally ortiz | November 07, 2012 at 10:16 PM