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Friday, April 25, 2014

A Little Bit of Spring on the Front Porch

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

If you could pick one feature that you really want in a house, 
what would it be? 

I'd like a fabulous porch...
one that is big enough for some rocking chairs, 
or wicker furniture...or maybe a porch swing.
 Yeah, definitely a swing. 

There would be a railing, flower boxes, and an overhang 
so we could sit outside even when it rained. 

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

As much as I love my house, the front porch is meh. 
It's got nice columns, and a fabulous front door, 
but it's not symmetrical, so I find it hard to decorate.

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes
Summer 2013

I'd really like to redesign it, 
but there are more important things to spend money on. 
And even if I did, it could never be a porch sittin' kind of porch...
you know, the kind where I could sit there, and fan myself, and say, 
"Honey, could y'all be a dear and go get me some lemonade?"

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I don't really "do up" my porch for spring
It's because I'm too cheap.
I don't want to spend lots of money on spring flowers, 
only to replace them a month or so later with summer flowers.

I prefer to let the azaleas  and rhododendrons do their thing,
and take center stage..

But I do need just a little bit of spring on the front porch.  

And by little, I mean...
Little. 

I bought a flat of pansies...

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

...and put them in my big flower pot.

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes 

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I added a topiary form that I picked up on clearance at Target last fall.

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

It looked a little bare, so I wove a strand of faux ivy around it. 

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Last fall, I had some leftover daffodil bulbs, 
so I stuck them in a pot 
and left them in the garage over the winter. 
Whaddya know -- they grew!
Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

 I added a pair of Hunter rain boots...
to have an "April Showers" thing going on...
but when the FedEx man came to drop off a package, 
he gave me a "Lady, why do you have a pair of boots 
on your front porch?" kind of look,
so I took them back inside.
What do you think?

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I added a little basket of phlox, instead.
Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


So that about does it for spring.

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I'm hoping no critters come up to the porch and devour everything.
They've gotten to be pretty brazen, lately.

Spring on the Front Porch --- Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Even just a few flowers on the front porch
are enough to put a spring in my step.
"Skip, skip, skip to my Goo Lou!"
I'll stop now. 
Have a nice day.
at

52 comments:

  1. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleApril 25, 2014 at 11:03:00 AM EDT

    I wish I had a big porch, too, but no I have a stoop. I love your paver walkway. Love pansies, but we plant them in the fall here and they last through spring.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:24:00 PM EDT

      Oooh, I would love to have pansies that lasted through winter!

      Delete
  2. JaneApril 25, 2014 at 11:23:00 AM EDT

    I'd love to have a big porch too! The fact is, I have a little aclove where my front door is. Maybe enough for a pot or two. It's ok, just boring. At least you have a very nice open area and your flowers are lovely. The color of your front door looks very nice with the white of the house and the flowers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:26:00 PM EDT

      Thanks, Jane, I do love the front door, and I really don't mind the porch - but it's fun to daydream about having a large one!

      Delete
  3. AnonymousApril 25, 2014 at 11:29:00 AM EDT

    I love your spring porch! Not being symmetrical gives you a nice area to one side to decorate and I think you did a lovely job...enjoyed seeing what you did for fall too! Now, I'm going to put my new topiary to a good use after seeing your display. Thanks and have a beautiful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:27:00 PM EDT

      Thank you, June! Glad I was able to inspire you about that topiary, and I really appreciate you comment, and your visit!

      Delete
  4. Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynestApril 25, 2014 at 11:50:00 AM EDT

    I make due with a small porch too and your pansies are so pretty - I am buying some soon!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:28:00 PM EDT

      The pansies do make me smile every time I look at them! PS - I made your baked green bean fries tonight -- they were SO delish!

      Delete
  5. MilaApril 25, 2014 at 3:50:00 PM EDT

    Looks so pretty Amy! The topiary is perfect for filling the space. I am going to see if Target still has it, or something similar. I also love pansies. In Russian they are called "Anna's eyes", which is one of my daughters' name.

    Thanks for sharing! I pinned it for future reference:)

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    Replies
    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:30:00 PM EDT

      Thanks for the pin, Mila! I really appreciate it! I hope you do find something similar at Target. I bet they carry them every spring/summer. Anna's Eyes sound much nicer than Pansies. Lovely name for your daughter!

      Delete
  6. KellyApril 25, 2014 at 4:00:00 PM EDT

    I love how you decorated your front entrance. The topiary form covered with ivy is such a great touch!

    ReplyDelete
  7. CynthiaApril 25, 2014 at 4:16:00 PM EDT

    So beautiful, love that topiary form. I am a big fan of them but never tried to do a live one. May be something to think about. We were supposed to have a much larger porch on the new house but for variance reasons we had to make it much smaller. Oh well, that is life. It will be fun to make pretty as is anyway.

    Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:32:00 PM EDT

      I bet you are getting really excited about decorating that porch, Cynthia!

      Delete
  8. MichelleApril 25, 2014 at 8:01:00 PM EDT

    I really do like the topiary. I confess that I have a country front porch I always wanted. And....now I don't get to spend any time out there! lol

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    Replies
    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:33:00 PM EDT

      Well, hopefully your porch bring you joy just to look at it as you're passing by, Michelle!

      Delete
  9. ErinApril 25, 2014 at 9:04:00 PM EDT

    It looks like a wonderful welcome!! I love spring flowers! You did a lot with what you have--so pretty!

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    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:34:00 PM EDT

      Thank you , Erin! It is making me happy every time I look at it!

      Delete
  10. NanaDianaApril 25, 2014 at 10:11:00 PM EDT

    What a wonderful Welcome as you come up to that porch. I love it. You have made it quite beautiful there! Happy Spring to you- xo Diana

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:34:00 PM EDT

      Happy Spring, Diana! Just looking at the flowers on my porch is making me happy!

      Delete
  11. DianeApril 26, 2014 at 7:17:00 AM EDT

    I think you porch looks wonderful, especially, since I have nothing on mine. I always wait for red geraniums and they are not here, yet. Two things that are my absolute musts for a dream house are a large screened-in porch on the back of my house (which I have) and a huge dining room with a huge adjoining butler's pantry (which I do not have). I guess that we cannot have everything! P. S. I thought the boots looked adorable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:36:00 PM EDT

      I love geraniums, too. I'll have to wait a month at least till they're out. My other dream is for a screened in back porch. Oh, well. And while I'm dreaming, I would love a big dining room, too. Mine is way too small!

      Delete
  12. Phyllis LApril 26, 2014 at 8:35:00 AM EDT

    Looks beautiful as always ...without the boots!

    ReplyDelete
  13. sweetbriardreamsApril 26, 2014 at 11:46:00 AM EDT

    Well I think the boots are just perfect! I always imagine the porch in 'Sleeping with the Enemy' when Julia Roberts is in her happy home and sits on her swing in the porch while the evening comes in. I'd love to have that here but instead I have a bench and some red planters - and hardly sit out there! I love your spring planting, it adds just the right amount of colour for this great season. xx

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    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:37:00 PM EDT

      Ah, a porch swing would be heavenly, Chel! That's the kind of porch I'd like!

      Delete
  14. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseApril 26, 2014 at 1:43:00 PM EDT

    Well, having no porch at all, I think it's absolutely lovely! I love the colours, and even the boots, don't mind about people's looks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:39:00 PM EDT

      Thanks, Magali! It's amazing how some spring flowers can add so much cheer!

      Delete
  15. Teddee GraceApril 27, 2014 at 3:30:00 PM EDT

    Spray paint those boots a jazzy color and stuff in some faux daffodils!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:40:00 PM EDT

      Oooh, I love that idea, Teddee! Do you think I can still wear them? LOL!

      Delete
  16. LeslieApril 27, 2014 at 4:44:00 PM EDT

    I love it! How beautiful. Flowers make you smile and put you in a good mood, where better to put them than a place where you walk in & out everyday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:40:00 PM EDT

      It's so true, Leslie! I honestly do smile each time I see them!

      Delete
  17. diane April 27, 2014 at 6:22:00 PM EDT

    What does the FedEx guy know? Put them boots back on the porch! :-)
    diane @ thoughts and shots

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:41:00 PM EDT

      My husband didn't quite get it, either, LOL! I think I will put them back!

      Delete
  18. CorinneApril 28, 2014 at 11:06:00 AM EDT

    Personally, I love the boots!

    ReplyDelete
  19. The Charm of HomeApril 28, 2014 at 7:50:00 PM EDT

    So cute, yes, I love the boots!
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  20. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesApril 28, 2014 at 11:42:00 PM EDT

    Another "Yes" for the boots! Thanks, Sherry!

    ReplyDelete
  21. MerisiApril 29, 2014 at 3:36:00 AM EDT

    Looks great! I would love to sit on the porch steps and sip a mint julep!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beth in NEPAApril 29, 2014 at 7:39:00 AM EDT

    I have a front porch but it is enclosed!!! I do use my back deck a lot and most folks use that entrance anyway. I MUST think spring out there. This winter made such a mess. You spring design is lovely! And that front door is VERY elegant.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowApril 29, 2014 at 8:58:00 AM EDT

    Pansies and violas...the go-to spring flower for our sort of spring weather! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. UnknownApril 29, 2014 at 12:38:00 PM EDT

    Hi Amy - This is lovely. I'm starting to get rid of all the dead plants from winter and spruce things up for spring too. Thanks for sharing with the Let's Get Real Party.

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousApril 29, 2014 at 2:36:00 PM EDT

    Ah...a sittin', "Howdy Neighbor" porch. My dearest dream wish. BTW, love your blog name. *L*

    ReplyDelete
  26. LanaApril 29, 2014 at 2:45:00 PM EDT

    Your front porch looks very pretty! This post reminded me that it's almost time to spruce up ours too. We usually can't get started until the middle of May. Have a great day :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Down Blueberry LaneApril 29, 2014 at 4:19:00 PM EDT

    A little bit goes a long way just as your flowers prove. I went all out on my front porch at Christmas time, now it looks so boring. I need to do something and your post has given me good ideas. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Linda@Coastal CharmApril 30, 2014 at 12:40:00 AM EDT

    Amy,
    I too, wish I had a larger porch...oh well. I do like how you have the planter and boots on yours. I would love to have you link it up at my linky party.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  29. JoyMay 3, 2014 at 9:34:00 AM EDT

    Amy, this is beautiful- I enjoyed your Spring porch very much! Thank you for sharing it with us at Treasure Box Tuesday- pinned! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  30. BabsMay 4, 2014 at 2:21:00 PM EDT

    I know that symmetrical/asymmetrical thing. It's the same at my house. Love your pots of Spring flowers...and the boots are fun, but the basket of phlox is so pretty. Visiting from Seasonal Sundays

    ReplyDelete
  31. KathyMay 5, 2014 at 1:52:00 PM EDT

    We have a long narrow front porch that faces the southern exposure. This year is the first that I went all out to decorate - I hope we can add a pergola some day - love your pansies and topiary - I do appreciate you sharing with A Return to Loveliness,
    Kathy

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  32. KathyMay 7, 2014 at 2:03:00 PM EDT

    Your porch looks absolutely beautiful! I appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  33. Paula@SweetPeaApril 16, 2016 at 6:11:00 AM EDT

    My front porch is even smaller than yours. The trio of pots that you added to your porch looks so nice.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Ginnie | Hello Little HomeApril 17, 2016 at 9:36:00 PM EDT

    This looks gorgeous, Amy! I love pansies and daffodils and would kill for a few inches of ourdoor space. :)

    ReplyDelete

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