I really need to re-do the stain on my deck – it’s been peeling all summer. But that’s too big of job to tackle right now so I thought I’d start with this -
I know…awful right? A summer of neglect and hot temps and what was a planter full of colorful petunias is now one dried up petunia and a bunch of weeds!
So I started by removing most of the dirt in the planter (I used it to fill in a hole in the backyard). Then I painted the top of the bench (I got this bench at Goodwill in 2009). I also decided to paint my planter red.
I had painted these little concrete planters red a few years ago and they still look great. The concrete seems to absorb the paint.
This time I didn’t do the color as solid as the small planters in order to give it a more weathered look and I added some fresh potting soil and filled it with some pansies, ornamental kale and a mum.
I also like to keep my little gnomes in this planter.
I collect gnomes…
I have the larger ones in the garden. I have a few photos of them on my flickr photostream here
I just think they’re funny – my daughter thinks they’re creepy 
The window behind this planter is my kitchen and there’s a window seat.
So now when I look out that window, I have something nice to look at once again!
You can look out at the gnomes and they can look in at you. Perfect arrangement. Don’t share this with your daughter. Ha!
Shoot. I meant to say that my favorite thing is the blue mushroom.
The petunias in your first pic look like some of mine. The ones in my big flower box look great and are trailing and full. HOWEVER, there are a couple of pots that were often forgotten and look very sad. So, it’s time for them to be replaced with mums, just as you have done. I have a question ~ do gnomes attract fairies or keep them away. Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
I believe that fairies and gnomes work together
Beautiful!
I have a bunch of things that look like the “before” picture. I’m ready to put in some pansies and mums.
Isn ‘t it fun to change out planters with the seasons? I love how you made your planter look weathered when you painted it.
Buying pansies is on my “to do” list.
I like it all freshened up! The red on the planter is great –
Not such a fan of gnomes though…kind of with your daughter on this one!
Happy Sunday!
Beautiful! I never thought to paint concrete planters:) Great idea! Have a blessed day with your new view out the window! HUGS!
Great planter, Manuela! My petunias looked like that, too. I threw them out a few weeks ago. I’m about ready to get some mums now. Love the red. Your gnomes are cute! I have a statue of a couple that I put near our front door. I told my hubby that if we were gnomes that would be us!
So glad to see another gnome lover
!
Pretty! I some some potted plants that look like your “before” pic, only mine are impatiens. Can’t do much in the courtyard, due to the hickory nut shells falling. Hope the squirrels finish their feeding frenzy soon.
Enjoy your Sunday.
I love the planter in your new fall colors! The red looks great. Re: the golf cart riding….you said you have a town near you with golf carts, I bet it’s the same town! I live in Georgia, too. I’m in Newnan and my dad lives in Peachtree City. Is this the one you were referring to?
Yep that’s the one. I’ve never been to Newnan but my neighbor went with her book club for a tour of some antebellum homes and said it was just lovely!
I love it. An autumn fairy garden. I can’t wait to put it together but I bought a pumpkin fairy kit at the Country Living Fair. But, I need a pumpkin to put it together.
I really like the mushrooms I have been collecting them but only seem to find red or brown ones.Merle….
The perfect little pick me up. And proof positive that little changes can make a bug impact!
How cute! I think they are sweet as well!