not so much a green thumb.

...is how I would describe my gardening approach. I am all about quick results and not too much (maybe more like no) dirt under my nails.

Maybe uncharacteristic for one (me) who isn't a gardener, but I have been planful about the summer planting. Observing the light patterns for the planting areas - my deck, my mailbox and my front porch. Because the patterns have changed a lot since we moved into the house 20+ years ago. And no photos to show it right now, but my memories are of scorched earth - 100%+ sun all day long - portulaca blossomed and everything else wilted....

So now the trees are so much grown up, but we've re-done the deck, and the light patterns are different...even since 2005 when I last planted (I skipped last summer because we did a major remodel and planted pots would've been a waste!)

And I'm sure my tastes have changed. I love the bright, exuburant colors of the tropical flowers - hibiscus, bouganvilla, mandevilla. and I've come to love the purples and oranges of new guinea impatiens.

So ... the before (just two shots because it's embarrassing how bad I let it get!):

the overwhelming choices at Lowe's:

and the after:

and it was delightful to sit outside this evening before dinner, reading, with a glass of wine, and enjoy the summer air and the daylight through the trees.