Where we live, there are severe restrictions on building any structures on our property. Due to the hurricanes that we have here in South Florida, it is not a good idea to have any free-standing items that could endanger us or damage our house.
I suppose I will just have to live vicariously through our friend Becky. She lives outside of Boston and has a beautiful garden, and her She Shed is the piece de resistance! Look at how charming this is…I can’t wait to see it again this year when we visit again in August.
With spring just around the corner, I get inspired to spruce up our yard and replant my herb garden. Even if I don’t have a She Shed, I can make our outdoor space beautiful. Also, since I love to cook, the herbs add so much flavor to our meals. It is wonderful to just walk out our back door (I usually send the hubs) to the herb garden and snip a few sprigs. The amarylis is in full bloom right now and there are a few others along the back wall of our garden. These come back every year and they are gorgeous!
Since we live in South Florida, we do not have 4 seasons. In fact, we have maybe 1 ½ that includes summer and a somewhat cooler summer. Right now it is scorching outside, and the locals (like myself) were wishing for a little cooler weather before the summer arrives. It is supposed to be 90 degrees today, and it is only March – yikes!
I try to keep things simple by keeping our planters around the pool filled with seasonal flowers planted in the middle of some cascading greenery. I just replace the flowers in the middle of the planters as needed, or to fit the season. In winter we have poinsettias, fall is chrysanthemums, summer is usually either white or red geraniums. Basically, I add whatever flowers that look healthy at the garden center. This is the method I have used for many years, and it works very well to keep things looking fresh.
On our front porch, we have four hand-painted Italian pots. Right now, I have a small topiary in one, ivy in another and red geraniums in the other two. I am hoping to find more of the small topiaries for the ones near the door, as I just love that look.
We do have a cabana in our yard where we have a bar set up. This is nice to have when entertaining, and it does provide some shade. It makes a nice place to sip a cool drink or enjoy some appetisers before dinner. It is not nearly as much fun as a She Shed, but it is a nice gathering space.
Because it is not a permanent structure, we are allowed to have a cabana. I would LOVE to have an English style Conservatory or Summer House in our yard. It is just so pleasant to expand your outdoor space to include an area that is all your own. Oh well, I will just have to dream.
Do you have a she shed? Imagine the enjoyment that you would have with one like Becky’s in your own backyard.
My name is Kim and my passion is surrounding myself, family, and friends in a life of luxury. Each week, I’ll share with you new tips and recipes to create a luxurious life .