She reused the black plastic pots that her nursery plants came in, re-potted some impatiens, and sat them in a row on her window ledge. Of course she started hers first thing last spring, so they were large and you could hardly see the pots at all. Mine I just started a month ago, but I still adore them. Mostly because this is what I see from my kitchen window:

While I was visiting Linda she talked about how she based the “focal points” of her garden based on the views from her windows and from how cars and pedestrians viewed her house from the street. It’s amazing how this little row of impatiens brings me such joy each day as I gaze out over them while I wash dishes or just drink a glass of water. I also left a bunch of rudbekia in my garden- It’s the yellow smear you can see out the kitchen window, it shoots out of my strawberry patch from behind two tomato plants, but I love it. I think I might add a few more! I wanted to add some beautiful pots to the stairs I look out over, and didn’t do it this year. I guess there is still time! Maybe I’ll move some others I have over there- that way I can enjoy them more.

I realized this summer that I love being outside amongst my garden in the back, but I don’t seem to make it out to wonder amongst my garden in the front as much. I think I need to make my front beds more of the easy, manicured type, so that they always look good from the street but don’t require my constant care, because I just don’t seem to make it out there as often.

I believe that with all things, gardening should work into your “flow.” If it doesn’t feel natural, or your not inclined towards something generally there’s probably a better way around it. (Not that somethings don’t just need to be overcome.) But if you always leave your jacket in a pile by the door, you might as well install a few hooks on the wall. If you love being in your back yard- focus your gardening efforts there.

This “bed” is new for me. Last year it just had the lavender plant. It’s now one of my favorites- so simple and sweet. The lavender is comfortingly fragrant when I water or weed. The thyme is practical so close to the kitchen- and offers its own delightful lemon aroma, and the impatiens and pansies add perky color.

 The white and maroon pansy I grew from seed. They just started blooming this week. There is something extra special about witness the bloom of a plant you started from a small seed. There is an overwhelming since of gratitude and pride for the little guy that worked so hard for what becomes a delightful accomplishment.