Green Thumb

Remember in elementary school, you would get asked how you spent your summer vacation? I feel like I should prepare myself to answer that question in about a month when I return to work (woohoo summers off!).  So, how have I been spending my summer vacation?

Making my yard beautiful! (or at least trying)

Thanks to the help of very dear friends and family for the last two years, I have somehow managed to pull together some semblance of a yard.  I wish I had before pictures to show you- it was one big mess of weeds and tall grass.  And I mean a BIG mess.  Flash forward two years later:  a hand-placed stone patio, lots of planting, creating a veggie garden and purchasing a picnic table and benches, and I am finally ready to host people back there :) 

Just need to buy a birdbath and finish the second half of the yard, but I'm well on my way!

Let me be clear, I do not have a green thumb.  The gene skipped me...mom entirely dominates in this world, but I have been lucky enough to learn a few tricks and stumble upon some terrific resources for ideas. 

Terrain. Oh. My. Goodness.  It's the home and garden wonderland owned by Anthropologie, and I was lucky enough a couple weeks ago to SEE the Terrain garden store in Glenn Mills, PA. (thanks to my dear friend, K)  Here's a few snapshots of this AMAZING place:

I could have bought one of everything...and shopped so much, K has to mail me one of my fun garden accessories because it wouldn't fit in my luggage.  That's true friendship.  If you ever have a chance to go there, you won't regret it.

I also have been inspired by my evening (and morning) runs along the Charles River, and this recent experience made me remember that nature really does provide the most powerful motivator.  Here's to getting my thumb a little greener.