Welcome, Spring!

Our front door has sprung into Magnolia Mode. (I'm not really sure what that means, I just made it up.) Magnolia blossoms are a favorite of mine -- they smell sooo yummy; however, the blossoms on this wreath are not fragrant. They are silk. ;-) After a trip to Hobby Lobby, Millie Girl and I created this spring wreath for the door. I think it turned out pretty doggone good. Best of all, it cost a fraction of a similar looking wreath that I had seen at Pottery Barn. As a bonus, I managed to craft this without getting any hot glue gun burns! 

I may be able to make a wreath out of fake flowers and leaves, but I'll leave the job of creating natural beauty up to God. He has obviously been busy, just in our yard. Both the backyard and the front are awake and full of color.

 Texas Red Bud blossoms

Violets -- These were planted a few years ago, in memory of my mother. Violets were one of her favorites. I planted one very small plant, but it has spread like crazy. I, too, love these sweet, little harbingers of spring! 

 Ajuga

Texas Mountain Laurel smells like grape Kool-Aid, only wayyy better!

We HAD to have lilacs in our garden to pay tribute to our son's hometown of Spokane, WA, where the word lilac is not pronounced lahy-lack but it sounds more like lahy-lock. They smell WONDERFUL, no matter how you say it!

 Trumpet Vine

Indian Hawthorne -- Although this is not an exciting shrub, at least it is pretty this time of year.

 "Hot Lips" Salvia -- lots of lip with no back talk!

 Vinca Major

A Thundercloud Purple Leaf Plum and a Coral Bark Japanese Maple team up nicely.

While Mr. Smith pruned, I played. I mean, created.

Spent Crepe Myrtle Seed pods make a kinda scary looking bouquet!

We got a new rain gauge that adds some yard art with a purpose. The design of this contraption is credited to Thomas Jefferson. It is pretty accurate! And, believe you me, we have had plenty of rain to test it out. I'll bet Tom had one of these at Monticello.

Even the pots on the patio are full of color.

 Coral Bells and Ajuga -- I love the contrast of colors!

 Daisies

 Last, but not least, volunteer Hollyhocks came up in the garden.

We have more plants and shrubs waiting to burst forth in living color, and there are already a few too many weeds making an appearance. We will definitely take the bad with the good, and keep the gardening gloves AND the Roundup at the ready. No complaints.