S is for Spring: Spring Porch Arrangements
I am embarrassed to admit that I just took my winter evergreens out of the containers on my front porch this week. It is mid April! Yikes! Now to be fair it is spring in Michigan which is always unpredictable. For example, last Saturday we got 3 inches of wet, heavy snow and today, just one week later, I am sitting on my deck writing this and it is 75 degrees with blue skies and sunshine. I am not kidding!
But I digress… Feeling like I am scrambling is often a way of life for me as a busy mom. I usually think I am one or two steps behind where I imagine I should be. I have a lot of people ask me why I bother with things like spring flowers on my front porch or updating my home decor with the changing seasons at this time in my life when my kids are so little and our days are so hectic. And here is my answer: Having creative outlets helps me keep my sanity. In the daily tasks of motherhood, such as constant laundry, housekeeping and diaper changes, I need things in my life that give me a sense of accomplishment and bring me joy. And that is why I spend time on making my house look nice, dreaming up and creating crafts and projects and working on this blog. It keeps me sane, really!
Now on to the spring porch arrangements. My favorite combination for spring container gardening is fresh pussy willow branches surrounded by bright colorful pansies. I am very lucky because I get the pussy willow branches from my mom’s yard so I don’t have to buy them (Thanks, mom!). I watch for pansies on special this time of year too so these arrangements don’t end up costing much at all. Both the pussy willows and the pansies are hardy enough to withstand the ups and downs of Midwestern spring weather. These containers will easily last until it is time to plant my summer containers.
What do you think? Simple, but they really add a burst of spring to the front porch. And much better than the dried up evergreen arrangements – Ha! On a side note, I am on a mission to paint my front door this spring. Don’t be fooled, it is definitely not real wood. When you get up close, it is a vinyl faux wood design. I am all ears for suggestions on paint colors that will compliment the light colored brick. Please leave me a comment if you have an idea.
Ava and I had a ton of fun getting these spring porch arrangements planted this weekend. We hope that we have inspired you to add a touch of spring to your own outdoor decor as well. Hang in there through this crazy spring weather because April showers will bring May flowers after all!
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