Hello Dear Readers!
Happy Monday!
Today, is Monday Morning Blooms
and I, along with my flower loving
friends are here to hopefully
put some happy in your
day with our flower inspiration.
Due to the difficulty of obtaining
and leaving the home to obtain
fresh flowers these days, we decided
that our common theme today would be
“anything goes” !! … and I did just that!
Today, you will see the
Hickory Cottage Front Porch Reveal
My wonderful Bloom friends Lidy, Pam and Mary’s
images and links to their
wonderful flower inspiration
are at the end of this post.
I have a favorite garden center.
It is privately owned and these days
if possible, I like to shop at locally
owned businesses when I can,
which is not too often now. 🙁
Welcome to the front door of Hickory Cottage.
I called the garden center to see
if they were open . . . “yes, we are
and we are practicing extreme safety and
social distancing” . . . and they were.
My hubby drove me there
(we wore our masks and gloves)
and we quickly chose some flowering
plants for the front porch.
I guess the potted and hanging
flowering plants were my idea of
“anything goes” for today!
Notice the ceiling? Had to go “haint blue”
however, the true color is
Sherwin Williams Atmospheric.
I was pleased with my monogrammed door mat
from Frontgate . . .
and . . . my half yoke copper lantern
from Carolina Lanterns.
I have always wanted one of those lanterns.
Mine is electrified vs. gas.
The first thing I had placed
on the front porch was my tea cart
that was formerly on my back upper porch.
Had to have something to place pretties on.
Potted Supertunia “Black Cherry” are
in blue and white pots
.
The hanging potted flowers
are Superbells “Pomegranate Punch”
My “lady” has been with me
sitting on the last 3 porches
and now 4. I bought her about 20 years ago
at Tuesday Morning and she always
brings me joy!
The “Happy Place” sign
was a gift from friends.
One morning, I was unboxing
(my new norm) some things and noticed
someone bending down placing something
on my porch. He quickly stepped away.
I went to the door as he was approaching
his car. “I just stopped by on my way
to play golf” … a little something
for the new house!” It was perfect.
My Sweetie said the one thing
that she will miss about the old house
are the pineapples! … No worries,
I still have lots and one to greet her!
Hopefully that will be soon. My family
has not seen our new home yet
since we moved in. 🙁
I’m so happy the tea cart fit
on our new porch. It’s not a large
porch, (8 x 12) however, large enough
to set some pretties on it.
Pottery Barn candle holders
hold faux boxwood and a lantern
to lend a glow to the first evening
when we can sit out there and relax
and enjoy the view!
Pots of petunias flank the porch.
On this side of the porch
is my bench that has been on
my porches of the last 3 homes
and now 4 too!
It fit well between the columns.
The flowers look great against
the blue (Sherwin Williams Rest Assured) shutters.
Pillows always a must for this bench.
The oval window is my laundry room window.
Hope you enjoyed the first peek
of the Hickory Cottage front porch.
Now it’s time to visit my
amazing flower loving friends for
some beautiful inspiration today.
They will show you how to achieve
beautiful floral creations during
times when flowers are not readily
available and most importantly,
during the stay-at-home
directives, protecting yourself
and your loved ones.
The links to their posts are
below their beautiful images.
Pam of Everyday Living
Lidy of FrenchGardenHouse
Mary of Home Is Where The Boat Is
I wish you all a most beautiful day
and most of all, please stay safe
and healthy. Through hope, faith
and prayers we shall get through this.
Thank you for the tour this morning Shirley! What a gorgeous and welcoming porch starting with those handsome arched doors, lantern and beautiful door mat. Your petunias and hydrangeas are beautiful and your ‘happy place sign’ is just perfect. I can’t take my eyes off those generously sized board and batten shutters in beautiful ‘Carolina Blue’ and I love the herringbone brick pattern of your entry way too. As always it’s a treat to join you for some flower therapy. Stay safe ♥
Shirley, what a fabulous welcome to your new home. The double arched doors, copper lantern, and monogrammed mat set the stage to enter Hickory Cottage, and I can’t wait for the full reveal of each curated space. The petunias and hydrangeas provide plenty of cheer to your porch. I noticed the pineapple “happy place” sign immediately, I know your Sweetie will approve. The “rest assured” shutters are amazing against the brick. The porch is full of memories of well-placed pieces that have followed you from house to house. It is always a pleasure to spend Monday Morning Blooms with you. Stay safe my friend ♥️
Good Morning! Your porch is so pretty. I especially like the deep deep red flowers. I look forward to “opening” our porches; it’s just too cold so far. Love seeing your new home!
Shirley, it’s so welcoming! I can’t to see more, more, more! I wanted to see the porch from a slightly more distant view, but these closer shots are so nice. Wonderful flower baskets for spring. You are ready for company and, in the meantime, providing lots of eye candy for those who happen to pass by.
Shirley, it is stunning and welcoming. Love the beautiful double doors and the lantern was a must have. Your potted flowers delicately placed near your Lady is so beautiful. I highly agree with the blue shutters as I am an avid Carolina fan. My daughter went to Carolina and I have spent a lot of time in CH years ago. I know you are anxious for your Sweetie to see everything. She will definitely approve. Blessings Shirley. I love seeing every inch of your new home.
Such a beautiful porch Shirley and that front door is stunning! I have the same nat from Front Gate. Looks as good as the it arrived.
Love your beautiful flowers and copper light.
So happy for you.
Cindy
It is beautiful Shirley, and it’s so special that you can use your favorite pieces from past homes to make your new home feel welcoming and already full of memories! Love the pineapple sign, what a sweet friend! Love the blue accents and the haint blue ceiling…My daughter moved into her house 1 day before the country shut down and I haven’t seen it yet, just photos, but they are so happy there…I can wait for more tours of Hickory Cottage!! So happy you are enjoying it, even though unpacking is hard work it is a chance to play with your pretties!
Those shades of blue, that front door…. the lady and bench that have traveled with you to the Hickory Cottage, all perfect for your ‘happy place’.
Your new home is just exquisite! So happy for you. It must sadden you to not be able to share it with family but just take the time to fuss and fiddle. Be extra extra careful. COVID 19 has put my mom in the hospital and it looks grim for recovery, so please be extra patient, last year was a hard one for you, no repeats.
Shirley, I love your Lady statue. I can see how it brings you joy. Your porch is so welcoming .It definitely says welcome come in side. Thanks for sharing
Hello Shirley! Lovely porch!!! Could you name the source for the faux boxwood sitting on the Pottery Barn candle holders?
Oh Shirley I just love it my friend! It looks gorgeous! I need t find me some of the hanging S hooks so I can hang planters from my porch. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Shirley, I have so enjoyed my tour today! Your front porch with its touches of blue and pretty flowers is gorgeous! What a lovely spot to have a seat and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Enjoy your day!!!
It is so exciting to see your new front porch! I love it all from those gorgeous arched doors, the ceiling color, the shutters, the pots of flowers, and the rest of your adornments. Truly gorgeous!
Oh I do love your front porch and you’ve styled it so nicely and in a cottage fashion! Those flowers look amazing! I support our locally owned garden centers too. Love the copper lantern as well as the tea cart and bench. It all came together beautifully! That Frontgate mat brings the blue color in so perfectly. I do love the blue shutters, that color is beautiful!
Hi Shirley,
I love your front porch and those doors oh my how gorgeous are they? You are the flower fairy with how you do your flowers. Always beautiful. I am so happy to see how excited you are to finally be in your new home. Soon hopefully you can have your family over to see the new home. Stay safe for now sweet friend.
xoxo
Kris
It’s so beautiful Shirley! I cant tell you how happy it makes me to know you are safely in your new gorgeous home, safe and sound. The front porch is magnificent, especially with your lovely touches. Your decorative knack is so welcoming, I know your sweetie will be delighted! I was laughing at my own sweetie yesterday when she said on the phone:” as soon as I can I’ll be coming over for like a month!” I’m sure your sweetie feels the same way!
Thank you for another beautiful and inspiring post, dear friend. It’s such a joy to join you for our beloved Monday Morning Blooms! Xo Lidy
I love your front porch, it is so lovely and inviting. The colors are striking.
Good morning my friend! I have been anxiously waiting to see the new front porch and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I so wish ours was larger…… The cart and bench are perfect out there and I love the happy place sign! Someone knows you well!!!! I love the flowers in the blue pots, that is just what I am doing as well. The 2 pots flanking the steps: did you have those pots or did you get them at the garden center? The Amish farm where I have been getting my flowers since being here is open but I have been afraid to go. BUT I am convincing myself to go this coming Thurs. or Fri. Have a BEAUTIFUL day. I love the copper lntern and the gorgeous doormat!!! OMGoodness!
Pinky…those pots came from my fav garden center a few years ago. Grab your mask and gloves and to out into the fresh air and enjoy the garden center…just stay your distance, etc. I am sure they will have safety in mind. Mine did and the customers did too!
Thanks, Shirley. I LOVE your rug/doormat. It is gorgeous.
What a pretty reveal! The brick of the house facade looks great with those blue shutters! You must be so excited to have such a beautiful new home. Enjoy putting it together!
Love your front porch and thank you for sharing?…. you did not mention the urns on each side of the door… are they live greenery?… and where did you find the trellis’s?…..I’ve been looking two! Thank you!
Hi Marie…the ivy topiaries on both sides of the door have been with me for 20 years! I purchased the wonderful iron coned shape trellis at a fabulous garden center in N. Central Florida and they made the trip to NC over 15 years ago.
I have never seen those conical trellises anywhere. They are quite heavy. The pots are made of a fiberglass material and have also stood the test of time. I think I got them at Lowe’s, about 20 years ago.
Beautiful front porch! Colorful, cheery & inviting entrance to your home.
Thanks for sharing.
Jo
Where to begin with the accolades? I love everything! You’ve put so much thought into the design of your home. I love the arched entry and doors, the brick herringbone carpet, the blue shutters and shutter-dogs! The size of your porch seems perfect for your accessories, and I love the color of Petunias you chose for cheer. It’s all so welcoming! I’m very happy for you, and glad that you have a place to nest during this quarantine. ❤️
I love your haunt painted porch ceiling! Such a Southern tradition. It is always a happy day when I receive a post from you, Shirley! We could use a door mat just like that. Have a wonderful week!
Haint, dang auto correct!
Your front porch is pretty and welcoming. Glad your bench fitted and the tea cart. You can sit and admire your pretty decor. I think I’ve told you but I love your brick color…frenchy! And those shutter dogs! Glad you got out and got those pretty flowers.
Your home already gives the impression of being so together, but that does not surprise me nor does seeing your use of blue and white. Hope all is well with you and Tommy.
Your front porch is so lovely and calming. Would you share the source for the wrought iron hooks your hanging baskets are suspended from. Thank you for sharing your front porch; just the incentive I needed to get started on my own space.
Shirley, your front porch is just beautiful! Your front arched doors are so nice. Your flowers are just so pretty. So happy that you could bring your favorites with you to beautify your new home’s porch. Everything goes together so nicely. Don’t forget to take time to rest! Thanks for sharing your lovely home with us! I’m so happy for you!
Shirley, thank you for sharing. Everything is beautiful and you have a ‘huge’ front porch. Compared to mine on a late 1950’s house, it is wonderful. Also, thanks for giving us names of places where your items came from, especially the colors you used on ceiling of your front porch and shutters. Love those blues! From a gal in northern part of Alabama who should be out shopping for flowers (we are a bit more relaxed in our social distancing) but taking the time to thank a very creative person. May God bless you and yours. Linda
I love it!! The door is beautiful, and I love the blue shutters!! The potted plants are perfect!
Hugs,
Jann