Tuesday, January 10, 2012

My Urn Runneth Over

I am overflowing with excitement over the latest addition to my front garden!

Now you see it.

Now you don't.

This past October I had a large crape myrtle removed from my front entryway garden.   I love crape myrtles, but this particular variety, 'Country Red,'  had grown so large that it was basically obliterating the architectural details of the front of the house; and falling blooms and leaves created a constant mess in the gutters and on the sidewalk.

After the tree was removed, I felt like the area needed a little "something."   I debated....maybe a smaller tree, like a redbud, or possibly a Japanese maple (if there was enough shade).  I also thought about adding a large container for annual color.  Or possibly a fountain, but I didn't want a lot of maintenance involved.

Just the other day, I stopped by a local nursery in search of a small concrete bench for my backyard.  When I walked in the nursery, the first thing I saw was not a bench, but a beautiful fountain.   Right then, I knew this is just what my entry garden needed.   I choked on the price for a minute, but then I found out that the nursery was having a 30% sale on all fountains.   Sold!  


Here is the area in January 2011

And here is the area now, January 2012 


It took a little digging, measuring, leveling, and man -- er woman-handling to get the fountain set up, but I am quite pleased with the results :-)    I am even more excited to see it this spring and summer when it is surrounded by blooms of Daffodils, Columbine, Oxalis, Summer Phlox, and Rudbeckia.  

I love the soft trickling sound of the water as it bubbles up and flows down the sides of the urn.   The entryway feels more open and welcoming now with the subtraction of the crape myrtle and the addition of the fountain.

Now, where was I?  Oh yes, I was looking for a garden bench for the backyard.   Wonder what else I will find :-)

Toni :-)

25 comments:

  1. You have a very big house, and yes a lovely garden! It would be nice to have a tour and photo walk in your garden and neighborhood! If only I am nearer!

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    1. Philippines, right? Yes, that would be a long trip just to visit my garden. But...you never know.

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  2. Your fountain runneth over Toni! Great find and idea!

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  3. Oh Toni! It's so funny that I didn't see the title of this post until AFTER I commented! Ha ha!

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  4. The after is so much better I agree. Funny how we go shopping for one thing and come back with another....I also had a large tree removed and the stump has been left for a container....posted today. My gardens are less formal than yours..

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  5. Removing the myrtle opened up the entry and made it more welcoming. It showcases and compliments the architecture more too. Cute post title too.

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  6. Toni, The urn looks terrific! Your garden's layout is inspired as your last post shows only too well.

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  7. While it pains me to see any tree removed, your point is well taken... it does indeed make quite a difference and the fountain is wonderful! Larry

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  8. While I generally cringe when people remove trees, you definitely did the right thing...that Crape Myrtle was too big for that space...I really like how open and welcoming your house looks now...and that fountain is great!

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  9. Sad to see a tree cut down, but sometimes it just has to be done. Excellent idea with the fountain. You'll use your front porch more this spring because of the sound. Enjoy!

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  10. Despite my love of Crape Myrtles, I understand you have to do what you have to do, and you made a good choice.

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  11. Very good choice. Too bad about the Crape Myrtle, but very understandable. I love the fountain, and there's no question the changes greatly increase the entryway's curb appeal! Can't wait to see spring/summer pictures!

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  12. Beautiful! The 'after' is so very open and inviting. I'm glad you didn't get another tree (even a smaller one). I think the urn is PERFECT! You will love it, and the sound of water gurgling will draw in birds to drink from it. Well done!

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  13. Toni, I just love the transformation! I am just crazy about the water feature. The urn is so beautiful and what a great spot to have it…near your front door. The sound of water is so welcoming. Very nicely done! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  14. Thank you all for your encouraging comments! I actually feel a little relieved. When I first had the tree cut down, it was such a huge change, I wondered if I had done the right thing. I feel like I've been given a virtual pat on the back for the transformation to the entry garden. Change can be good; it's just a little scary sometimes.

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  15. The fountain is perfect! I really want, no NEED, a fountain! I agree your crepe myrtle needed to go. As beautiful as the area is now, I want to see it when the plantings are in bloom!

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    1. I'm actually surprised you don't have a fountain already. One more element to add to your already beautiful, natural, sanctuary setting. Try looking for a bench; you just might find a fountain instead :-)

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  16. I love the urn! I bought a gorgeous ceramic urn on sale at our local Lowe's that I can hardly wait to fill this spring. I wanted an urn fountian for my garden but didn't have access to an electrical plug, so I put in a bird bath instead. I love crepe myrtles, too, but think the decision to replace it with the fountain is spot-on.

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    1. I actually jumped the gun on filling the fountain and getting it running. I just couldn't wait! I had to see it and hear it :-) But now we are getting freezing temps this week, and I am afraid to keep it running for fear of cracking the urn or base. So...I drained it, took out the pump, and I'll wait for spring now. I was just pretending it was spring already :-)

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  17. Toni-
    What a beautiful transformation! Love your fountain choice and in just the right spot! Looking forward to seeing more of your garden in the spring...Happy Gardening

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  18. What a beautiful addition (replacement) for your entry garden. I agree with TS, I think the decision to replace that crepe myrtle with this beautiful urn was the right one It opens up your front entry way so much! And I, too, love the sound of bubbling water.

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  19. I really like the changes you have made...what a difference! However, it really looked very nice before, but you made it even better. Great fountain!

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  20. Toni, I love it. The fountain is just perfect for the area and you will be able to enjoy it while sitting on the porch. It's so hard to make big changes like taking trees down; we've had that experience several times and there's always that moment of extreme panic after the tree is felled when we wonder if we did the right thing or not. Though your crepe myrtle was a beautiful tree, this is definitely an improvement, now you can see your beautiful home so much better.

    Can you leave the fountain running all year round? If you can, oh, the birds will love it; we have to pack our fountain up for the winter due to the cold.

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  21. Hi Karen! Yes, I had a moment of dread when the tree came down wondering if I did the right thing. But now that the fountain is there, I am glad the tree is gone. Much less mess! About a week after I got the fountain up and running we had freezes predicted, so I got scared and drained the fountain. Now we are back in the 70s! Go figure. I know some people who run theirs all winter and just add hot water during freezing temps, but I am just too paranoid that it will crack, so I figured better safe than sorry. Funny, I was wondering what y'all did with yours by the door -- the one with the balls on the stems. I hope you are enjoying your new snowfall :-)

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