Monday, February 6, 2017

Courtyard Ideas


We have a little alcove in our courtyard.  We think we will put an arbor with a seat in the middle of it.  After that I don't know what to do!  Help!  Does anyone have any ideas?  It does not get direct sunlight.   Coco blends in with the mulch!



What a mess.  It was cold, we were overwhelmed and tired and things just got put anywhere!  The courtyard is only about 6 ft. wide after the Alcove and does not get a lot of sun.  It does get some in different spots at different times of the day.  We have a large cement patio and the covered porch at the end.  I am thinking put the raised beds on legs on the cement or near the edge of patio on the mulch and the other side put plants or pots, etc.  I think some kind of pavers to make a path down the middle towards the potting bench.  Hanging baskets from the porch.  Can you picture all that?!  LOL  What suggestions do you have?????



The covered porch with the potting table.  The potting table will probably stay there. I will put a couple pots of veggies on the potting table so Coco does not eat them.



Another part of the patio with the sliding glass doors.  Too much cement and not enough dirt but I had no choice in the matter!  The Alcove is across from the sliding glass doors.



Hmmmm!  What do you think this is?  It is part of my new cold frame and will be 2 ft. wide and 8 ft. long and on legs so that I don't have to bend over.  What luxury!



Here is the rest of that cold frame!



My carpenter went back home to MD!  I would keep him here busy for a long time if I had my way!  LOL  So we ordered this metal spice rack to go on the end of the bar area.  I know my spice bottles do not match but I am okay with that for now!



These raspberries were potted up from our previous yard and stored in Mike's garden while we were living in that tiny apartment.  They are still living and he brought them over yesterday.  I think I will try planting them in the ground and pray they do well.



This is the flannel lap quilt that I started some time ago.  Pinned the back and batting to it the other day so it can be quilted.  Maybe soon I will get back to normal, whatever that is!!  Okay!  I am waiting for lots of ideas from everyone that reads this on how to make my courtyard functional and beautiful!  Thanks for your help!

9 comments:

Debbie - Mountain Mama said...

I can't wait to see what you do with this space! No doubt you should have tons of pots, and you may want to put the pots on wheeled saucers - you can even have your raised beds on wheels so you can move them around when you see where the sun really hits, as the season progresses. I'd also love to see a water feature....and some cool lights hanging across the courtyard, like a café. So exciting, I'm sure you are more than delighted to be in your lovely new home!!

Granny Marigold said...

It's hard to visualize the courtyard. I know you can't keep any plants in pots that Coco could get at. That limits you on that score. I'd suggest browsing on Pinterest for ideas.

Granny Marigold said...

I meant to add that I like the colours you've chosen for the lap quilt.

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Hi Mountain Mama. Thanks for the ideas! From looking at your blog you are so good at it! We are planning for a small water fountain in the corner of the patio. I had thought about wheels and I think I really need to do that! Nancy

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Hi Granny Marigold, Yes, it is hard to imagine what to do in the courtyard. I am not good at drawing to describe it either! We will have lots more winter but I am anxious to get at it! Glad that you like the colors of the quilt. I don't usually choose colors like that but I do like it! Nancy

Henny Penny said...

Coco really does blend in. I had to look back to see him after you mentioned it. I am terrible at offering suggestions. I would have to stand and stare at the space for a long time. Ideas don't come quickly to me. :) For sure, I would have hanging baskets. Once it warms up and you start putting things there, it will be pretty.

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Hi Henny Penny, I didn't see Coco at first either!! It takes me awhile to make decisions about things too. Today was so lovely but I know we have a lot of cold weather ahead of us yet! Nancy

Sue said...

I see tons of possibilities for your courtyard and I think your idea of raised beds is terrific. I also see a "pot" garden--tons of planters overflowing with beautiful begonias and foliage plants that don't need consistent light.
Looking forward to seeing what you end up with. How exciting for you!!!
:)

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Hi Sue, Thanks for the ideas. I had not thought of begonias only impatients for shade flowers! I want veggies but I want flowers too so it will looks pretty! I am sure I will have some successes and some failures this year! Nancy

Progress in the Courtyard!

  It was so nice to look out my bedroom window this morning and see the Clematis blooming instead of a pile of snow.  It is a rainy day agai...