Summer Containers on the Porch and in the Garden

Hi Friends, I thought I'd share a quick post with some pics of my containers out back and on the front porch. These were taken a couple of weeks ago, so they are just barely blooming, not really filled out at all. This is my first time posting since I had the back surgery a week ago today. I had to have my husband help with all the "heavy lifting" to get these containers put together. He's not a gardening fan; I can barely wring enough sympathy out of him to water them while I've been "indisposed". He enjoys seeing how much color they add to the porch and the pretty blooms, he's just been trapped in an office for years, so his mind doesn't gravitate to extra stuff outdoors that might be considered work.

Last year I tried hummingbird feeders and they just didn't work. The bright blooms, especially red ones, did more to attract the hummingbirds and they would spend a lot of time going from container to container. 

I had a few hosta and fern survivors from the massive purge of 2 years ago.

I stuck them in containers and now both the hostas have large lovely blooms.

The bigger container below, has blue lobelia tufts and red geraniums that look

really pretty, now that they are maturing a bit.

The other pots are mini zinnias, and variety marigolds.

That's Lamb's Ear in the square concrete container which has gone nuts

and don't miss my "Stonehenge" bench in the back.

OK, maybe it's more like Flintstones than Stonehenge.

I put out million bells again this year even though the marauding hordes of squirrels

decimated them last year. I'm a sucker for the million bells, so I'm keeping my fingers

crossed the squirrels will pester someone else and leave my plants alone.

I took this pic before I realized how wonky the pots were.

We straightened them up a bit and moved them closer together.

The pink geraniums are especially pretty this year.

The front porch looks sort of bare, but I just couldn't get around to decorating it up much. I've had to use a flat grapevine wreath with a bit of floral garland wrapped around it for color. When I use my wicker basket out here in the spring and summer the birds cannot resist making nests. The problem is there are a lot of naughty wise crows and they destroy the nests and steal the baby birds. That's so sad and so I won't let that happen anymore. Any of you have predators like that? So frustrating and upsetting.

Hopefully as I continue improving I can get a few more decor things out here.

I have several sets of antique concrete pots here in front and in back.

It's mostly shady here next to the porch, so I like to keep impatiens here.

They are filled out now with a variety of colorful blooms. 

The large black container has tomato red geraniums, lantana,

(which the hummers love) and million bells.

This back surgery has really been tough. I didn't really have anything to compare it to, so not being able to have the muscles to use in my lower back has been difficult. Getting in and out of bed is a real treat. The doctor put in three cages for the discs and then bolts and screws. When they got in there the last lumbar vertebra was completely severed on both sides, so it's no wonder I couldn't put weight on my left leg for several months. I'm using a walker, but I'm feeling the muscles become a little stronger each day. The doctor's PA said to remember BLT (no bending, lifting, or twisting) not fun, but this has been in the making for many years, I just didn't realize what exactly the problem was. 

Hope you all are doing well. After what seemed forever in the 50's and 60's the hot summer temps have arrived and we're in the 90's now. Thankyou for all the prayers and good thoughts! I'll check in again soon.

Hope you'll come back Monday evening...

joining in here:

 The House on Silverado  Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda, 

All About Home at Common Ground and Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Inspire Me Monday at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch   

Celebrate Your Story at The Zucchini Sisters,  

 Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life  

 Party in Your PJ's at Apple Street Cottage   

 Keep in Touch at Let's Add Sprinkles 

 Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur 

Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode,  

Share Your Style at French Ethereal
Centerpiece Wednesday at Karin's Kottage  

Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home, 

 Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home,  

Friday with Friends at My Hubbard Home

Create, Bake, and Grow at Shabby Art Boutique,

 Farmhouse Friday at The Painted Hinge and County Road 407