Summer Porch

It started with the idea of building a few flower boxes to place between the log posts on the porch.  The hubby and I did not have a pattern to follow, just a concept.  We built the first one as a prototype, based on what we could afford to buy at Menards®.   After filling the weather treated wood boxes with dirt, we spaced plants and flowers inside with care.

Flower Box

After reviewing our work, we decided that the next step was placing potted plants next to the posts, and that meant another trip to the garden section of the store — my favorite shopping spree.  To finish it off, I had a few stone tiles in the garage and placed them under the pots to protect the porch from water drainage stains.

Stone Tiles Under Pots

One flower box was dedicated to herbs and veggies … it was a small start – basil, cilantro, chives, green peppers, yellow peppers, and poblano peppers.  I’m into peppers, what can I say!

First Growth of a Poblano Pepper

The basil and cilantro was used in our salads and as seasoning herbs on my grilled meats throughout the summer.  While preparing the meals, I would just step outside my front door and cut the leaves right from the flower box.

The peppers were placed right on the grill and added an additional veggie to our meals.

Green Pepper

We enjoyed the changes that took place all summer as the plants grew and bloomed.  Beautiful color, lush green leaves, and such an attraction for bugs!

Favorite Attraction for Bees

I had to remember my fly swatter every time I planned to sit on the porch.  It’s not just for flies, it keeps bees away too!  I promise I didn’t disturb the bees that were pollinating the plants, just the ones that mistook me for a flower.

The weather was beautiful in Iowa all summer.  It is typically scorching hot with thick humidity 24 hours a day but we had hot or warm days (very few were humid) and cool nights.  The windows of our cabin were open all the time to enjoy the unusual weather.

Sitting on the porch was a treat after a full day of hard work.  It is amazing how refreshing and energizing it is to be completely relaxed, set worries aside, and just be present in the moment.

I have also been enjoying using my porch as a stage to take blog photos for Dining Stones!