Sunday, May 19, 2013

BACKYARD GARDEN TOUR 2013

If you are a follower of this blog, you know we had two huge disasters here in one day...I accidentally deleted the garden tour post ...then my computer totally crashed, taking all my pictures from Picassa with it.....wow it was so depressing...Well my great brother Larry and his incredible wife Mininna came to the rescue and fixed my computer..I can only imagine what a job...  it works perfect...they were able to save many of my pictures but not the ones from the Fullerton Beautiful Garden Tour...so it was up to me to recreate this post with new photos...Thank you all for being so patient...

Every year The Fullerton Beautiful backyard selects 8 homes to be on the Garden Tour....It was scary to think 600 to 700 people will be going through your backyard...but we are pretty adventurous...My first thought was how to share it with you on my blog....I have done many many posts during the years but never one on my backyard...Mr. S. suggested "just take those people on the tour too"...what a great idea so welcome to the backyard...
This is the second gate that actually enters the backyard, we are in the area where the potting bench is...you can see the Potting Bench post here after you enter you will see the Bird place....
This is  Bird Town where all the birds live and eat...it is outside my kitchen window where this picture was taken.it also has a water fountain on the wall the birds also enjoy....we pass this right after entering the gate then you come up on the side of the house until you reach the backyard...this garden tour is gonna be easy on your feet...
This is the deck to the left...love the deck, it is choice decking from Lowes...My brother Larry and his wife Mininna and Mr. S. built the deck a few years ago and it still looks perfect, no maintenance....
I usually don't have this many pots sitting around, but remember this is the garden tour, so you gotta have a few more flowers, right...The large banana looking plants on the hill are called giant birds of Paradise and the flowers are white when in bloom...
The fireplace is gas and makes for some cozy evenings with the feather pillows and warm covers and the perfect glass of wine...below is the larger eatting space and there is a little water fountain in the corner...
You can see the water fountain in the next picture...the birds sure do love the water features...
This is the rest of the deck and I designed this gazebo to be attached to the house and is off the living room.......the deck follows the lines of the pool...it was not an easy thing to design or built....

Those are some big trees and the squirrels really love to play chase up and down them ....These are some of the flowers the garden tour people just loved.....me too

The art on the fireplace is ever changing, I love the new outdoor art available now...this is actually three canvases...the larger scale one leaning on fireplace first is from pier 1, the second one with more flowers is from Hobby Lobby and the third small red and white one I painted to be a smaller scale of the pillows...These are Hibiscus flowers...
 If you find some old paintings you like and want to display outside you can always paint them with outdoor mod podge like I did the checkered one..so I guess you can make your own outdoor art...this close up will let you see the three pictures...Ivy geraniums
I wanted this fireplace area to look cozy and inviting like the Ivy Restaurant in Los Angeles...I love the ivy geraniums...
The fabric for the pillows is from Hobby Lobby and some from Walmart...the White cushions are Sunbrella...The view below is by our bedroom window looking back, this area has a larger water fountain and is wonderful to wake up to...more ivy geraniums
 You can see the fountain below...it was purchased many years ago and the flowers are so drawn to it...This fence sure needs some stain...oh well
 You can come on over and have a seat and rest awhile before you continue the tour...just enjoy the orange and yellow Lantana...Pigmy palms and giant bird of paradise and asparagus ferns
More flowers...of course
 One lonely little yellow Hibiscus flower....so sweet....
 You can spot Tina up by the couch, she is always watching out for something, I never know what...Red Bougainvillea
More water fountain..
 I had to put this picture of this sweet young little boy sitting on the purch...doesn't he just look like a teenager who just woke up...lol
 Aren't these trailers the cutest birdhouses...my daughter Michelle gave me one of them and I found one at Tuesday Mornings....
We are on our way out...and yes I have stained that fence and gate since these pictures...wow it sure looks dried out...lol...never ends...
This is a last look back at the yard...thank you for coming...
Ahhh the sun is going down on this day and I think it's time to light a couple of candles and have that glass of wine we talked about....
Thank you for being  patient and I am so happy to finally get this Fullerton Beautiful Garden Tour post completed ...it's hard to try and recreate something you've deleted...
I am joining susan with between naps on the porch   savvysouthernstyle   ivyandelephants                

44 comments:

  1. How beautiful! I love the fireplace. I've always wanted one in my backyard. Going in your backyard is like going on a vacation. Very lovely.

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  2. Good Morning Phyllis, Firstly, may I say what a beautiful garden you have, so full of lush, tropical plants. I love Lantana, I first came across it when I visited Atlanta and then again when I lived in Cyprus. Each year I would cut it back and each year it would double in size.
    I love your little "teenager" he is gorgeous.
    I would love to pop over and join you for a glass of wine.... I have reserved my seat by your beautiful fireplace.
    Before I go, I am so very pleased that your computer has been sorted out and I have thoroughly enjoyed my tour of your beautiful garden.
    Best Wishes to you,
    Daphne

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  3. I absolutely love your back yard! Your fireplace by the pool is breathtaking. I see so many wonderful ideas and lot's and lot's of bold beautiful color that is so complimentary to your flowers and plants. I really like the idea of outdoor art using modge podge too. I am sure I will be back often to enjoy many of these great outdoor decorating ideas!

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    1. Hi Philli's yor outdoor is beautiful, I love your idea of gazebo to be attached to the house It's breathtaking.
      Beautiful garden
      Blessing
      Isora
      :-)
      XOX

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  4. Phyllis - your garden tour is so beautiful...it could not be any more perfect if you tried. Thanks for letting me visit. I had a great time.

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  5. I truly cannot tell you just how sorry I am that your former post was deleted. I have done something similar and was unable to retrieve it. Needless to tell you, because it's preachin' to the choir, I was VERY upset. I'm glad you had computer angels who could at least get your computer back up and running.

    Except for the wonderful smell that I am sure was in the air, I felt like I was actually physically on the tour! Beautiful job! Your back yard is gorgeous, and I ADORE that gazebo area!!!! What a wonderful space to keep the sun off but be right by the pool!!! I'll have to show this to my husband. Not that it's going to get me one...I'm just going to show him! :-)

    Your flowers are gorgeous, and you did a fantastic job of creating a welcoming atmosphere. I'm sure all the guests who shuffled through there were duly impressed and inspired! I know I am!!!

    Have a great week!

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  6. Hi ma- great job on the post.
    Little note for some of your readers: most of those plants and trees on hill my parents planted themselves years ago. So beautiful is is to sit and listen to all the wonderful exotic sounding birds who just love the different trees. I promise you will forget your in Fullerton

    Love you mom!
    See u Sunday

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  7. OK, I need to know....would you like a roommate who loves to garden, cook and will do the cleaning if I could just enjoy that space a couple of hours a day???? I'm a great guest I promise!!!!

    That space is stunning! What a spectacular job you did on it. All the touches of elegance and whimsy....Great Job!

    XO,
    Christine

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    1. cooking and cleaning, my heart is singing, your in...come on over I have your room already...Phyllis

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  8. Oh my word, this is absolutely stunning. I would love this moved to my backyard today please. It really is fabulous, what a wonderful garden and pool/patio area. Everything is gorgeous. I would love for you to link up to my Inspire Me party that is ongoing. http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/05/165th-inspire-me-tuesday.html
    Hugs, Marty

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  9. It's just beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. So lovely... Serene yet exciting...peaceful yet energizing. A beautiful respite. Thanks for sharing the info on outdoor art, I did not know..my new project!

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  11. Where do I begin? This is absolutely breathtaking, gorgeous, fun and whimsical, so welcoming. I adore the outside artwork along with the lanterns. I'm wondering if you're protected from high winds? How do you keep your beautiful white urns in place.. by the way I NEED a few of them. lol.. girl pour me a glass I am here to stay for awhile. Can't get enough of your back yard. I know the tour was a huge success. fondly ~lynne~

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    1. Those white urns with the white rose trees are about 7 years old and have always been in the same place, they are a glazed pottery and are very heavy and then with the soil land plants in the, they are very heavy...the backyard is stepped down and very secluded and don't have a wind problem and keep umbrellas up all year...thanks for your wonderful comments..

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  12. Be still my heart! Phyllis....you did an amazing job with your outdoor space! It's just incredibly beautiful!!! Breathtaking! Stunning! WOW! :) Thanks for the wonderfully inspiring tour!

    xoxo laurie

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  13. WOW, Phyllis, your backyard is GORGEOUS!!! I just came over from Susan's to see MORE. Everything couldn't be more beautiful. LOVE, love the gazebo! Fabulous. Enjoy every minute you have there. Wish I could come have a glass of that wine with you:) XO, pinky

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  14. This is what the Garden of Eden must have looked like--absolutely amazing and so inviting, XOXO

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  15. Phyllis, Your backyard is drop dead gorgeous!! This is my dream yard for our future Florida home.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  16. This is STUNNING! You have my dream backyard! Furiously taking notes here...

    Thank you for sharing, glad all is well with your computer :)

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
    (¸.•´ (¸.•`¤... Jennifer
    Jenn's Random Scraps

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  17. Wow! Your backyard-garden is absolutely amazing-you must really get a lot of enjoyment from it! Love all your birdhouse too.
    You asked about my fireplace screen and ,yes I did paint it the same color as the fireplace bricks -Victorianna by Ralph Lauren. It is a creamy white and it had a pearl finish(slight sheen).
    Thank you for your kind words and visit.
    Carolyn

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  18. This is so beautiful! You flower colors are so vivid and with the wonderful pillows and art it's just a riot of color. The fireplace area is so cozy and inviting. Dianne

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  19. What a beautiful garden -- WOW!! I'm really speechless. Love your bird santuary!

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  20. How beautiful. It is so bright and cheerful I would never want to leave it.
    Have a happy day.

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  21. Hi Phyllis! Oh, I'm so honored to get to tour your most beautiful gardens and backyard! What a treat the folks will have walking through. Oh, my! I would think I'd died and gone to Heaven to walk out on something like this - the birds and birdhouses, the flowers, pool and water features! Even a gorgeous sitting area! I love it all. Cute huge fishy sitting on the walk too. Thank you so much for the tour! Sorry about the delete and your puter problems. I just hate it when that happens.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  22. Your backyard is fantastic! I love all the plants! The bird of paradise is huge! I just bought one....a whole LOT SMALLER than yours! LOL! This will be my second one, I killed the first! Thanks so much for giving us a tour!

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  23. Phyllis, your yard is gorgeous! There are so many wonderful sights to see. Love your bird town. Your pool and fireplace areas are so inviting, and I love your bright pillos and art work. I think the fencing just looks weathered and natural. When there is so much beauty in front of you, the fencing doesn't need to stand out. Your gate at the entrance to your garden is so unique and fun. Why have you never posted all of this? It was a wonderful tour, and you're right, my feet don't hurt at all. So sorry about your computer problems. I need your brother to adopt me. I know nothing about fixing a computer problem. laurie

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  24. I just took another stroll through your garden, and I have a question. What material was used on the steps and flooring in the fireplace sitting area? laurie

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  25. Just concrete then hand scored, they used spongy forms to the shape you want then wooden stakes then poured concrete...

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  26. Hi Phyllis. Thank you so much for your visit to my blog and kind comment. I really enjoyed the tour of your back yard and gardens. It is just so gorgeous there. I love the seating areas and the furniture, flowers, artwork, fireplace, gazebo and pool!! Amazing. You have put a lot of work into this place to enjoy all summer. Blessings, Pamela

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  27. I could sit here for days admiring the beauties! Angela @ HickoryTrail

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  28. Phyllis, thank you for sharing at the Shady Porch Rock 'N Share! You have a beautiful backyard! The fireplace, the Lantana, the birdhouses...it's all fantastic. Hope to see you again soon! Blessings, D@TheShadyPorch

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  29. Hi Phyllis, Christine visiting from Little Brags....LOVE your pool. Can I come and play now?? LOL.....Signing up to follow you

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  30. I'm in awe that your deck has seen no maintenance ever since it was installed. As you said, it still looks perfect. What material is it made of? I ask because wooden decks are prone to mold and mildew, and would need to be washed and stained for it to last longer. Seeing how your deck is in pristine condition, I just wanted to know what the secret was to keeping it that clean.Renew Crew Clean

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  31. Phyllis, I dropped by again to tell you your beautiful yard will be featured at this weeks Open House party.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  32. Phyllis,
    Your back yard is just beautiful! I love the colors in the pillows. Your pool is gorgeous. When we sold our home because we wanted to downsize, we left our beautiful pool behind. It had a water fountain, and I really miss it, but with the kids all grown, we want a much smaller house now. Everything looks so green and lush in your back yard. How did you ever plant those flowers and shrubs yourself? You did a wonderful job, and it would be so relaxing just looking at the birds and taking in all the beauty that you created.

    Love,
    ~Sheri

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  33. Oh my goodness, it's beautiful out there! I love the way you've decorated with indoor items. The tropical plants are amazing! You've given me some good ideas. :)

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  34. Dear Phyllis, Your garden is beautiful and so are your photographs. Have you thought about using Carbonite for storing your pictures and other computer information. My computer crashed a year ago and I was able to retrieve, with just the push of a key) thousands of photographs I have taken. It is not expensive and so worth it for the piece of mind you will have. ox, Gina

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  35. Thanks so much for coming by and letting me know about these WONDERFUL Garden photos....Your Garden is so Lush and Welcoming....Really Really beautiful!!!

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  36. Hi I live in Fullerton and went on the home garden tour featuring your beautiful backyard. Maybe you can give me some idea of who did your hardscapes and patio cover. I love the look of your patio cover. Any input would be great. Thank you for sharing. Your backyard is truly an oasis.

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  37. Oh my, what a fantastic outdoor place you have. Love it. It`s just how I would like to have. Wonderful.

    Have a great week

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  38. Wow, no maintenance since it was built? That is one sturdy deck. But how do you clean it without getting stuff into the pool? Do you guys drain the pool first, or just cover it with something while cleaning around the area? Love the outdoor fireplace area, btw.

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  39. GORGEOUS- I especially love the deck and peaked covered patio- you have made a charming, inviting oasis! I want to come have a tea party in your backyard! haha! I'll bring the scones :)
    S

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