Melinda’s home is beautiful — chocked full of whimsical pieces and lots of Christie Repasy paintings–but her tiny patio was in need of some love and attention.  

That’s when Melinda gave Alford’s English Gardens a call. She longed for a cottage garden that reflected the same style has her home and she wanted it all, a cottage garden,  some pots of color,  a seating area and incorporate her potting bench– Did I mention the space was tiny!

The Assessment

On my first visit to Melinda’s I noticed she had a great potting bench and some nice pieces to display, but it needed some additional pieces tucked here and there to pull everything together. I made notes and put together a quick plan for the garden with a plant list to fit the semi- shaded patio.

Shopping Day

I suggested we go shopping–What better place than The Sugar Plum Festival in Orange County, Ca.  We picked up the cute green ceramic bunny, a hanging bird cage and reproduction of an old rose postcard- all would great display pieces for the potting bench.

Day of Install

On the day of install, I dragged my talented sister, Melissa and Francisco and off we went to Melinda’s house.

I brought along a cute white bench and ‘mustache’ trellis in shabby chic white, from my secret stock, to place in the garden. MORE is good—right?

 Plants were placed, pots were filled with annuals; Baby tears were added for a ‘cushion’ on the bench. White roses, foxgloves and other annuals were added to give Melinda the cottage garden she craved. Some how we got it all in there—pictures are from day of install so things are small—but in six weeks Melinda’s wee little cottage garden will be in full bloom!