I have been trying to stay busy at home during the Corona-Virus quarantine. Two great stress-relievers I have found through the years are decorating and gardening. Neither are expensive. I enjoy repurposing things or using thrifted items for my home. I like to replace cushions, make pillows or window treatments with reasonably priced fabric found at a local fabric outlet. Also, I frequent local nurseries and home stores at the beginning of each planting season to see what new and interesting plant varieties are available to add to my garden. It helps me stay positive when I am productive and I get great satisfaction in doing things myself.
My most recent decorating projects include some window treatments for my kitchen and office windows. I found some inspiration for these on Pinterest. I made simple swags with ribbons for the kitchen. I found some Waverly fabric with a floral motif online. I think the grey and beige color goes well in the kitchen as it matches the putty grey countertops. I like the updated look of the design in the fabric which is neither traditional nor modern.
I wanted to mimic some roman shades for my office but don’t need to raise or lower them for privacy so made the faux version. I used black and white ticking fabric from an old shower curtain that I already had. This past week I decided to put something over the top of the short windows to elongate them and bring height to the room. This is what I ended up doing when I unpacked these galvanized planters from my boxed décor. I had saved the black frames and decided they would be perfect to frame out the planters.
Next, I have been anxious to get outdoors and start planting a garden at the new house. The area near the front door is what I want to focus on first. It has looked pretty empty since we moved in before Christmas. I began positioning potted plants to figure out an arrangement before planting them. I am slowly putting in a few plants at a time. Here is how it looks so far. It is pretty shady so I am having to stick to things that do not need sun. Emerald green hostas and burgundy heucheras went in near the corner. I put in some candytuft along the edge of the sidewalk. I had this gate/trellis so I put it by the side of the house and tucked in a purple clematis so that it could begin to climb there. This miniature birdbath is a temporary fix with a fern to fill in this empty space. This weekend I added the planters and outdoor rug to make the porch area look more cozy. I have a ways to go, but this is how it looks so far. 
I would love to know how you have been spending your quarantine time and how you are staying encouraged. I welcome suggestions on things to add to my garden space or ways to decorate.
Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.
What an appropriate scripture that I found in the bible today. Keep praying and stay positive!
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