Spring rains have been faithful and all the gardens are looking lush and beautiful. The hosta’s, bleeding hearts and other cool loving plants are thriving while the roses and hydrangea’s are wondering when warmer days will arrive. As I meander along the garden paths, the sweet scent of my Miss. Kim lilacs wafts up across my face… it’s dimply heavenly. Ahhh, spring in the gardens!

Lets move on to another of my favorite garden junque items- old buckets! Whether they be galvanized, tin, old canners or enamel ware, they add charm and delight to any garden space.

I love the thrill of stumbling upon a stash at a yard sale or thrift shop. An exhilarating feeling rushes over me and I think, “I better grab those before someone else sees them!” You garden junquer’s know what I’m talking about.

Purple geraniums look stunning in these mini buckets lining my buffet in the patio! I strewed the pots down to the posts of my buffet and then just place the potted geranium inside… no worries on them tipping or blowing off in heavy winds!

Here are some photo’s from my garden’s and how I’ve used them… hope you’re inspired!

A lovely trio adorns the side of my potting shed. Filled with Apple Bloosom geraniums say welcome to all those that come up our lane.

These happy hostas planted directly into old buckets greet those as they enter through the outdoor back entry. Hostas typically do very well potted. I always take them out in the fall and replant into one of my garden beds, water and mulch until next year.

I typically always have buckets filled with geraniums and petunia’s scattered on my front porch. Such a happy and relaxing place to rest after a long day in the gardens…

I am in love with enamel ware anything, but I hit the jackpot with finding two of these at a sale. Planted with double impatiens is so charming. This pot sets on top of one of my front porch tables.

One of my favorite things is to take a lush hanging basket and plant it directly into my larger pails! I planted these petunia in my fave pail and simply placed it in the seat hole of one of my garden chairs. Instant wow as I like to say!

Here is another yummy recipe to help you along with the kale that’s coming out of your gardens… along with some super yummy blueberries! Enjoy

Blueberry, Kale, And Quinoa Salad

Ingredients
2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled (prepared according to package directions)
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 1/2 cup shredded kale
3/4 cup crumbled feta
1/2 cup sliced almonds
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Fresh ground pepper

Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, blueberries, kale, feta, and almonds. Mix until well combined.
2. Add olive oil and lemon juice and toss to fully coat.
3. Season with salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.

Happy Day!
Be sure to check out For Dragonflies Facebook for more ideas, photos and recipes!
href=”https://fordragonfliesandme.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/dpp_00051.jpg”><img
Jean