A Hodgepodge of Things

I've been MIA from my blog for the last few weeks. Sorry. My work has picked up somewhat and I've been extremely focused on making some monnnney (said like Honey Boo-Boo) so I can have some fun outside this spring/summer. 

The first day of spring was 3 days ago. This is what Spring 2013 looks like in St. Paul...

It was 80 degrees on this exact day last year and I was already sporting my pedicure. Minnesota - Land of EXTREMES. 

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Though I had to work on the 20th, I celebrated Spring 2013 two days after by picking up some more garden "stuff." Odd and ends; a couple smallish pots...

 

more dahlias

and this large 16" planter.

I'd been thinking about the fluted (they call it scalloped) resin container for a few weeks. It was $19.99 at Menards. They claim it's UV and crack resistant (good for Minnesota, don'tcha know). You can see how they "value engineered" it by only finishing the inside at a depth of about 2"... but it looks great and I'm glad I purchased it. If they have any left later in the season, I might buy more. I think I need at least two to make a statement ;)

Now, check this out...

Granted these are real terra cotta (and you're getting three)... But still, the price tag is hefty. We'd be lucky to get through a season without a chip or a crack or a bump with the mower (Mr. Workerman, I'm talking about you) or a dog lifting their leg on them. $480 is waaaay out of my planter buying budget as well. I found the (trendy) expensive ones after I bought mine, so I had to do a happy dance :) I'm all about luxe for less. 

 How do you shop for your garden purchases? Do you shop online? At your local IGC? Do you plan what you want/need and then go on a mission? Are you an impulse buyer? I'm curious!

Happy Spring, my gardening friends!

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