Your Home, Garden and Travel

What gorgeous spring weather we're having here in North Carolina this weekend! The screened porch called us. With just a little tidying up, it was ready to be used.

For me, a screened porch with a ceiling fan is required for our Southern climate.

The porch (photo from summer last year) is located on the northwest side of the house. This is our breakfast and lunch place everyday in the hot summer months. When we built the house, we gave up the space for a breakfast room in order to give the kitchen more space and to add the porch. As a gardener, I'd rather dine outside anytime the weather permits.

I designed a pass-through window from the kitchen to the porch. I bought an inexpensive potting bench and painted it dark green to use for serving. It is a perfect fit under the window!

Like most potting benches, the top can be moved aside to reveal the trays meant to hold soil. Instead of soil, the trays make a great ice bin for keeping drinks cool! The outdoor string lights are dragonflies. They provide just the right amount of light to spend an evening on the porch.

With the wide overhangs, this is also THE place to sit during a spring or summer rain shower. Overlooking our woods, there is a sense of green and tranquility. The sofa makes for a great place to nap, too!

In another month, I'll add a few plants to the porch for the summer. Farewell to cabin fever!

Story and photos by Freda Cameron