New Beginnings at JCC III

Happy New Week.  Hope your holiday weekend was good.  We had a very productive weekend starting some things at the new house.

This is the picture of the house when we took ownership last Thursday.  

I am not a fan of Juniper bushes.  They are usually half dead and bite!!! I do not like bushes that are prickly!   So we removed the two under the window.

I added these 60 inch black flower boxes under each side of the front house windows.  We also trimmed back the tall evergreens on each side of the entry too. 

After the Juniper bushes were removed I moved around some hosta's and planted knock out rose bushes under the windows.  

I added my bird house from the old house out front.  I feel like it needs a little wreath or some bling under the bird house entry hole.  I will be working on that!!!

Filled the flower boxes with some of my fave annuals. 

I love knock out roses.  They are easy to plant and very low maintenance.  They bloom all summer and into the fall.

I added a couple of urns planted with sun loving geraniums.  Added my wreath to the front door and a new painted mail box I got on Etsy.

Don't you love this sweet hand painted mailbox.  It was made by Teresa Moran at her Etsy site called A Beautiful Gift.  Teresa has not reimbursed me to give her this shout out.  I just like to let you know about very talented peeps that I purchased from on Etsy.  You can check out her other painted items she sells on Etsy here.



I also planted impatients out around the tree in the front yard.  This little girl with her bunnies was left by the previous owner.  I think she is very cute and she will be perfect out there as the impatients fill in.


I have a hanging bag of rose impatients out on the tree.

Removing those two bushes really opened up the front of the house.

Hopefully as summer moves on the new plants will begin to fill in the front of the cottage.

We have begun to do some work on the inside of the house and I hope to have pictures of some of those changes soon.

Waiting to see if we get some news this week on the building permits being granted so the contractor can start on the garage build and the basement work.


Hope your Memorial Day Weekend was fun and safe.  I took some time to think about how blessed we are to have the wonderful men and women that have served our country in the past and the ones that are now serving and have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Have a great start to the new week.
Hugs,
Kris

69 comments

  1. Congratulations on moving into your new home Kris! Your garden looks beautiful. Can't wait to see what other changes you have been working on. xx Julie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good Morning Kris
    Been thinking about you and wondering how it was going so this update is wonderful. Oh my is your front yard looking so so pretty. So much better now with those bushes gone and all your pretty flowers. Love it all. That mailbox is gorgeous and that sweet little statue, perfect in the front. Can't wait to see how you work your magic on the inside
    hope your Mom is doing well
    deezie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow! Just by removing those bushes and adding the window boxes and new plants makes the house feel more homey already! It's such a cute house. I hope the permits come through quickly so work can begin. The mailbox is very pretty. Can't wait to see the progression of the gardens and house. 😊
    Hugs,
    Cecilia

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow you hit the ground and are in full speed ahead- I love it! The changes out front that you've made look wonderful! I'm big on flowers so I love to see something like this. It will be fun to see the changes inside and out as you go along.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations Kris! I'm so happy for you! I love what you did to the front flower beds and the flowers around the tree are going to be beautiful. I still need a flower bag... I love how that looks! I can't wait to see the inside updates! So exciting! I have missed my Junkchiccottage inspiration 😉 So glad you're back in your groove!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sherry,
      Hope your long holiday weekend was great. Feels good to have today off from working at the new place. My legs and back need a rest!
      Have a great new week.
      xoxo
      Kris

      Delete
  6. I love the changes, Kris. Very charming. xo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow you've really transformed the outside already! I love it. Those window boxes are the perfect touch and I love the mailbox.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looking so cute and "you" already,Kris! Jane

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kris, So much better without those bushes. I do not like bushes up against one's homes. It keeps water around the foundation...not good. I like the hanging plants on the tree very much. I think your neighbors will be happy that you and Terry are in the neighborhood. I like that it is already looking better there in your new cottage. :) Blessings, xoxo, Susie

    ReplyDelete
  10. Seemingly 'small' changes can make such a huge difference! It already looks wonderful, but in a few short weeks the front of your home will be a knockout! (No pun intended).

    Speaking of knockouts, I had several at our former house and last year planted a few here and I couldn't agree more that they're easy to take care of. My kind of plant ;).

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh I am so thrilled for you and your new home. The front looks amazing with your changes and I know the inside will too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a wonderful change! You will have this your perfect JJC in no time. I love the hanging bag of flowers on the tree.

    ReplyDelete
  13. How sweet. I knew your flowers would make it alive!! Luv the black shutters now paired hot the black flower boxes.
    Itching to see the inside.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh my gosh it's so cute! I love what you did so far. We have been in our house for 2 years now and I absolutely love doing the outdoor improvements!
    XO Ellen from Ask Away
    www.askawayblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Words can't even begin to describe how excited I am for you, Kris!! Ohmygosh, it's easy for the casual observer to see how much you've already ramped up the curb appeal on your cottage, but only gardeners know the hard work and sweat equity you've invested. It looks absolutely amazing. There's nothing like standing back and seeing the fruits of those labors. Love the mailbox too. So pretty! I love your cottage! Keep us posted, and I hope you can get the projects approved to get going. I know you're chompin' at the bit.
    XO,
    Rita

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is fantastic. You made quick work of that. I cannot wait to see how quickly your flowers fill in.

    ReplyDelete
  17. You are a magician! You're barely in the house and already it's been transformed. Fabulous! I can't wait to see else what you have up your super creative sleeve! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh how this little bit of yard work made a stunning entrance!
    Can't wait to see you transform the inside.

    ReplyDelete
  19. What an improvement already! Love the birdhouse - maybe a clematis or two to climb on that lattice :) xo

    ReplyDelete
  20. My goodness Kris, you don't mess around! Just moved in and it looks gorgeous! You are so lucky to be able to plant impatience, I love them. All the greenhouses in our area are only carrying the New Guinea variety. There has been some sort of blight with the traditional impatience in our area so no one is carrying them. Best wishes with your new home. I can't wait to see the changes you make.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Betty. We had the same thing a few years ago with the impatients too. So far so good and they are back for our area. Have a great week.
      Kris

      Delete
  21. Kris, congratulations on moving into your new home! I am so excited for you! You have already started your magic in transforming the exterior. It's amazing what a few changes can make. I remember when we took out ugly bushes and it was a bear. The roots were well and truly dug in and weren't happy about being disrupted. Waiting to see how you mold this house into your home will be far better than anything on TV! You know we all want you to document every step...no pressure...ha! You seem to have endless ideas and the energy to follow through. Good luck on your mom's move. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  22. Looking great, Kris! Love the window box. Added a lot of personality. And the mail box is adorable.
    Bfrenda

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love the changes to the outside of the house. Plants make such a statement.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I Love how just by doing this landscaping the Cottage already has your stamp on it.
    Looks so much better.

    ReplyDelete
  25. girl, you have worked your magic again......it's absolutely charming!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great changes, Kris and wow y'all work fast!

    ReplyDelete
  27. It looks great, cleaning up and removing old shrubs makes such a big difference in landscaping. Love the window boxes and the new urns at the porch! I know you must be having so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow! You sure do have a great vision on how to improve a space. I made a similar bird house to yours several years ago to sell in my space at a boutique...I sure do miss having the space as a way to explore my creativity. Must make another soon to keep for myself. I have been checking back daily since last Thursday, in hopes to see an update. I just knew that you would get to it almost immediately. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  29. What a difference already, Kris! You've added your signature stamp on the front of this property before even moving in. Looks lovely! Can you bottle that energy of yours please?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Big difference and can't wait to see the flowers progress in the yard and window boxes. The birdhouse is a great touch too

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  31. I can't believe how much you've accomplished already! It looks great and I love that mailbox! You really did open it up and now all your pretty flowers can shine!

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a darling house! Adore the window boxes. All the changes you made are fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  33. The removal of those bushes gave a whole new look to the front of the house! You always know the exact thing to do and do it very well. Am loving the flower boxes and so anxious to see all the work you do as you make it into your own cottage.

    Have a great week.

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  34. Looking forward to your posts as you make your new home your own home. Moving the bushes and adding the flower boxes gave your new home a new look right away. Hugs.
    Joy

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am so excited to see what you will do with this new cottage. I was wondering if Terry had started his new job and how he was liking it.
    *Smiles*

    ReplyDelete
  36. Congratulations! I'm very glad for you. Your new changes are so pretty
    Hugs Alessandra

    ReplyDelete
  37. How adorable... I love how you've already put your stamp on it! And I can hardly wait to see the inside!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ah, the Kris magic has begun. Love the flower boxes and of course all your sweet touches. Thanks for sharing and hope all goes well with the permits. AH can be a ....*&#)** on permits. Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  39. I noticed the comment above abut the magic beginning and have to say I felt just like that seeing these pictures and reading the excitement in your words. I'm so happy for you and your husband, Kris! And it just seems so right to me to see these first pics. I love being in on the magic of the transformation of your sweet new home. You are a wonder worker! The flower box is so pretty, even without the gorgeous flowers in it. Such a successful facelift for the front already!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I'm not a fan of those bushes either. I have some off to the side of my driveway and the only reason they're still there is because they block out my not-so-favorite-neighbor and the birds like them lol I wouldn't want them in front of my house though. You've done so much for the curb appeal! It was a darling house already, but you really spiffed it up :)

    I hope all the permits come through for you!

    xo,
    rue

    ReplyDelete
  41. Kris, you are off to a good start. I love the new look for the front of your new home. The window boxes are perfect. I was so proud of my rose bushes that were full of buds and the next morning I went to water them and the Deer ate them for a midnite snack! Love your pretty cottage.

    hugs,
    Sissie

    ReplyDelete
  42. Sooooo beautiful.... I love all the changes you have made so far!!!!
    Have a great week :o)
    ~Des

    ReplyDelete
  43. Oh Kris...... thank you so much for all the photos! You have done wonders already. I love all the inpatiens under that tree and the hanging plants. What actually are "knockout roses"??? I haven't heard of them before, not being a rose person. I do love roses, but just never have luck growing them. I'll have to try the knock-outs. Everything you and Mr. JCC have done is amazing.... the flower boxes, the mailbox, the white porch light, the planters by the front door, the little birdhouse.... it's so fun seeing it! I'm not a fan of evergreen bushes either. I want COLOR in my yard! I want bushes that bloom and smell good! Have you actually moved into the house yet? I hope the permits come through very fast as know you're anxious to get those things started. Have a great week and don't overdo! Hugs.. Marilyn (pinkpapercottage@yahoo.com)

    ReplyDelete
  44. I do not like junipers either. They are not really attractive and require so much trimming to keep in check and have splinter spikes I do not like.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Beautiful! You must be so thrilled to have your hands on the place after so long. Home Sweet Home.

    ReplyDelete
  46. First of all congratulations for your new home.. you are transforming the house into stunning welcoming home..

    ReplyDelete
  47. OH, HOW I'VE MISSED YOU! ANd here you are, in all your creative glory.....Kris, you have done a number on this house already and this reminds me so much of what we've done to our own home. What a change just taking out those shrubs! I love this. The house has received your love and touch and with time, we are going to gasp at all the other changes you will bring to this house. KEEP ME IN THE KNOW!

    ReplyDelete
  48. What an improvement to the curb appeal. You have such a vision and way of making a house a home. Congrats on your new home. I am looking forward to all the upcoming changes.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Kris wishing you and Terry much joy in creating your new JCC 3. Love the Black boxes and already your place is reflecting the love and beauty that dwells in your creative hearts. Thanks for inviting us along on your new house décor journey.
    xoxo,
    Vera

    ReplyDelete
  50. Seriously in less than a week? People must be slamming on their brakes like woah who moved in there! It is so pretty and what a difference taking those hedges out and adding the window boxes! I was wondering without all of the welcome mats if you would be able to make it welcoming lol your insight never ceases to amaze me. Are you able to put geraniums in full sun? I love the urns. We were at Home Depot and they make impatient for sunny areas now and they come in that beautiful pink. So over the moon happy for you and Terry! Kindest regards, Rachelle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rachelle. I am excited to have some planting done for this summer. Next year after we have been living there I hope to do more. With us not being able to get in officially until the end of June I did not want a lot of planting to water. Terry is stopping by on his way home now to water for me on the days I am not up there. We are working on the inside too. Just cannot get too much done until the weekends with my handyman working now! Hope all is good with you. Happy New week.
      xoxo
      Kris

      Delete
  51. I absolutely love watching you work your magic on your new home, Kris! Amazing changes already, you are truly a gifted woman!! xo

    ReplyDelete
  52. Oh Kris, I am so excited for you to be in your new home. I agree with you it looks so much better with those bushes removed. It really opens up your darling cottage. Love your choice of plants in the front flower bed. Everything looks so good.

    Can hardly wait to see all the magic you and Terry work on your beautiful new "Cottage".

    Enjoy all the wonderful things you are going to be doing.

    Hugs,
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  53. Wow, Kris...your new place looks great! I can't believe all the work you have done already. That was definitely a good idea to remove those unsightly bushes and to plant the hostas and roses instead. Love the window box. Beautiful curb appeal!

    ReplyDelete
  54. But of course you worked your magic on the curb appeal of your new home...those window boxes are amazing. I love the flowers that you have placed about and you have certainly put your signature style in the curb appeal of your beautiful new cottage home!!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. So lovely you has worked in the weekend.
    I lovet it. It is stunning.
    The little bird house is so nice.

    Lovely and beautiful day Kris
    Charlotte

    ReplyDelete
  56. You certainly don't let any grass grow under your feet.

    Your neighbors must be excited to see what you have done with your house.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I love what you have done with the front of your home. I want a window planter like that , so very pretty. I never think of things like the cute bird house with Welcome written on it, neat idea. You've given me some ideas and one is to get some white geraniums instead of red, I like the white.
    betsy

    ReplyDelete
  58. It's so cute Kris! I live the little changes you made. You're so good at creating curb appeal! Congratulations on your new place!

    ReplyDelete
  59. WOW, already, what a change. So cute and I can see your loving touch. I like the mail box, thank you for sharing.
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
  60. Holy Cow...you and Terry never cease to amaze me. I can not believe in less than two weeks time what you have done to change the look of your home. I can not wait to come by and see it when everything is done. I could drive down that street and know right off the bat that it is your home.....absolutely beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  61. How, the new cottage looks so welcoming with all the flowers you've added!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Kris,
    Your new sweet home reflects your touches already! It's you....totally you!. ENJOY!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I get the biggest kick out of you, the outside so looks like you already... GORGEOUS, fun and so homey! We have been in our new "old" house for 5 years and my outside still doesn't look anywhere close! We got a new front door with sidelights and a new patio door last month and now the old gal is getting a coat of paint soon, so I can't get myself to do any flowers or plantings, much less any outdoor décor because it will all either have to move or get destroyed... oh but all the dreams I have for her, maybe next year. Can't wait to see all the beautiful updates and decorating in Junk Cottage III... remember the best form of flattery is to copy, please feel VERY flattered!
    Hugs,
    Pendra

    ReplyDelete
  64. Congratulations on closing on your new home! I know you will make your new place into something gorgeous as you add your stamp to it. I love the red brick and style of the home. What a difference with the small gardening changes that you've made already. Can't wait to see the changes as you make this house your home with all your special and magical touches!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Wow Kris the outside of your house is already shaping up. I love the new window boxes with the flowers. You have made some nice changes. I can't wait to see more.
    Good luck with it.
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  66. Stunning, Fantastic its looks so astounding. Much obliged to you for sharing this article and keep doing awesome. silk curtains in abu dhabi

    ReplyDelete

sponsor