Inspiration Friday- Backyard havens

     It's inspiration Friday again, and I am sharing old magazine pictures of outdoor spaces today. We have been having absolutely amazing weather here in northern Nevada, and all I can think about is my backyard, and what I want to do out there. Lucky, lucky me. My backyard has three huge trees and a very large patio, and last but most certainly not least, eleven rosebushes arranged in the most perfect spots near my patio. Needless to say I am thrilled. I haven't ever had a rose garden before, and I am so excited to watch them grow and bloom. So far the only one that has bloomed has beautiful bright pink roses. Breathtaking.

    That's where it ends. I love the yard, love the roses, but what to do with the patio; well ,that is a dilemma. (don'tcha love the warm feeling of the above pictured outdoor living room?)
    I moved here, suddenly single, and no longer have a BBQ, (although I got a small George Foreman, does that count?) and no BBQ fairy in sight to bring me a new one. I did find a patio table and 4 chairs at a yard sale a few weeks back, so I am happy to have a place to sit  and enjoy the beauty of the roses and the trees, but I want more.

      I want an outdoor living space.I want the feel of an English cottage garden. I want personality. I just am not quite sure yet what level of formality. These pictures inspire me, and my taste for my cottage backyard lies someplace in the middle of the feel of all of these pictures.... and I am looking forward to watching it all unfold this summer.