unbelievable

I am sitting on my balcony........ in the middle of March...... in CHICAGO........ and enjoying 63 degree temps.  The sun is warm and there are just enough clouds to let me write this outside.  LOVE IT!!!!!

Hey, maybe I will even get a little color ..... less paste is always good.

I'm inspired by this super nice day to get serious about re-outfitting the balcony.  Currently it is simply furnished with a few chairs, some end tables and a handy storage bench.  Perfect for having  friends and family over for cocktails, and balancing fish plates on our laps. 

But my goal is to get even more use out it and create something like this.....

plus a real table, for some serious dinners.   My balcony is similarly sized, maybe even a bit bigger. The real difference it that I don't have trees growing beside my balcony.....too high up.....only high-rises. 

So, I have the space, the challenge is the selecting plants that can withstand the occasional steady winds.  Don't get me wrong, some times its calm and pleasant,.....but other times.......wow wee....hold on Dorothy......

So back to plants, I think I need some hardy plants, maybe even evergreens as a base for my city oasis. I love geraniums, alot.....but my neighbors had them on their balcony and they took a beating.  I would love to figure out how to make them work, perhaps stratigic placement would do the trick, but I know they can get messy.....because of the wind.

I would also love to grow some potted tomato plants, simply because nothing beats a homegrown tomato.  Of course, I have never had the potted variety, but I would like to believe they are just as good as what comes out of my Dad's garden.  However, my friend Meg told me that because of the wind (there it is again, its always the wind) that it toughens the skins and they are not as good.  I believe her, but I would still like to try it out for myself.

I definitely need to do more research and ask alot of questions at the nursery.  If anyone has some insight on the subject, please chime in.....I need all the help I can get.

Have a great Sunday.  And now back to some knitting..... SURPRISED????