Thank you, nanagrandma...you already know about my Secret Garden in the pines ...with my swing...those pretty yellow & purple coneflowers & prairie beebalm have grown so much in the garden I planted directly behind the swing. It is still my fav place to go...and to grow...to meditate and pray & thank God for His many blessings. And I so luv taking pics...appreciate your comments. jan...as I said above: "So, today, I brought it home from FM & spent an hour moving it around...and took some pics...you will get the idea...I've sent you lots of pics....but was getting too tired and too hot...so brought my "Live Art" inside on the porch for the evening." I pooped out movin it around & it was high 80's...but will do more soon & find it a semi-permanent spot for a few weeks. Thanks! Jeanne S.

pps, your patio is utterly beautiful! And I see a Badminton net in the background, the one sport other than baseball that I excel at! lol A dear friend told me to use Ferns and some types of Begonia's for the areas that get no sun. I did and they're doing pretty good! I think the lighter leaf Begonia's are for shade, the darker ones for sun. Impatiens are good as long as they get some good indirect light.

It's an unconventional choice since it's abstract and your furniture is traditional. That said, if you like it then get it. The colors look good. Your furniture is adorable and I like your taste in lamps too.

See if there's any leftover stain in the garage or basement. Take it and your photos to the local paint store to ask how much color change is possible with an opaque stain. Your available options depend on what is there now.