I say - how do YOU like them? :) Personally, I think it looks great. The blue of the windows, the pool and the sky with the terra cotta colored pots look beautiful.
Estelle

I think they are the perfect color to match the tile in your pool. Shutters would be so fun, how about shutters in a terra cotta color to match those beautiful pots?

I think you could paint shutters on, use dark brown to "antique" the look and then use a crackle medium to age them. Just shellac it all well.

Hmmm...I think the thing that's bugging me is that they are so close to the top of the wall. Maybe bring them down a couple inches? Normally, you'd have to have a lintel / header over any window, so my eye is telling me that it can't be real. ;)

I Totally agree with GGG. I Love the color and shutters would look wonderful. Don't change the color :-) The yellow flowers contrast so beautifully

Edna

Caroline,

Is that a vine growing between the two windows, or is it a shadow? If it is a vine, you could start training it to grow above the windows, giving them a more "we've been here forever" look.

Also, I agree with Irene. You need to see more wall above the windows.

I do like the look, though!!

Kelly

I would be inclined to repaint your frames a redish dark brown color to accent your terra cotta pots, it would give it a warmer look, not so stark. Just my opinion.

A......

Caroline, I like the way they look. I think once you have taller plants in some of the pots, as we've discussed previously, you may find that the whole ensemble looks even better. Above all, you should go with what you think looks right to you, taste is a highly subjective matter and varies a lot from person to person.

Eduarda

My DH will kill me if I ask to move them down as we would have to move the planters down too ! The vine between the windows is on the other side and is a jessamine with yellow flowers. The one to the left is a jasmine and is being trained too to come over. It will take time. I will get taller stuff as soon as the pansies die LOL...they are thriving and I can't bring myself to pull them out Eduarda ~~. Shutters....I can't paint but I am going to look for some at the salvage place and see. Thanks for all the thoughts. My DIL suggested I sand the blue paint to make it look older. I'm going to mess with it some more. I just noticed how blue the sky is ...it does match. I have been baking all day for company. They are coming from Jamaica tomorrow to stay for the holiday. I was trying to get all this done and food too. Thanks for the help. Any more ideas will be appreciated. Caroline

Ikwym about dh's not wanting to move things after installation - I was under orders *never* to get rid of the rose bushes in front of our house, since I made him dig the holes on a cold, nasty November day...so, BTDT!

I don't suppose there's a possibility of adding a coping on top of the wall? ;)

Caroline, before sanding the windows, remember the color will fade in the sun. Sanding the windows is ok if you like the shabby chic look, otherwise I wouldn't bother, as the sun will quickly fade the color. I do like it the way it is at the moment. I didn't mean to say to rip out the pansies in the pots in front, I meant adding taller plants to the ones near the pillars. I don't think you have pansies there, at least they are not apparent in the photo.

Relax, it's looking infinitely better than when you started and I'm sure your visitors will love it. Happy Easter to you!

Eduarda

I personally LOVE them and wouldn't change a thing!

Another thought, I think Irene is right adding a coping on top of the wall would make all the difference, if not a coping how about windowboxes ?

A......

I think it's darling. When the plants fill in it will look more like it's been there forever. What a cute idea!

MeMo

eduarda there are lavender plants in the 4 pots at the pillars. They are new this year and still small. My old ones were on the other end in the ground. They did well for 3 yrs and then they rotted when we had too much rain for an extended period. I will get the pansies out soon and then will place either hibiscus , if there are any left as they are going fast or something else tall in the pots. DH said just change the wire on the back of the windows...duh..I am so dumb. Also putting something across might do it. I will mess with it. You all are so encouraging. THANK YOU.

We are having 29 degrees here for 2 nights...I hope everything survives. Also at everyone elses gardens.

I think they're too dark. I was picturing pool or sky blue ... like the blue that edges your diving board.

I'm in Baton Rouge and we have a light freeze in the forecast for Easter morning. I have 21 tomato plants I need to protect. Guess I'll be busy tenting the garden tomorrow. Good luck to everyone who's in the same boat.

Blue is not a fav. color of mine but I think it is perfect for those windows.Once you get your plumbagos,pinks purples and yellows going you will see that color blend in with it all.I love it and it is a far sight prettier that tha plain white/cream color they were.If they we mine,I'd paint them purple but I am a little escentric..lol
moonphase

Gee, I like them too, and what's wrong with a "beach" look by a pool, anyway? I'd probably paint a beach scene behind them on the wall so it appears that you are actually looking through them. I would also group the large pots in groups between the windows rather than in the symetrical way they are now, for a more natural setting. And I think you need a few potted trees or large tropicals, something like Japanese Maples to give it height which will lower the windows for your DH without his ever lifting a finger. Cheryl

I think it's charming. Blue is a great color choice here. You just need to give it some time and some tweeking. I might add a little cafe table and a couple of small chairs in the left hand corner. Maybe a small umbrella for an outdoor cafe by the beach feel. You coul push a few of the larger planters up against the wall and get some vertical greenery in there to cool off the white. Vines to soften the top would add a lot of interest.

Or don't do a blessed thing. It still looks great!

agree with aftermidnight and irene - terra cotta for the frames and lower the windows if you can... But if you can't, it still looks very nice they way it is.. I just think it could look a tad better. The terra cotta frames would tie in the pots and soften the white wall. JMO

Carrie

I like it....and the color too...to make it more tuscan...plant some taller plants to keep the eye moving up and down and to create "movement" in your pots...grasses or spikey things would be nice. Maybe another thought someday might be to soften the white wall by using a creamy yellowish or light terracotta color. Or Faux brick paint it even? I like it...I think they just think its beachy because of the blue on white. And that blue will fade and age and weather sooner than you think. I wouldn't do anything to it to hurry the process. A couple of benches under/near there will pillow might also help.

Well, you got plenty of opinions!

I think it is lovely. My only suggestion might be to rub some mud on the pots to give them a "not so new" look. Let it dry and then brush it off.

I'd say she did gets lots of ideas! Wow!

If you like them, don't second guess yourself. Often times when I've explained an idea to my husband he'll say, "No, you can't do that it won't look right". However, as a very visual person, I've mapped out the picture in my head over a hundred times. After I've completed the project nine times out of ten he'll say, "Hey, I really like that. It looks great!" This goes for indoor projects as well.

So, here is my two cents - is it what you invisioned? Do you think it complements your backyard? Were you happy with it when you were done? Could you manage changing it yourself if you are not happy with it? Ultimately, the garden is for YOUR enjoyment and not for any one else. After all, you are the one who puts all the work into it, right?

From a personal standpoint I like it just the way it is. I think the vine idea is a great one, but there is something rather tranquil and serene about the modern way you've displayed them and the color you chose.

Heather

Caroline: What a creative way to use that big white wall! I think the window frames look perfect just as they are. I wouldn't lower the frames OR add coping. The frames & wall together are a nice clean look. I'm surprised your graphic designer dil doesn't approve.

Maybe the blue looks wrong just because it's new and you're not used to it yet. As someone else pointed out, they'll fade, so give it some time before you make any big changes to what you've done.

One thing I would rethink is the window boxes. They look a little too small and fussy. I'd look for ones that are as wide or almost as wide as the frames.

Maybe next year you could try planting various shades of orange in your window boxes & planters. California poppies would really stand out against that blue.

Whoa ! You are all so KIND to take time to look at this.

To answer : Yes I am pretty happy with it. And yes the blue is growing on me. The vines are not full enough yet but they are there and I will train them over ( as soon as the wind STOPS ). It is cold here today !

Taller in the pots will be soon. I want something that I don't have to repot and that will stay modest in size...won't maples get HUGE ? The window boxes were SO CHEAP...good experiment for this year but could change next year.

Paintint the wall will take place this summer so will take that into consideration as to color...I like the terra cotta color idea for the wall.

I have the one grassy thing that will get big with wavy stuff..the other one I took out and because ai needed the pot and these pots aren't made anymore.

I had not thought if seating...hmmmwill look into that.

The pots will have mossy green on them soon enough due to the humidity in the summer.

Thank you one and all. I will post more pics when it evolves more. I really appreciate the enthusiasm of this group. Caroline

Caroline ~ I love those blue windows. They look like Italy to me. Just give your plants time to grow and fill in, let the sun fade the paint and it will all be beautiful. You've done a lovely job!

FlowerLady

Caroline, don't you post on the Decorating forum? You could ask one of the ladies there to Photoshop your wall. They could take the pic and make changes to help you visualize.

flowerlady : Thank you the look I am going for is Tuscany and New Orleans...that was our home. I went out and looked again and I think Stevie's idea of a small bistro table is a good one and /or a bench. I have a "junk" place that has all kinds of stuff and I am going to go there and see what I can find. I am getting really excited as I can "see" a lot of possibilites.

natal : that is a great idea. My DIL has photoshop. I will ask her to help.

treelover- it was my son's girlfriend not DIL. Dil loves them...she is the chef and an artist. So go figure. As several said it's MY WALL !

Yes trailrunner it is YOUR WALL, :o) I'm sure you will get it just the way you like it, with a bit of tweaking here and there to your tastes I'm sure you will end up with something we'll all be envious of. Please post pictures when it's finished so we can all enjoy what you have created.

A......

Caroline ~ I think you are on the right track for the look of Tuscany and New Orleans. Having your DIL do your pictures with PhotoShop will be great! That will give you an idea of which way you want to go with wall color. I think a lovely soft/muted shade of terra cotta might be a lovely color for your wall and would be very complimentary to all of the blues and the greenery not to mention would go well with your wonderful containers. Most importantly here, have fun, don't stress, and all will come together. Whatever you do it will be lovely.
Have a wonderful holiday with your guests.

FlowerLady

I think the blue windows look very Tuscany. DH and I spend our vacation there last fall and saw a lot of that shade of blue -- pottery, tile, all over the place. If you like it, keep it. You have acheived the effect you described.

If give yourself a period of time to get used to it and still have doubts, then it is time to reconsider. But I think it is both clever and pretty.

Rosefolly

I think the windows look great! Love the blue.

As said earlier, maybe next year you could build "window boxes" and also paint them the same blue as the windows. Build them as wide as the windows. Would really look striking!

Thank you mary lu and flowerlady rosefolly and aftermidnight. I moved the pots around somemore and grouped them more like Eduarda had suggested. I think a table and 2 chairs will be great if I can find something really small. Also I am getting the oleanders from DIL this week and that will make a difference. I also rescued the grassy plant that matches the one still in a pot and I am repotting it...I had discarded it but decided to bring it back...it didn't die so it must like me ! I will keep tweeking. I think the window boxes do need to be bigger and this was a good first try...I will find somewhere to use them next year and do different ones in this space. You are all so supportive . Caroline

ps Mary lu you assume I can build stuff...I am really challenged...I am going to have to learn all these new skills to impress you , LOL.

Hi Trailrunner...you're from Opelika, right? I meant to say hello earlier when I first saw your posts. I'm from just outside Smiths (a little community just outside of Phenix City). I came through Opelika a whooooole lot in the last few years while working on my Ph.D. at Auburn University. I finished in December and it is so very nice to work in my garden without feeling guilty about a dissertation waiting on me. :)

I love the blue windows. I'd love to see the wall itself a warmer color. :) I saw a picture in one of my gardening magazines that made me think of your project there. It had a seafoam green color wall and large arched windows backed in mirror glass. The window frames were a periwinkle blue. Now you're probably thinking blue on green?! But it was so peaceful, calm, and inviting. I loved it.

I can tell that you put a lot of thought into everything you do in the garden so I know your final project will be everything you envisioned it to be. Good luck!

Btw, I need to add - I love the blue color! It actually reminds me a lot of Mykonos - but since I've never been to Tuscany or New Orleans, I can't say about those. :) For some reason, wrought iron is coming to mind when I think about those places...

bama : I just went through Smiths today ! If you are interested in sharing plants etc you can e-mail me. They usually go through.

irene : yes wrought iron and lots of color and a fountain. I have the parts just can't quite get the whole.

I was going to do an iron gate but I really don't like anyone to be able to look inside the pool area . We have the iron table/chair set and I am thinking about a smaller one too as Stevie suggested for down by the windows. I have the fountain but will probably move her to the back garden and get a wall fountain for in the pool area. I need a lot more plants and that will take time as I have to really get the back done to prevent any further erosion. I have way more than I know how to do and DH can't help due to his ongoing health stuff. So as he said just take a little each day....thanks for all the ongoing support. Caroline

Hmmm...I'm agreeing with Bama about maybe painting the wall, like a nice light terra cotta color, then maybe adding some yellow and burgundy accents? (I'm thinking of a series of dishes that Marshall Field's used to sell, of which I have a serving piece, using that color scheme along with dark blue, that had a very Tuscan feel). I think that would help make it feel more Tuscan than Greek Islands, if that's what you are after.

In a earlier post I mentioned changing the color of your windows, I for the life of me couldn't understand why I couldn't warm up to it, because blue is my favorite color. Lightbulb just came on, I recently watched 'Under a Tuscan Sky' and had totally fallen in love with the house and garden. :o)

A......

I need to rent that movie. I haven't seen it. I am going to photoshop the different color schemes at my DIL's house when I get a chance. Caroline

trailrunner, it's 'Under THE Tuscan Sky', not Under a Tuscan Sky. I just love the colors and the old feel of it all. Do rent the movie it's a good one, about how complete strangers with all their differences and talents, in the end become one big happy family. Kind of reminds me of a certain forum. :o)

A......

Caroline,

Are you ready for yet another opinon? :-)

I love the blue color against the white wall. I think its a very cooling and soothing color combination. A very clean look. Once the flowers have filled out more, I think you will really love the white/blue backdrop you've given them.

I think the addition of shutters in a terra cotta or maybe a rich red/brown color would look wonderful, too.

Have you considered cobalt blue pots (that match the window color) and placing them adjacent to the large terra cotta pots?

The addition of terra cotta painted shutters against the blue windows + blue cobalt pots placed with the terra pots could be very striking, although I am an admitted fan of both colors - cobalt blue and terra cotta. Or it might be too overpowering and dramatic. lol

I hope we are not confusing you more, but it's always interesting to throw ideas into the mix!

Marilyn

A. you are so funny ...like all the forums . But I love the diversity. I will get my DH to rent it on Netflix.

Marilyn. I agree with all you suggest. I have to find old small shutters. I found the blue pots at Big lots. They are a gorgeous blue...then I picked them up and they are FAKE> So who cares ? I should have bought them. They were cheap. I wasn't sure if the color would stay/quality of the material etc. Real ones are probably very high. Money is getting short with all the adventures in remodeling 101 that we have done this year. LOL. So if you see blue cobalt pots at a place that is a chain in the US or online and they are not too high let me know. Thanks C.

I would dry-brush the blue with some creme color paint to lighten it just a bit and give it the driftwood effect.As long as you added some whimsy why not continue by attaching some fun blue bottles to the top of the wall?
How about mirrors or a scene behind the windows?
Dont stop now youve only just begun!!!!

The Etruscans enfluenced the Greeks and vice versa, and later the Romans also used much of both, so there are many similarities in their arts and architectures. Even the later Spanish culture can be traced back to the Etruscans.

Culumnar evergreen shrubs in the ground on one side and smaller ones in front in large pots adds heigth to the wall and dimension. The gardens there always have the tall cedars that sway in the wind.
Billowy grasses of green, yellow, reddish brown or burgundy in large urns on top of the walls and/or below. Pots on the wall with variegated small-leaved trailing vines. Yucca plants or Agaves below. Rosemary and Lavender bushes for fragrance and texture. I love the idea of Oleanders by a pool.
I would set one ocean blue pot in with the terra cotta ones, but only ONE. You have the blue pool, the sky and the windows. One blue pot echoes their colours, but more than one would be too much.
A big pot of Red Geraniums...somewhere for contrast.

To me what is missing is the terra cotta roof tiles.
I agree, a little more space above the windows would have helped.

I don't think it is the colour of the windows is what is wrong as much as the width of the window frames. It would look better with the thick walls to have wider window frames...I think.

I agree to age them and then add a little ocean blue/aqua colour to that dark blue, maybe outlining the dark.

You could paint faux alcoves shadows around the windows so that it looks like they are set way back into the thick walls.

At any rate, it is THY garden. Do what pleases thee!

~Annie

Wild thought here....how about building a short sloping "roof" over the wall and "shingling" it with terracotta tiles? Maybe only 2 tiles deep? Sort of a triangle to give it depth coming out over the wall edge. I tried to do a mock up, but didn't do very well. Couldn't get the 3 dimensional look to it. Not sure if I am explaining it very well.
{{gwi:660751}}
Don't know if I would do shutters. It might make the wall look too full and maybe cluttered? Too much going on?

Like I said, just a thought..
Marylu

Just found this picture and it gives a better idea of what I mean by "depth"
{{gwi:660753}}

Hmmmm....you mentioned earlier the bistro table. The small roof line would continue the bistro theme. Or, if you didn't want to do that much, what about a small awning at the top of the wall? With the windows already there, a small table....I think you could really carry it off. Now I promise I will go away....and quit thinking about this. :-)

I hadn't chimed in here before because you've gotten such wonderful input. However, this morning I was thumbing through all my old Martha Stewart mags looking at container plantings and found a BLUE French door surrounded by matching BLUE flower pots! I immediately thought of your windows as it is the same blue color.

Perhaps all you really need is to repeat that blue paint somewhere on a few of the flower pots.

Cameron

I love the window frames and the plantrs but maybe paint the wall a different color. The white iskinda stark to me, but I could see a terra cotta or pale yellow color really setting them off.

I think they are wonderful.Shutters would be to cluttered.
My eye doesn't have a problem with the hight either since if you drop them you would "cut" the look to a more shallow one.
Since I don't know your likes and such, somethings that might work for you are:

crackle the paint for a broken up, more aged look.
adding another piece of the same color to pull it together, a large pot, some of that blue trimed on some of your pots there already,maybe a bird house on a pole, a serving table, mosaic / tiled item would add a great european touch, simple towel hooks.an artsie look maybe afew tiles glued to the wall in a shape, like sripes from the baskets down,could you paint the baskets themselves.In general I think you just need to pull it together by mixing the colors somewhere to help the visual flow.adding just one or two more splashes of that color will end the "stop light " of the seperate colors.

okay only my two cents, have fun with it