spring time, patio time

With the beautiful weather here, indoor furnishings will need to take a break while we try to do some outdoor furnishings. I've wanted to set up a patio ever since I moved here. I've been here over 7 years now. Yeah.

But, I am determined to make it happen this year. The problem is that we have limited space and an even more limited budget (like very, very limited budget). So I've set a very few basic ideas and hopefully we'll go shopping this weekend.

1) I want an outdoor table with chairs, preferably with an umbrella to help with the hot Saudi sun. It doesn't have to be fancy. I found the one below for under $100 at Walmart.com. However, we do not have a Walmart here so I hope I can find something in the same price range here (remember, limited budget).

2) Little guy has put in his request. He wants grass. Now, those of you who live in green, grassy parts of the world better not take it for granted. ;) Grass is not easily grown in desert climates. My SIL has grass at her place but it was specially planted and requires special maintenance. Because we only have a patio space to work with, I can't really have grass for little guy. However, he has a play house with a swing and slide already outside. I was thinking I could put something like this rug below underneath his play unit. It's not grass but it is green. I know, it's cheesy, but it'll have to do for now.

3) If my funds were a bit larger I'd love to include an outdoor rug. I like the one below.

all images above via walmart

4) And finally (for now), flowers and plants in cute little pots are a must. I'm not so good with plants and things. I wish I was. My Mom is like a plant/flower/garden pro. I should've paid more attention as a young girl...lol. I've recently been really inspired at my school. The Science teacher asked each student to bring a potted plant or flower to plant in the school garden. Seeing all of those flowers in all those pots motivated me to try something similar at home. I must buy some. I must try. :)

image via here

So, do you have any patio or planting ideas to share? Help a city girl out. :)