Pottering on my Patio

Yesterday and today I spent some time pottering about on my patio and in the back garden, which was far more enjoyable than the weeding I did in the front garden on Wednesday. I only wish my plants would grow as well as the weeds.
I had bought a few plants and herbs the other day which I planted and ran new watering hoses to, a task that was not easy going as the ground was as hard as a rock. In fact, I discovered that in one particular part of the garden it was literally concrete. It appears that the builders had just thrown some concrete remnants into a corner and covered them with a light covering of soil. The main water line was also just a couple of inches under the soil so I was extremely careful that I didn't puncture that. There were already some existing trees and shrubs, but I wanted to add some more and whilst it's not quite finished yet, it already looks more "filled in".
In the picture you'll see my little herb garden which is just under my kitchen window. I love lavender and along with it I planted some rosemary, sweet basil, parsley, lemon thyme and in a pot which isn't on the photo, some mint. I made those cute little bugs and butterflies on sticks to pretty up some focal points and thought it would be something the grandchildren would appreciate too. I put two windmill flowers in a pot which once again reminded me so much of my own childhood. The dogs enjoy the fountain and see it as no more than their own drinking source, Danielle just enjoyed running her fingers through the water. She has her own little watering can but hasn't quite got the hang of watering like Grandma does.
The beautiful vine in the center was my Valentine's Day gift from Brent. Whilst I love roses, I'm much too practical for them and so I asked for a plant instead, hence the jasmine which will smell gorgeous when it's flowering some more. Brent is a traditionalist though, so I also got some Ferrero Rocher chocolates.