Garden Architecture/Junk

[shepp]

Here is my latest find for a future flower bed. whats some of your neat garden junk?

http://www.landspro.com/shepp_bed2.jpg

[Jim Lang]

Shepp

That will make a real flower "bed".


Hope all is well with you.

[shepp]

things are as good as can be expected. behind all of the time in the nursery. my back hurts again. i dont expect i will have the bed done anytime real soon. maybe this fall so i can plant into next spring , if the scroll work of foot board hadnt been cut off and the side rails nearly broken out where they meet the head and foot i would agree. i would have this in the house. but considering the condition of it "unfit for human's" i would say its perfect for the flowers. best part about is . it cost 10 bucks.shepp

[shepp]

this grindstone is in a bed that sorely needs weeded.just not enuf time in a day.shepp

http://www.landspro.com/shepp_rock.jpg

[shepp]

This one is also destined to be in a flower bed. i wonder how many horses or mules this one worn out.i bet none because its so small

http://www.landspro.com/shepp_tool.jpg

[Judi K.]

This is an old wrought iron syrup bowl
used in this part of the country to cook down sugar cane to make the syrup. We found it behind the old shed when we bought the house. Took the hubby, two grown sons and a friend to roll it into place after the hubby had furociously drilled three holes in the bottom for drainage. I planted the mexican petunia in it to contain it, however, I have some coming up inside the greenhouse.

[shepp]

The Amish use them for stirring apple butter in them in the fall . the kettle sits on what they call a spider over the open fire.
very hot job over a open fire . some are smart enuf to have a long handle apple butter stirrer to keep them back from the heat . it takes all day SHepp

[Ann B.]

on Garden Architecture/Junk!

You know you have it bad when...

you pick up your little one from Vacation Bible school. He shows you what he made, and instantly you think, "WOW! Wouldn't that look cute in the garden!"

Well, I guess I am really hooked because that's exactly what I thought when I saw this Egg Carton Critter:

http://www.landspro.com/critter_hungry.JPG

Does anyone have any ideas on how to go about weatherizing an Egg Carton Critter?

Here's a close up:

http://www.landspro.com/critter_close.JPG


Don't laugh! I'm serious....


Isn't that the idea of Garden Junk? Recycled 'STUFF'?


What FUN! I really would like to know how to winterize it if anyone has any ideas. And, yes, I do believe I am HOOKED!

[Tom]

I guess a lot will depend on what it's made of, and what it is colored with: e.g. any foam product will melt like snow in July if it comes in contact with any petroleum based product (like polyurethane), as will wax based crayons.

Tell us what it's made of, and what was used to color it. You may have to take a sample carton, color it, and experiment with fixer from the art store, or hair spray, or some of the new Latex based polyurethane just to see what works.

[Ann B.]

Tom,

That's part of the fascination and fun of the Egg Carton Critter (the name that I gave him). He's a catterpillar made by cutting the bottom of a paper cardboard type egg carton that holds a dozen eggs in half lengthwise. You know the old fashioned kind of egg carton thats made out of what looks like recycled paper.

This one has pipe cleaners for legs, different sized pom poms on his back, a tiny round red nose that looks like a pom pom but feels like felt, feathers for his antennas, and little bitty clear plastic eyes with the tiniest of red beads in each eye.

He has splashes of yellow, green and blue water color paint on his back.

He really does look like a catterpillar about to munch on my air potatoe vine, doesn't he?

And tell me about that paint and styrofoam. Not knowing any better, one Christmas I decided to spray paint a styrofoam ball and it melted down to nothing on contact. As you can tell, I haven't done many crafts. That's why I need help.

I suppose if someone were creative enough, they could find more waterproof type decorations for his adornment...

Does that help?

[Tom]

The paper will hold up to spray paint (both types) much better than the foam would. The only concern would be the material of the pom-poms and the watercolors. I believe that everything would hold up under a light misting from a spray can of lacquer. With a fine light misting, the lacquer will dry almost instantly, and start to seal everything. Successive coats could be a little heaver until you have a good solid clear-coat over the entire surface. Even the feather should turn very stiff and be protected if you are careful enough. Check with Lowe’s and/or Wal-Mart for spray can lacquer or polyurethane. Otherwise you may have to visit a paint store.

[Ann B.]

Thanks, Tom!

I''ll look for some in a flat finish....

I have some other ideas, too. I'll be looking around next time I visit the stores and see what I can come up with.

Having FUN!

[shepp]

This isnt a bad find ,but you cant sit in it!

http://www.landspro.com/shepp_chair.jpg

[shepp]

Ann the garden critter could be used as indoor garden architecture,just a thought.

[Ann B.]

Exactly, SHepp!

If I didn't have these kittens, that's exactly what it would be used for... But, hey, I know, I could put it on my patio!

The Egg Carton Critter is cute, isn't it? Maybe I should really call it the Garden Critter, though. BTW, I really do like the chair. It would look great with a little metal Victorian type stand beside it. Maybe you could put a huge fern on the chair, and a trailing variegated ivy on the stand. I'd have to put some more thought into that one.

You see, I AM hooked! My mind won't quit...

This is FUN!

[shepp]

This was given to me over 2 Winters ago by Mike "peewee"Nelson
i wish it would last as long as the memories of it.
Oh my is it ever fragrant. it grows to 5 feet tall. too bad the full moon isnt out.

[Ann B.]

That is really a spectacular picture, SHepp!

I did some research and this is what I have come up with. Your lily appears to be what is known as a Trumpet Lily which is a member of Division 6 of the Lilium family. There are many hybrids of this type of lilium, some of which are native to the north.

It is very likely that it is one of the Aurelian Hybrids, perhaps closely related to the 'Regale Album'. Here are some links that you might consider looking at:

(Note: Be sure to close your browser window after viewing each of these links.)

Lilium Formosanum - Trumpet Lily (http://www.crownsvillenursery.com/images/Liliumformosanum.jpg)

Lilium Formosanum - Trumpet Lily Seed Pods (http://www.crownsvillenursery.com/images/Liliumformosanumseedpod.jpg)

'Regale Album' Trumpet Lily (http://www.veseys.com/store.cfm?product=1465&referer_cat=592&largeimage=1)

'Regale - Trumpet Lily' (http://www.veseys.com/store.cfm?product=1463&referer_cat=592&largeimage=1)

BTW, since it is tall, it might look good planted behind that Garden Archictecture chair of yours.

It may not be an exact match, but it should be getting close, I should think. What about you?

I sure hope that helps, SHepp! Let us know...

[Ann B.]

In the next few days, I will be posting links to online catalogs containing various forms of garden architecture as well as bulbs, but before I do, I wanted to point out that you do not have to spend a fortune to adorn your garden and plants.

Nor do they have to be big and take up a lot of space.

Here are some pictures of mine:

Dollar Tree Angel in a mixed Ivy hanging basket:

http://www.landspro.com/ivy_angel.JPG

Shell in a mixed Succulent hanging basket:

http://www.landspro.com/succ_shell.JPG

Hunter's toy dinasour that he used to 'decorate' my Norfolk Island Pine (houseplant) when he was about 4 years old:

http://www.landspro.com/norfolk_dino.JPG

Kathy in GA. loved that last one. She wanted me to market the idea, but it would be hard to do because these little toys are so inexpensive...

Having More FUN!

[Ann B.]

Then there are the self adorning plants....

This Hoya flower never looks real to me:

http://www.landspro.com/hoya_bloom_1.JPG


Be careful, though, and do not pick the bloom, as it will bloom again on the same flower stem.


Fascinating....

[Judi K.]

I bought an old schwinn bicycle at a yard sale. I plan to grow a vine on it in the garden. Any ideas as to what vine to use?

[shepp]

your asking the wrong person about vine crops. the only vines i know are lima and green beans . as far as the bike if its a really old schwinn . and it is in good shape. i think its worth more than a trellis.ask around at some bike stores and check ebay.
it may finance a lot more bikes. just a thought.

[Ann B.]

Judi,

I tend to agree with Shepp on the Schwinn idea, but that is up to you...

If you really want to consider keeping an old bike exposed to the environment, I would consider the Mandevilla (various colors), Thunbergia 'Battiscombei' or Thunbergia 'Sunlady'.

Unless you have the proper conditions, I would steer clear of the Clematis, although it does not have tremendously long vines, it might be difficult to grow in full sunshine in your zone. Hey, but then again, if you are up to the challenge, why not!

I would steer clear of aggressive vines such as the passiflora, cross vine, honeysuckle or wisteria. These would tend to overtake your bike which would not provide adequate support in the long run.

If you want to try an annual type vine, you might consider the 'Moon Flower' vine or a Morninglory. These can always be cut back and made to branch out.

There are lots of vines that would work, and I am hoping some others will chime in to share their knowledge....

Enjoy!

[shepp]

Everytime i turn around i catch a glimpe of these 2 and i blink they are gone. i hear them laffing at me from in the weeds.
i am so far behind i cant call them flower beds.but i got a picture of these guys , they are the notorious weed seed spreaders
THE BOULDER BROTHERS ! a couple of hard heads. they are destined to be recycled into paving stones for their dirty work.
they think their funny. couple of real wise guys. i heard whispering after i got their picture they think they will get in every photo now. i can set a trap for them now. the saga of the boulder bros will continue.

[sunrisegirl]

Well Shepp if your back doesn't get better you could rest in your chair or lay down on your bed:) Honestly, I love this junk. I've been thinking I need something to set off my garden, like one central piece of something. What, I don't know, but when I see it I will. Where do you find this junk???

[shepp]

the boulder bros came from a garden store locally.
the red antique chair from a friends junkpile out back of his garage.still cost 10 bucks or so.the gring stone from a neighbor.
a retired couple found the old bedframe for 5 gave them another 5 for finding it . offered them more they wouldnt take it. i spent years going to flea markets antique shops and auctions.
spent 20 minutes yesterday in a antique shop.found a few things .lots more i left behind like a $99.oo dollar watering can.
i dont think so. wasnt even a rare one. so all you got to do is look around you . its there. then wheel and deal if its at a flea market.
ask for 10 % off its at antique shop .
pay what your willing to spend at an auction.
look at yardsales and everyones junk pile and dicker.
good luck shepp.
i know those boulder bros are here somewhere i here them laffing . hey you guys i did not give too much for the chair. i know i cant sit in it. so what ,its to grow more weeds around . shut up or i will get the garden hose after you two.

[sunrisegirl]

I know where an old grinding stone is, it is on a neighbor's land under an old house that fell in...How would you bargain for that old stone Shepp??

[shepp]

please may i have that grind stone,,,thats a start , trade something. work, flowers , shhhh cash money even Shhh.
but before you do can it be gotten out safely.how big is it . there are somegrind stones in these parts of Ohio that are 8 feet across and 2 to 3 ft thick. in other words several tons. 4 years ago i saw heavy machinery , cranes and dozers and lowboy trailers get them . i was envious.
the boulder brothers are laffing again . hey you guys your mother was a grindstone. have some respect here. you 2 should have been stepping stones. you think you 2 dummies could get your heads together and get out of the rain. who is dumb now huh.

i dont have a tried and true method just have the nerve to ask.
the most they can say is no.but maybe they will say YES
Shepp in zone 5/6 with 2 hard heads hiding in the weeds finally getting wet .
the saga continues.

[sunrisegirl]

Gosh Shepp, you mean alls I have to do is ask? Well let me see if I can get the courage up for that:p This sounds like weekend work! That old house has fallen in and been eaten up by termites mostly. Not a lot of boards covering it. The stone is a small size, less than three feet diameter and was under the house at one time...HOPE it is still there. Still, I know something about stones since I am laying a patio with them, and know that they can get very heavy. Looks like I might need help, but I'll worry about that once I get it! Now, where did I put that danged shovel??

[Jim Lang]

shepp

I gotta plan. I am going to dig the good stuff put it in pots then spray Round-Up on everything that's left. Got a lot more weeds than good plants. Next year I am gonna do something different.

Jim Lang

[Ann B.]

Hi!

I am so very proud of this little Gothic greenhouse. I bought it for $4. I am not sure what I will put in it first, but it sure gives me a lot of ideas about how to build cute little decorative indoor greenhouses for my cuttings...

http://www.landspro.com/find.JPG


I have built my own complex, octagon shaped aquairiums (yet another passion of mine), and I don't think it would be hard to build these tiny little greenhouses and perhaps, in my case, decorate them with seashells that are found all along our gulf shores!

What FUN!

[Gene]

Ros H
My folks had two of them square tubs they were use with an old hand crank washing machine I beleive one was on the right side of the crank and the other was on the left of the crank I think the one on the left held the the dirty clothes with the washing water they then were ran threw the crank rollers and plase in the other tub . I not real sure how it all worked but do know it was use in the washing cloths

[Ann B.]

This is probably one of my favorite threads on Landspro. I apologize for not having some of the user posted images fixed yet, but that effort has to wait until I am finished with school.

As my Spring Break comes to a close, I ventured out today on one of those walks that I really love to take. I stopped to look at the Buddleia that I pruned yesterday, and as I did, I saw the laughing smiles of this happy couple, basking in the sun! You could hardly see them before. That sickly little one gallon Buddleia that I purchased for $2 at the end of the season became an evergreen GIANT and took over this bed.

These Frogs look so very happy and jolly to be out from underneath the canopy of the giant Buddliea!

What a joy that such small little objects bring to the landscape....

http://www.landspro.com/images/ga_frogs.JPG

These little frogs are part of what will one day become a pond garden! I hope, I hope, I hope! And as you can see, the theme of the pond garden will be FROGS!

Enjoy Life and a Beautiful Spring, My Friends!

[Ann B.]

Some of you have asked for ideas about how to make or create your own Garden Architecture, so I took a break from my studies and ventured outside to take a few pictures for you...

I hope they give you some ideas, and you can take these ideas anywhere that you wish to! I truly believe that the best part about Garden Architecture is the creativity of the person selecting the 'Functional Art' to adorn your garden rooms.

So, here goes...

What is it about that first car that makes you want to save the original tag? I have several tags hanging in my garage from the first few cars that I owned. I remember the first was a white 1967 Camaro that I bought when I was in college the first time. It was used and cost $800, but MAN, was that a good car...

Then there was the 1976 Trans Am, brand new, silver with a Blue Bird on the hood. I sold that car for more than I paid for it new. I hated to sell it, but I was single, in sales and had a company car, so there was no need for two.

The list goes on from there, and YES, I have a few tags. Every time I see this birdhouse, I think of those tags hanging on my garage wall, looking good as NEW!


http://www.landspro.com/images/bh_1.JPG

And here are some more....

I truly think this one is NEAT! The little turtle could have come from the Dollar Tree, who knows, but it does add a lot of 3 dimensional charm, doesn't it?

http://www.landspro.com/images/bh_2.JPG

A nice bird feeder....

http://www.landspro.com/images/bh_3.JPG

The rest tell their own story!

http://www.landspro.com/images/bh_4.JPG

http://www.landspro.com/images/bh_5.JPG

http://www.landspro.com/images/bh_6.JPG

Have FUN! And try your hand at a Birdhouse, or two or three.... These are all hanging from trees and most are being used, either for birds nest or for feeding birds!

[sue salley]

Ann,
How odd to see a See Rock City birdhouse in the gulf coast! That comes from Tennessee. I have actually been to Rock City many years ago. There is still one old barn standing here that has that sign on it. Thanks for the memory.

[Ann B.]

Sue,

Isn't that FUN?

I enjoy it every time I take a walk and look at it!

Now, you can make one of your own, huh?

[Ann B.]

Since Hunter and I are both 'out of school', we've been having a lot of FUN!

Hunter has discovered a new store, and my goodness, for an 8 year old little boy, he certainly does like to take his time shopping.

He has also learned more about the value of money, thus this new favorite store. I think he could spend hours there. Actually, I know he could...

It's called the American Thrift Store. It has all kinds of used clothing, used household items, used bicycles, used toys and most of the are fairly inexpensive.

I suppose you could say that he is starting to learn from Mom, huh?

Well, anyway, he begged me and begged me to take him, so I did. While he was going through all that 'stuff', I ventured through the household items section just looking for JUNK that I could use to accent some of my potted plants.

And I found a few... This one I bought for $1. It is made of wood. It has a lid, and I will use it for something else.

Tonight, after Hunter fell asleep, I repotted a small plant that I started a long time ago. It was in dire need of water and new soil, and a lot of the 'leaves' fell off while I was handling it. But that is okay.... As usual, I will start some more from the broken pieces.

Now, I am just not sure where I will put it. Right now, I have it on my front porch on the fence post, but it can't stay there. The decorative 'container' is made of wood, and I am afraid it is not redwood. Actually, I have the plant potted in a pot within a pot.

The plant is commonly known as Donkey Tail. For those of you who do not know, I have a 'small' collection of succulents, some of which are pretty old.

It is dark out, but I used the light on my camera to take this picture....

http://www.landspro.com/images/donkey_tail.JPG

Can you figure out what the 'container' is? Hint: Although you can't see it, there is a handle, and like I said, it has a llid, a rather attractive one I might add.

Like I said, I don' t know what I will use as a pedestal, but I will figure out something. Maybe a 3 tiered, pot in pot with larger pots at the bottom going smaller and smaller to the top and filling in with succelents in each layer.

Who knows? I just think it is FUN!

[sue salley]

Ann,
I saw the neatest thing on one of the shows on HGTV. It was a wheel of sometype attached(on its side) to the topof a post. Welded to it were pots,pans,colanders,etc. I asume when the wind catches all those containers it spins (mine will if I ever get it made).
Kind of reminds me of the movie Twister, like the aunt had to tell when the wind was blowing.
I've been saving up old kitchen ware. This should be fun.

[Ann B.]

I am really surprised that no one guessed what it is...

It's a wooden cookie jar!

Sue! You would have a ball in this thrift store. All kinds of old kitchenware, some in fairly good shape, but most of it is truly JUNK!

There is one other gadget that I bought, but it is in need of repairs, a little glue and a few nicks with a hammer should do, then it is a matter of planting....

'Tis FUN isn't it?

I like the idea of the kitchenware! It would look good on a farm or unexpectantly hanging from a tree branch...

Thank you all for a wonderful evening! I have enjoyed all your posts! It's so nice to sit back and watch others having FUN!

[AllGreenThumbs]

I LOVE Garden Junk!
Shepp, I love the wrought Iron Bed, it would look great in a romantic garden of some sort. I remember a few years back I saw something similar at someone's house out in the country and I had to drive by it a few times and then finally stop and ask about it..lol. (Don't we all do that?) They had it out by the road under a nice plantng of ornamental trees so everyone could see and enjoy it. Upon closer inspection, I saw that they had put pieces of ply wood on top of the frame to sit pots on. The plywood was covered in identical size pots (Approx. 4-6" ) with a variety of different colored Impatents gowing in the pots on top and Pink Wave Petunias around the edges draped around the sides to the ground! It looked like a quilt and was quite beautiful.! They had a tad higher shelf at the top to look like the Pillows. Hope I am explaining this good enough to give you the idea.... While I was standing out front by this "BED"an talking to the lady whose house it was, someone ELSE stopped by to ask her about it..lol. Pretty cool..
I couldn't see Judy or Ros's pics at all, but Judy, I think it sounds like your syrup bowl would make an excellent fountain!
Ann, as a LONG time crafter (and craft class teacher) I can tell you that NOTHING will stick to styrofoam that will be in outdoor weather. In other words, the glue that was used to adhere the eyes and whatever, is gonna peel right off, paint or sealer as well. (Been there, done that) I think those adorable critters will have to stay inside to save them. But hey, you can always make them over and over!;) What a cute idea!

[Ann B.]

Becki,

These particular egg cartons are made of recycled paper as opposed to the styrofoam ones. Since Hunter made that one, I saved every one of those egg cartons from the store and toward the end of the school year, I took them all to one of the Kindergarden teachers at Hunter's school.

She was thrilled to get them. I took the little critter along just in case she had not seen one, but she had.

I think it would be difficult to make it waterproof, so this particular one is best dispayed in a patio, potting shed or something.

Don't you think?

[AllGreenThumbs]

Don't know WHY I am not getting all of the pics posted? Some are blurred, some just have a little icon that won't turn into a pic and some I DO get.
Anyway, I think the bicycle is very condusive to becoming a TOPIARY frame! Anything else is just gonna cover it up and you wouldn't be able to see what it really is... So I would just get some small leaved (vareigated maybe) ivy growing over it and train all of them in and out and around the spokes until it entirely covered the whole thing.. You see these kinds of topiaries at Disney World and such..
Ann, I love your little dinosaur! I think he would look great in a miniature garden (that would make him look real big, ya know?)
Teeny leaved mosses, maybe oregano, whatever..
Gosh, I lvoe this thread..lol.
Becki

[Ann B.]

Forgot to mention....

The blurred pictures are because of a problem that occured with the landspro database a long time ago. My host provider set my limits too low and all the threads were lost. I recouped almost everything except for some of the user loaded pictures.

Some members sent their pictures to me, and those were fixed.

So.... It is not your pc or your link. Maybe, one day I will get them fixed, but it is a lot of programming to figure out how.

Sorry!

[AllGreenThumbs]

I agree Ann, on the garden critter..
I just remembered this cute thing my daughters girl scout troop made a lifetime ago it seems..lol. I have made them several times since and get so many comments on them. (wish I had a pic but don't, sorry!) They are Gardening angels.. Visualize this:

Small terra cotta pots inverted are the "skirts"
1" wood ball knobs are the head, glued onto the top of the inverted pot
dowel rod is the stake, sized to fit into the wood ball that will be glued INSIDE the pot to act as a WASHER, whatever length you want
Wings are wire-edged ribbon (polyester so it doesn't fade) tied in a bow and glued on the back
Arms are paper wrapped wire (or you can leave them off)
Pot and head ball is primed with spray paint primer and then spray painted whatever color you want or hand painted and then sealed again with indoor /outdoor sealer, several coats
What I use for GLUE for anything to be used outdoors is clear bathrub Silicone caulk that you would use around a bathtub. It is an excellent product for gluing anything for outdoors!
Hope this gives you a clear enough idea of what I am talking about..lol.
Becki

[Ann B.]

Becki! That sounds pretty! Perfect for a little's girls first garden, huh?

I love all those crafty things to make for the garden. When I was working, I never had time...

Here's another find! One that I really, really like....

http://www.landspro.com/images/brom_planter.JPG


And here is a closeup of what I planted it in. A pretty bomeliade...

http://www.landspro.com/images/brom_tri_02.JPG

The decorative pot is a nut cracker. I had to repair it. It was in pretty bad shape, but some wood glue, a hammer and a little cleanup did the trick.... Quite a conversation piece since I live in a pecan grove, don't you think?

What FUN for a rainy day!

4" and holding, for now, anyway! Just a drizzle....

[AllGreenThumbs]

No problem, Ann! I LOVE all your NEAT STUFF!
Becki

[Ann B.]

Well, that last neat stuff was 75 cents for the nut cracker. I could not believe it. All it needed was wood glue. No cracks in the wood, and just a little tap here and there, and it is holding just fine.

You have to realize that I have an extremely analytical, and not so creative mind, so when I come up with something like this, I think, WOW! I actually did something NEAT!

Not always so easy for me...

Thanks!

5" of rain, and I suspect more is on it's way, and every bit is WELCOME!

[shepp]

I knew i shouldnt use this old rickity wheelbarrow on that bank!
my latest find at the farmers market.

http://www.landspro.com/images/sh_wb_01.jpg

[shepp]

Galvanized garden Art
these are more farmers market finds from last year that i just potted up one week ago. a coal hod , 2 old metal mop buckets and a wash tub. drilled holes in all of them and planted lots of wave petunias. they should be overflowing in a few weeks.

http://www.landspro.com/images/sh_ga_10.jpg


http://www.landspro.com/images/sh_ga_11.jpg

shepp zone5/6

[Sumrnsun]

I am so mad at myself! The other day was trash day, and down the road, someone had an old wooden door set out. I stopped and tried to get into my truck, just too heavy, by myself. No one came out to help! Alas, the door is now in the trash pile. Another good find that slipped through my fingers!

[Ann B.]

Now, something that I know that I can make out of scrape wood...

This reminded me of the Garden Junk thread, but it was definitely not priced as junk.... It was at the gift shop at Bellingrath.

It's a cute shelf, about 3 foot tall and a little over 2 foot wide.

Lots and lots of ideas for this one!

[Ann B.]

Some of the 'scrambled' pictures were lost in the crash a few years back. I recovered the ones that I could recover....

Next thread, my latest joy!