I know its several months before Spring, but as the
Seed and Garden Catalogs start rolling in, I get these
itches and tinglings to get my hands dirty.
I also have a little secret when it comes to my garden.
I have always longed to add unexpected
and whimsical elements to my garden. The garden
is the one place where I love to add items that
you would not generally think of,
but upon seeing them – you think “I want that, too.”
Here are a few items I hope to add this year:
1) A Vintage Bicycle.
A bicycle you say? Yep….
I imagine it nestled amongst the flowers and herbs, its basket overflowing with ivy and geraniums and vinca.
Don’t ask me why. Even Mr. Grits is a bit confused.
After all….a bicycle is meant for…well….bicycling, right?
I haven’t been able to find a vintage bike that doesn’t
cost a fortune. So here is my plan…
Wire moss to the frame of an older bike, and use it as a
“topiary base” for growing and training ivy.
Can’t you just imagine that?
An ivy-covered bicycle with a wicker basket filled
to the brim with brightly-blooming flowers.
2) An Old Wheelbarrow.
(I know, I know….another unusual addition, huh?)
I just adore the look….
The best part about adding a wheelbarrow is that they
don’t even need to be vintage to look good.
I have one saved up in the shed which will soon be
added under our large Crepe Myrtle tree in the front yard.
Its a huge shade tree, so I want to fill it with
hostas, ivy and impatiens.
You can plant just about anything in a wheelbarrow.
Look at this beautiful selection of succulents.
I am dying to do this with my Grandloves.
I love to get them in the garden, too.
This is a lettuce garden, above, but you could do a
“salsa” garden with tomatoes, jalapenos and cilantro.
I am thinking a “miniature” garden for little hands.
Cherry tomatoes, miniature carrots, radishes….
I think they would also love this Fairy Garden.
I can just imagine their little faces as they watched it grow.
3) Vintage Wood Ladder
Another element where vintage is good, but even an older wooden ladder looks beautiful.
Perfect in a vegetable garden. Pole beans, cucumbers, squash…
anything that needs a little support.
anything that needs a little support.
Love the pop of purple against the sea of green.
Perfect for climbing roses!
So that is some of my gardening secrets. As I make my rounds to my favorite thrift stores, I will be on the lookout for some of these unusual elements for my garden.
What are some of your favorite additions to a garden?
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Barb..this is such a cool post!!!..I will have to “show you” the bicycle in a garden in my neighborhood..you would love it!..I love the fairy garden in the galvanized tub and the ladders..i know where you can get lots of those items!..
Now, there are 5 bikes hanging in our garage and 2 people in this house. Maybe I can talk the Mr into letting one go..yeah right. You know, 2 for mountain biking, 2 for road biking and one for me in which I have never rode!
Love, love your ideas!!
View CommentShenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Barb, we must have been on the same wavelength! I just posted about my spring gardening ideas, as well! You’re right, the catalogs start coming in with such great ideas; and I zoom right on past winter! LOVE the ideas that you’ve shown here! These are great!
View CommentThe Glamorous Housewife says
You basically just designed my perfect garden! My problem is I hate gardening! LOL! Today is was around 70 degrees (I live in Southern California) so I stopped at Home Depot and got some pansies, primroses, snap dragons, and iceland poppies. I planted them out front. Now lets see if any of them survive!
Thanks doll,
View CommentThe Glamorous Housewife
The Inspired Nest says
I am with you on every one! That is basically my list for the garden this year too! I have the wheelbarrow, and searching for the bike and ladder! Happy Gardening!
View CommentLacy
Lisa~A Cottage To Me says
I’ve seen bicycles in people’s gardens on occasion and love that idea too. I do have 3 ladders I’m using against our fence for climbing roses. Something I have done too is used old flip top mailboxes hanging on the fence as planters. Gorgeous gardens you’ve shared!
View CommentRamblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says
This beautiful warm weather we’ve had the last few days in the Carolinas has given me the itch, too! I went by our local garden center here yesterday, but it was for Valentine Outdoor Decor, and a lady was buying knock-out roses to plant. I did clean out all my pots, ridding them of dead plants. Felt so good to get a little dirt under the nails! 🙂
Love your ideas! Can’t wait to see your twist on each as you incorporate them in your garden. I know they will all be fabulous!
View CommentMaryAnne says
Here in Maine, my garden season is still in the far future, but I am always in the dreaming phase. I love the ladders! I had been thinking I wanted a tall weather vane or lightning rod in the center of one garden, but now, I think a ladder is just what that spot needs! I have an antique copper boiler I use for a garden in the summer and to hold greens, branches and berries in the winter. One of my favorite garden features is a tub from an old, old three legged washing machine that I found on a remote part of our property where a home once stood. The tub is cast iron and the inside is the most beautiful shade of aqua. The rest of the machine had rusted well beyond being salvaged. You should have seen to look on my husband’s face when I drove the tractor into the yard with that thing on board! Surprise!
View CommentAverettLadyNana says
My neighbor across the street has a small lady-like size wheelbarrow that she has had for over 35 years I’ve been living here and it well used and worn. I am so waiting for her to put it out for the trashman to grab up for a planter. I have two wooden ones (one bought at craft fair and one hardware store both been remade by DH and I) I sit pots of blooms in the spring and summer and pumpkins and mums in the fall…but I want my neighbors that isn’t deep for impatiens in my SHADY backyard.
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