fine art...?

 What do you picture when you hear...

a collection?

Is it fine works of art, a line of clothing or perhaps a library of rare books or old records.

Well, after spending so much time in my garden, it seems that one of my favorite collections is a random scatting of old garden items sprinkled around my home, porch and throughout the garden.

These old treasures speak to me and I love finding well worn garden tools at thrift shops and flea markets.

Some of my favorite things to find are...

weathered sundials and spritzers

broken rusty rakes

galvanized watering cans

terracotta pots in every shape and size

hose nozzles and sprinklers

metal wash stands

and precious garden statues

There are so many things that bring a smile to my face and many of those things have to do with gardening. I will decorate indoor as well as outdoor spaces with vintage garden collectibles.

Is it fine art...?

No not exactly. But, to me, old worn garden implements are every bit as lovely as a Monet.

Do you scour flea markets for a cherished treasure to add to your collection? I'm curious...

the little things

 As I was looking through my bedroom pictures from the previous post, I realized it's the little details that are the things that speak to my heart. 

Junking and collecting have always been things that make me so happy. Although I have not been out and about since February of 2020, I find it fun to look through some of my little treasures and reminisce about the

"good ole days".

My various collections don't have any rhyme nor reason. Things just speak to my heart. The cohesion comes from a monochromatic color scheme since the mix of items are all so eclectic.

Some things are still out from my Christmas decorations. I love them so much that they might just stay out until next Christmas!

When looking at my bedroom, it really is the "little things" that make my heart sing. It's not just the visual beauty that speaks to my heart but it is in the memories that they evoke. Before moving to Florida, my momma was by my side throughout all of my junking adventures. So as I look at these little cuties, I revisit wonderful fun times with my mum!

What are some of your favorite things to collect?

I hope you have someone special that shares your adventures with you!

Happy junkin!

 

wash up

 After reminiscing about the shade garden on Sanibel from my last post, I thought I would share another small yet important section from my garden. The wash station.

I can easily spend countless hours in my gardens. No matter how dirty I get, it doesn't bother me a bit!

But when it is time to come inside, I want to at least get the first layer of muck off my hands.

So I carved out a small area to create a pretty wash station. It's much like a work bench with the addition of a large wash bowl, soap and towels.

The wash station is decorated with vintage garden themed accessories.

A large vintage Ironstone washbowl makes the perfect vessel for the wash station. I fill it with clean water when I begin my day and the sunlight warms the water so it is perfect when I am ready to get cleaned up.

Floating a few petal or flowers not only looks beautiful, but it smells fragrant and the natural oils from the flowers are released into the water. Nature's spa.

I like to keep a lovely bar of my favorite soap next to the washbowl. A little hint: to keep the soap dish clean, I place a small layer of tiny seashells or garden stones in the bottom of the dish. It keeps the bottom from getting all yucky.

I use linens to decorate my garden. A number of my old linens have stains or small holes. Instead of discarding them, I use them in my garden. Sometimes I buy slightly damaged linens and lace at yard sales just to use throughout my garden as well.

I don't know if you have ever considered a wash station for your garden. I can tell you it is a wonderfully helpful as well as beautiful place in my garden. If you do want to create one, why not make it pretty? A little lace can make an unexpected impact.

Have fun digging in your garden...

and pamper yourself when you're done.

reminiscing

 I have been spending so much time working on my gardens at my "new" 1920's home. It has made me think about my gardens at my Sanibel Island home. Although both are on the Gulf coast, the gardens are completely different. I have been carving out a niche for a cottage garden little by little. I have been thinking of adding some inspiration from the shade garden in Sanibel.

Here are a few pictures from a walk down memory lane.

I have always decorated my gardens like I decorate inside.

Furniture, accessories, lace, linens, lighting and of course...plants.

I can't wait to keep seeing how these gardens will unfold.

Everyday is a new discovery.

aquarium upcycle

 Since my last post is fresh on my mind, I thought I would share an idea I wrote about some time ago for one of my favorite magazines.

aquarium upcycle

It's pretty easy to find an aquarium at a yard sale or junk shop. This is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to recycle an old tank into a creative and elegant terrarium.

You don't need much to get started.

fish tank

pebbles

decorative rock or shells

potting soil

plants

decorative tape and glass shelf optional

Test the tank to be sure the bottom holds water without leaking.

If it does leak, simply use a waterproof clear caulk in the seams and allow to dry.

Starting on the bottom: layer small clean pebbles then add sterile potting soil.

Next, arrange the plants you wish to use. Once placed, be sure the roots are all covered with soil.

Lastly, secure the soil and plants with a layer of decorative river stone and or sea shells. If using shells, clean them very well so no sea salt residue remains.

I used a decorative tape around the top edge to add a touch of elegance to the finished terrarium.

This type of terrarium makes a lovely centerpiece.

I placed a piece of glass shelving that I had in my craft stash so I could display things on top.

Select the type of plants depending on whether or not your piece will have a top or lid.

Open terrarium:

air plants, succulents or cactus

Closed terrarium:

any plant that likes a damp environment

ivy, fern and tropical plants

Next time you see a small aquarium on a curb or inexpensively at a yard sale, why not take a chance and create a beautiful terrarium.

green goodness

 Green pottery...

collecting these beautiful treasures is a passion!

I like to mix in a few pieces of transferware.

All of the different shades of greens look so wonderful together.

Oddities like flower frogs and color pencils add interest.

The different shapes create a visual texture.

Live plants give the display life.

The antique Hoosier top without the doors is perfect for showcasing my crazy collection.

Elements of old metal garden tools finish off the display.

I have searched yard sales, thrift shops and auctions over the years to constantly add to my growing collection.

It is a nice tie of my love of gardening and my love of vintage pottery. We all have our "thing" we love to collect, but I have my "thingsssss" I love to collect.

flower garden, sort of

With spring in full bloom,

for some lucky folks,

many of us are just itching for an abundance

of fresh flowers from the garden.

 

What if you don't have a garden...

or a green thumb?

Create an indoor garden of sorts.

 

Surround yourself with flowers like...

 

 

vintage millinery flowers

 

 

vintage floral prints

 

 

vintage linens

 

 

vintage floral ephemera

 

 

vintage porcelain

 

 

vintage china

 

vintage ceramics

 

vintage stoneware

 

And no garden,

indoor or outdoor,

would be complete without a

 

beautiful bird's nest

 

 

Flower gardens are a blessing from God.

We have to count our blessings every single day.

 

Especially right now.

 

So if you have a garden,

enjoy it to the fullest.

 

If you don't,

be creative and make one of your own!

 

Stop and smell the roses...