Organizing the Potting Bench and other backyard business...

This cold Spring has really put me behind in getting things cleaned up and functional outdoors. It's been the "domino effect" around here with chores and projects. Get the yard people out to do the Spring "clean-up" and shrub trimming, then a big job of painting our pool deck which my sis and nephew helped me do. I can't do much more until we open the pool, which is usually around Mother's Day. (If it doesn't warm up it might be the 4th of July!) Then, all the real work (and fun) will start.

So... under the deck, where we house all our patio furniture, (and the potting bench) looks a little like a bunch of homeless hillbillies have been taking up winter residence. But I did manage to get the potting bench scrubbed down and put in a little bit of order.

I'm just getting started, and I'm looking forward to a visit to the nursery for some cheery blooms. But right now the potting bench is just a clean slate, emphasis on "clean". Hubbs and I put this together a couple of years ago. I'd been looking for ways to create a place to organize my flower pots, plantings, garden tools, and soil storage. I ended up with this great worktable that had been used for a tool bench and an old bookshelf. I properly "married them", and it's been fun having everything organized together within easy reach.

In lieu of purchased plants, I did find a small patch of wild violets along the fence to use as a stand-in until I can get my hands on some storebought blooms.

just a sweet little gift from nature in an old McCoy planter

Here's my vintage garden cart that I also put together a couple of years ago. I just love creeping phlox, but I've never been able to keep it going in a bed or border. I'm not sure why, maybe not enough water throughout the year, but in here it's taken off like gangbusters.

This little area will get more attention when the white garden chair gets decked out with geraniums and some other annuals join in on the fun. It's still a little bare around here, especially since we've hovered around 32 degrees several times this last week.

Here it is when I first planted it two years ago. My husband had threatened to haul it out to the curb for the trash man if I didn't do something useful with it.

How could you pitch this little garden cutie?

OK, sometimes we don't ask those rhetorical questions,

for fear of an honest answer...

I'm really looking forward to have the time to get everything in shape.
Next to Fall, this is my favorite time of the year...
Has the weather been cooperating with your outdoor plans?

joining in for these parties:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Swing Into Spring at DIY by Design
Open House Party at No Minimalist Here
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Tips and Tutorials at Stone Gable
French Country Cottage
The Charm of Home
Rooted in Thyme
Jennifer Rizzo
From My Front Porch to Yours
Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

xoxo,

Vintage Inspiration Friday # 47: My Potting Bench

I thought I'd better get this post out about my potting bench

before the snow started flying.

I had a lot of fun putting it together this Spring.

and guess what...

I've really been using it!

It's been great having a "garden central"

where I can keep all my garden tools, gloves, potting soil, etc.

Instead of searching all over the place for them.

Under the deck and sunroom is pretty dark and dreary.

I'd never really considered it as anything but unsightly

It's a place to stash pool chemicals, garden equipment,

and the occasional raccoon potty.

(you'll notice I won't be showing before photos)

(OK, this photo is a close as you get to having the feel of the "before")

euw.....

I've wanted a potting bench for forever...

but duh...

it never occurred to me to put something...

under here.

I'd been thinking about a base table or bench,

and had actually tried another smaller one,

but that just looked silly and not to be taken seriously.

But a while back when we attended

Pheona's Vintage Market Sale

ta da!!!!

there it was in all it's sturdy glory.

Just what I had been looking for.

I imagine it had been in someone's garage to use as a tool bench.

The top had been sanded down to the bare wood,

probably to get rid of all the paint can rings

(works for me!)

I wasted no time floofing it up with garden goodies;

old pots, a galvanized tub of my mil's, jars, seeds, and carriers.

I'd love to have a separate potting shed,

but in this neighborhood you have to get permission

from 50 committee members,

then...

you actually have to build one...hmmm...

So, I'll just set here in my chippy Adirondack chair with a garden magazine

and drink my lemonade in the shade...

and try to avoid the raccoons!

Now for some fun from last week.

These are just a few,

I wish I could feature all of you!

Laura from B &B's Nest

takes us shopping where she finds this adorable mini hutch.

My good friend and super-talent,  Dore, from Burlap Luxe

shares her home "that speaks French".

If you've not met Dore,

please go visit, her blog is full of wonderful French inspiration!

Lezlee, from Prior came up with an "out of the box(springs)" idea for a window treatment.

Go check it out!

and Laurie from Heaven's Walk

creates a wonderful chalkboard, with a perfect message!

If you've been featured here at VIF,

please grab the "featured on" button for your sidebar.

(thanks for spreading the party love)

Here's where I'll be partying this weekend:

Hope you'll join in on Vintage Inspiration Friday

"anything vintage or vintage inspired"

pretty please link back to the party with a link in your post

or directions to a button on your sidebar.

Thankyou!

Now. What's been inspiring YOU?

Vintage Inspiration Friday #42: Potting Bench Inspiration

Earlier in the week I mentioned that I've been working

on putting together a potting bench.

I've had a lot of great inspiration photos to pour over like these first 3 images,

found in the premier issue of Flea Market Gardens Magazine 

which is on sale now.

love this cute chalkboard paint idea for the herb pots

So many fun ideas for gardens using flea market pieces,

 plus potting benches, sheds, and outdoor spaces and dining.

I think I found mine at Barnes and Noble back in April.

(a new issue is due June 27)

here's more...

Country Living (?)

pinterest

And this is one of my favorite images from Carolyn Westbrook Home

love this green bench!

pinterest

last 3, Google Images

Below, is a sneak peek photo of my own potting bench.

I've been having a lot of fun with it.

I've made good progress with mine but I wanted to wait and share it later,

as Friday, (tomorrow) I'll be having a day in the hospital for some heart tests.

So, I may be a little late on making visits and comments.

 I didn't want to cancel Vintage Inspiration Friday,

because there were so many great links from last week that I wanted to share.

So, just keep a good thought for me and say a prayer,

and I'll be back by the end of the weekend.

BTW, if I'm ever "missing in action" go to the sidebar

 and click on Anne's button,

She'll know where I am.

You all are the best with coming up with fun vintage ideas.

here are just a few from last week...

Sherry at Sheer Serendipity

makes the most beautiful handmade headbands and combs

One of my favorite people in blogland, Olive Out,

shares finding rare painted concrete

Bee at Home

restored the most amazing armoire.

You have to peek inside!

And Glenda from My Country Heaven Cottage

shared her gorgeous ferns in all kinds of  "junk" containers.

(if you've been featured at VIF, I'd love for you to grab the button on my sidebar!)

And remember next week the theme is

Vintage Summer

and we'll all be linking up to the

Humongous Block Party with At the Picket Fence

( I have a necklace give away planned.

so be sure and join in!)

I'm linking with these other great weekend parties!

love ya bunches,

see ya soon,

love,

p.s. please link back or post a button to this post

(thanks guys!!)