Sunday, May 11, 2014

Springtime at the Garden Gate


Many years ago I picked up a vintage garden gate at a garage sale.


Then, a few years ago, I found what looked like architectural salvage at Hobby Lobby--in the clearance aisle. There were three big pieces and I bought them all. They're probably not meant for outdoor use, as they appear to be made of plaster.


When I moved the garden gate to the front of the house a couple of years ago, I positioned one of the architectural pieces behind it to add interest. The gate sits up against the house and under the eaves, so the piece is protected from the elements. I took in over the winter the first year, but have since left it behind the gate year-round and it still looks to be in good condition.

Over the years I decorated it with different wreaths for the changing seasons.

Frankly, though, I'm not a wreath person. I've tried. I really have. Different sizes, shapes, materials. They just don't do anything for me. So, this year I decided to look for something different for spring/summer.


Saturday, when my hubby and I were at one of my favorite church sales of the year, I found what I thought could be the answer. This vintage aluminum pitcher caught my eye and I instantly visualized it full of pretty plants and hanging from the garden gate. The church lady told me this pitcher had actually come from the very old church's kitchen and had been used countless times to serve ice water at church events. How sweet.

A small digression . . . 

This church sale is one of my favorites because it's also a plant sale. Members of the congregation offer up plants from their own gardens every year. The most expensive plants are $3 each. Many are less than that. Some are smallish, but, as you can see from the photo below, many are quite large. Here are the plants I took home this year--all for only $16.


Back to the garden gate . . .




The pitcher is now filled with pretty color that stands out nicely against our house. For my taste, a more interesting solution than a wreath.

Now, for a cool drink of seasonal color . . .

Make it a great day!
Linking to:

21 comments:

  1. WOW, you got some really great plants. I like the gate with the pitcher of flowers, it looks very nice.
    Maybe you could put some Thompson Watersealer on your plaque to keep it from falling apart.
    Have a great week.
    Mary

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  2. So cute, and pretty, Ann…thank you for linking up to Inspiration Monday Party! I'm going to share your lovely idea on my FB page this morning…have a great day! ~ Julie

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  3. i totally love this gate garden decor idea. Pinning!!!
    :)
    hugs x, Crystelle
    Crystelle Boutique

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  4. A very pretty garden vignette!! Love the gate. I have been looking for one for years but they are hard to find around here....
    The pitcher with flowers is the perfect touch!!

    Thanks so much for your visit!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  5. I have a garden gate almost like that; not really as vintage as yours, but it serves the purpose to keep the deer out of the garden. Maybe I should replace it and use it to decorate with. Yours just looks so neat and love that is done with the scalloped fencing material and the pitcher of flowers is lovely on it. Thanks for sharing.
    Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

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  6. Dropping in from Kathe's link-up. Your gate and pitcher full of flowers is just gorgeous! Much more creative than a wreath! I love it!
    Blessings, Vicky

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  7. That looks so pretty! I love the bright pink against the rusty gate and the aluminum pitcher!

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  8. I adore old garden gates, and adding the flowers in the old pitcher was the perfect touch! Thanks for sharing at Knick of Time Tuesday - I'll be featuring you next week at the party. Follow Knick of Time on FB as well, as I'm featuring some links from the party for those who are followers.
    https://www.facebook.com/KnickofTime

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  9. Very creative. I like it. And I would love to go with you next year. :-) What great finds.

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  10. Ann, hopped over from Garden Party. I love this! I have a few gates in my garden and a similar pitcher. Think I just might have to be a 'copy cat'! lol! Hope you don't mind.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  11. Your gate and church pitcher go very well together

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  12. Hello Ann, your garden gate caught my eye over at Ivy and Elephants so I stopped by. I love garden décor and am always drawn to country looking designs. I have a page on Garden-Share.com that I started a while ago....haven't added much since our move south one year ago.
    I am now, following you and hope that you will stop by my page and follow back :)
    I will look forward to seeing more from you and will stop back to browse some more!
    JP

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  13. Such a cute idea! Thanks for sharing on the Thursday Blog Hop!

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  14. I LOVE the gate. I looked far and wide for one a couple of years ago to use as a trellis but settled for baby bed springs! And the pitcher looks great with it. Great job.

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  15. It looks adorable and I love all the elements, you brought them together beautifully!
    I love those old water pitchers, a wonderful memory of my Aunt and long hot summers.
    Thanks so much for sharing.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  16. I <3 your pretty gate and diy flower pitcher! Pinned

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  17. super cute - please join Fishtail Cottage's garden party (Thursdays) this week! xoxo, tracie

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  18. I absolutely love the water pitcher hanging from the garden gate! Something simplicity really makes a statement!

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  19. This looks so pretty! The gate is awesome....and that pitcher is perfect for hanging on it!

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  20. Would you consider selling the gate?

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