Hosing Around

Life got pretty crazy over the past eight months and not only have I struggled to find the time for general posting on my blog, I've neglected my planned Monday feature, Re:, entirely. 

Re: is a little feature I started to extol the virtues of the six R's--reduce, reuse, recycle, reclaim, repurpose and respect--and offer tips for an earth-friendly lifestyle. 

I'm a huge fan of upcycling or repurposing anything possible and am thrilled to see so many great blog posts featuring new uses for existing items. For the next few weeks, I plan to feature on Re: some of the innovative upcycle projects and upcyclers I've come across who are saving money and a piece of the planet by transforming has-beens into new treasures.

Spring Recy-cleaning

When I left for work on the first day of Spring, the wind chill was zero. The daytime high was 20 degrees below normal. Here in the frozen tundra called the Midwest, spring hasn't sprung, the sun seems to be on permanent hiatus and I can't remember the last time I was actually warm.

My daydreams have turned to yard clean-up, followed by hands-in-the-soil gardening.

Every spring, I look forward to throwing open the door to my potting shed and pulling out my vintage garden ornaments:  the red glider, the 1950s Schwinn, the little red trike and the mid-century scooter.

That is, I look forward to getting past that first heart-in-the-throat, knee-weakening moment of first opening the door, as every year I imagine a giant wolf spider somehow surviving the brutal winter and leaping out onto my face. How's that for arachnophobia?

I can't wait for the garden to transform from this:

to this:

When I clean out my potting shed this spring, I know I have at least two hoses that are past their prime. Holes and leaks galore. 

If they were hanging outside today, this is what they'd look like:

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Hoping to find an earth-friendly alternative to tossing the hoses into the trash can, I did an internet search. A plethora, I tell you. Lots of creative and practical ideas for repurposing a garden hose. 

Here are some of my favorites:

THE PRETTY

Samantha at Two Hearts Together gives a quick tutorial on how to make a lovely wreath from an old garden hose. She incorporates other garden recyclables such as the little pail and shovel head to help create a delightful focal point for door, gate or fence.

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THE PRACTICAL

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Instructables gives a full set of instructions on how to make this cool chair out of garden or other hose.

See how to use garden hose to organize your garage at The Family Handyman.

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This recycled garden hose project is cool in more than one way. It uses a garden hose and a recycled two-liter plastic bottle with holes punched in it. Throw it over a tree branch as a sprinkler for the kids to run through on a hot day (which seems like an eternity away).

If, after taking stock of your garden hoses this spring, you find some have sprung a leak, don't be too quick to toss them in the trash. Use them to have a little fun, create a piece of art or organize your storage space.

Make it a great day!

Linking to:

Creative Bloggers Party and Hop
It's Party Time!
Time to Shine
Outdoor Wednesday
Whatever You Want Wednesday
Home and Garden Thursday
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