Ladder for the Garden

Last fall I found this ladder at a garage sale for $1 (!)  Since it was so late in the season, I left it in the garage until today. 

We started by making boxes out of fence boards for two of the shelves. 

My trusty aging technique of Apple Cider Vinegar and Steel Wool made them look older within an hour. Directions for this process are HERE

We secured them to the ladder and added drainage holes to the back where the box wasn't resting on the ladder step.  (you can see here how different the box looks just one hour later)

You may remember my post last December about the 93mph winds here that blew 60' trees down.  I don't anticipate winds that strong again anytime soon, but we do live right by the mountains and get windy days. I put 24" stakes in and we secured the ladder to them.  You can see them right now, but once everything starts blooming, they will not be seen.

I know it's early to be planting annuals, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we don't have too many freezes from now on.  I planted these wave petunias in the boxes.

We secured this birdhouse to the center step.

And the potted geranium on top.  We'll see if the geranium is a keeper as the season goes on... Right now I like it, but may change it later.  :)  I didn't put anything on the bottom step because it'll be hidden very soon when the spirea in front starts blooming.

 I'm excited that there are daisies and coneflowers underneath that should envelope the bottom of the ladder soon.   I'll be sure to take more pictures as everything comes back to life.

Thanks for your visit!

Pam

I am linking to the following parties:

The Nester's Show us your Planties Party

Jennifer Rizzo's Show Us Friday 

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Snowy Morning Equals Garage Sale Scores

Even though it snowed quite a bit the other night, I thought I'd hit one garage sale the next morning that advertised that they'd be open regardless of the weather. 

I wasn't really expecting to find anything, so was pleasantly surprised when I found a lot of stuff!  The first thing I saw was this ladder.  I was so excited, then even more so when I saw the price---$1.  It's old, it's wooden, it's in great shape with great 'patina'. It even has a Montgomery Ward paper label under the tray.  Let's see, $1 for all of this??  Yes,  I was sold! 

I  found some big Atlas canning jars.  I'm not sure what I'll use them for yet, but I think they're neat.  And at 20 cents apiece, I had to get some.  There was another lady buying most of what they had, so I was able to grab five jars and was happy with that.

You're probably wondering about the beautiful filthy chair... As I was walking out, I saw it.  It was $2.  I'm sure I can do something with it.  My husband thinks I'm out of my mind, but structurally it's in great shape and with some paint and some new upholstery, it should look great!  Now it's on to a search of blogs that have tutorials on reupholstering this type of chair.  (And worst case scenario is that I can't redo it and I'm out $2)  :)

I got two frames. One had a painting in it.  I removed it and will take it to a charity, as it looks like someone local would enjoy it.  I spent time this afternoon painting both and will make chalkboards out of them.

I like this sifter. I've cleaned it and put it above my kitchen cabinets. 

So I ended up with the ladder, chair, canning jars, frames, pitcher, sifter and a scale weight and my grand total was $8.60!  I am thrilled with my new treasures.

Thanks for coming by!

Pam