May 22, 2024
I apologize for a late post this week! A busy start to the week and internet disconnection slowed me down.
On a quiet Saturday morning, I drove around a grand subdivision, hoping to find some yard sale goodies. I was on a quest for kid’s clothes but was not seeing the anticipated jumbles of colorful clothes on pristine lawns.
Continuing to drive around, I noticed several antique and vintages items attractively arranged at the end of a driveway. On a whim, I stopped and perused the time-worn treasures. Excitedly, I scanned the chippy, stamped crates and wooden box and casually asked the gentlemen their cost. “$5 apiece, and you can have the old shoe shine crate if you buy all three boxes.” I almost giggled to myself. “Yes, sir. I’ll take all three!”
Honestly, I have essentially no room left in my house for treasures, so this purchase was carefully calculated. The crates would become home to flowers on my back patio! I was so excited to bring more vintage, farmhouse charm to my outdoor living space.
Knowing that this crate would endure intense southern sun, I knew something had to be done to protect the crate. I coated it several times with Minwax fast-drying polycrylic. This substance has worked beautifully for several other projects, and I’m sure the polycrylic will lengthen the outdoor life of this crate.
A crate has openings, an obvious problem to surmount for planting purposes. A roll of coconut fiber from amazon came to the rescue and did an excellent job containing the potting soil. All I did was line the bottom of the crate with the coconut fiber and then trim it to fit.
On a recent trip to Ingles, I found several white flowers—yarrow and verbena. Hopefully, these understated beauties will grow and fill the crate with beautiful blooms.
I’m so pleased with how this project turned out! Using something unusual brings charm and original character to a garden space, not to mention an antique farmhouse vibe.
Do you have any old crates or boxes lying around? Unsure what to do with them? Maybe turn them into planters and spruce up your outdoor living spaces. Happy gardening, friends! Have a blessed week.
-Ashley
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Personal Disclosure
As the author of Ashley Qurollo Blog, all opinions are my own. Any possible applications are universal in nature, not directed at any one individual or people group. My sincere desire is to help others by sharing what I am learning. Nothing stated on this blog is ever intended to hurt others. Ashley Qurollo, owner of Ashley Qurollo Blog and Website, is not held liable in any way for any application of the ideas and thoughts stated here.
Good afternoon Ashley
You are do creative with your projects! You put so much thought into your yard sale/thrift store finds. Your thinking of how to use these items! Your outdoor space reflects the warmth of your indoor space! I can't wait for my next visit!
Your sister in Christ
Mary P
Wow! What a thrifty, fun idea! Can't wait to see how the flowers grow!