Junk Gardening 2015

Canada Post is quickly moving away from home delivery of mail and toward group mailboxes that people go to to get their mail. Mailboxes – both on houses and rural roadside – will soon be icons of a bygone time. Fortunately, both kinds make charming planters.

 

I love my perennials, like the day lilies, dianthus, lavender – but mixing in annuals like the petunias and pansies ensures there is always something in bloom.

Everyone of these planters was a roadside rescue.

My uncle is one of BC’s most prominent antique dealers. I was a passenger in his vehicle when we drove past this mailbox that was almost covered with roadside weeds and was full of rotting newspapers. But I come by my love of rustic honestly, so when I pleaded with him to turn around and drive back so I could rescue it he didn’t hesitate for a second.

About 17 years ago I went to a local antique auction to deliver some papers for my uncle. As I walked in the door a pair of these lovely cottage kitchen chairs were going up for bid. 10 minutes later I was paying for them. The family friend I delivered the papers to later told my uncle “there were only 2 real antiques at the auction and she bought them.” They were solid black – not from paint, but most likely from soot from sitting in front of the wood stove or fireplace. Sadly, this one was broken by horrible movers a couple of years ago, so it’s new home is in the garden.

I like variety in a garden – even a container garden. Different colours, shapes, textures – and height. This birdcage isn’t old. I bought it last year at a local supermarket, of all things, but it was well built and a good reproduction. And it gives a nice bit of height variety.

I have wanted a trumpet planter for some time, but it had to be an instrument that was beyond repair – and didn’t cost a fortune. I had all but given up when I found this little sweetie in my local thrift shop – just $20 bucks.