Help decide on " DG Friendship Garden " Signage

Isn't it amazing that at time when things are difficult the Lord puts earthly Angels in our paths...I believe that last year was one of those times...thoughtout the year/over 50 threads later in the 'Best/Worse and What did I learn today' thread I've learnt to appreciate technology..it's brought many from all ends of the world together in friendship..DG has a special place in my daily routine...

I often ponder at the distance between us all and thought why not, as I'm always gabbing about my garden and garden art initiatives to work on a garden where I'll be able to sit with all my DG friends around me...

No simple task, a plan in mind but not one to be done overnight..

May I share my plan??? (you know me, even if you say 'no' I'll do so anyway..lol)

In an area in the back 40 of my yard stands a metal shed 12'x16' the type that really isn't very pretty but necessary...kind of left desolate in comparison to the rest of the yard..why not make it 'country' ??? my goal is doing so,using recycled materials and at a minimal cost except for the manpower and that with all my energy would be the 'easy part'...

Suzanne and Lenny had some barnboard that they were no longer using so dropped it off to me, was sure 3 years ago it would come in handy at some point...ahhh fencing for my project...

On Mother's Day Greg and Jeff (my 2 sons) always give me a day of work to do all the little things normally I'd not be able to do..so with my garden in mind and Alex (neighbor) explaining how to put the boards together I was well on my way...a rail fence on each side...of course, the neighbor on my right hand side keeps putting his debris along the property line, so with an old railing and cement they were able to hide this eye sore and it will yet be another place for me to grow flowers..lol

Now thinking I was well underway, it came as a surprise to find that the hard work was to dig up the sod to make a garden...

My budget (who sticks to budgets anyway when it comes to gardening is $500.00.. $50.00 for soil-managed to find shrubs between 60-75% off..a bargooon for sure.. so far bringing me to $200.00..purchased a 4x4 railway tie which Icemented in, bought and cut up directional signs for ane/ mileage markers (yet to be painted, but hold on - just got them cut yesterday)..probably about $25.00 total...wow, spent 1/2 my budget..now thought wouldn't this metal shed look grand with planter boxes, now the shed being a thin metal wouldn't accommodate window boxes.... but shucks I want them...

Prior to having my house upgraded, a friends' husband made me 2 window boxes for the front so when the renovations were I was temped to burn them, who needs to keep such things..take up too much storage space right? nope, did and am I glad, if I were to cut one of them to give me 2 - 20" pieces, add ends wouldn't they do ??? hmmmm but still I couldn't attach them the the metal shed...brain is working overtime.. did I not see some old railing pieces someone left for pick up near the restaurant garbage bin, yep (free and able to recycle) ..

I truly believe in earthly angels, they tend to visit from time to time just when you have something that needs done..was in the process of getting my table saw ready when June and Alex dropped by, Alex said he'd gladly do it for me (men, some think you'll cut off your fingers working with tools) so I let him do the changes...brought them home, painted them storage shed trim color, screwed the feel on the boxes and dug holes to accommodate and wouldn't you know, had a bag of cement left from previous project that would just do the trick...

So the large planter I installed on the side and the 2 small ones recycled from the 2nd large planter will do the trick...now I'm truly getting excited by this project...but don't window flower boxes need windows????

I had been working on 2 faux window panels, a call to Cliff across the road who does woodworking, a few measurements to fit my panels and I'm sure he's home busy today making them for me...

So funny, everyone thinks I should have a man around the house...???? and why ???? just joking...I have everyone's hubbies doing things for me even June said Alex had a list a mile long yesterday to do, but let Betty need something and it's done within minutes...so laughing..they are just too kind!!!


My guess is that the window frames will cost about $40.00 each so $80.00 is taking quite a chunk from my budget...but it will look stunning won't it...so I'm thinking, need to have a sign for over the doors...

Now this is where you all come in, my DG friends...what could the sign say to best reflect the purpose of this 'DG Friendship Garden' any sayings, any words of wisdom???

These inserts cost me $5.00 worth of wood, probably 1/2 finished..what's the hurry probably won't get the window frames for a few days..

Side view..matching large picture window will sit over this window box..not tomorrow, but soon...probably at a cost of let's say $75.00..a trip now is needed to the recycle/reuse it center..don't you think I could do with a pair of shutters? Know I do just not sure how I will mount them, but when there is a will, there certainly is a way...

Thanks for coming along on my journey, hope you'll enjoy as I continue to build this most special garden area, just for my DG friends...a tribute to you all for the friendship you've shown me!!!

Meant to say, see that old pole just standing there, it will soon house name and mileage of a DG friend...will have to go back to the very 1st Best/Worse and What did I learn today and paint my first sign with the name of the first poster...even stevens right???

Wow...that is really cool! I think your" DG Friendship Garden "says it all myself.

LOVE it Betty!!!

Went back into the very 1st thread...

Now I have the 1st - 10 directional signs to make as per our 1st posts...Thread #1...now on to find out their favorite flower?? - edited to include flowers..(better keep track here as I'm bound to misplace the written sheet..) lol

Wuvie - Karen, Hulbert Oklahoma
Wonder Down Under..Laura - Melbourne Australia (Way Down Under)
Bluekat - Kim - Ijamsville Maryland 966 kil peony or lavender
Araness - Araness, Orange, Texas 2,545 kil
Ves 522 - Vicki, Jim Falls Wiscounsin 906 kil Iris or Daylilies
Nap - Nancy, Depew N.Y. 312 kil Black Eyed Susans
Lizrainey Liz - San Mateo California 4, 388 kil Bachelor Button
101- Susan, Valdosa Georgia 2, 016 kil Jasmin or gardenia
Garden Girl - Jeannine - Richmond, Virginia 1, 189kil
Gitagal - Gita, Baltimore Maryland 937 kil camelia

This message was edited Aug 18, 2008 3:22 PM

This message was edited Aug 19, 2008 10:26 AM

This message was edited Aug 19, 2008 10:27 AM

Good Morning Betty!

Your Friendship Garden is looking Wonderful.

...heheh, got to tell you though YOU were first Poster/ Milage? fingertips!!
just thought I'd add a tiny funny to your thread.

Those flower boxes are great! Nice save and recycling you have done.

You do such marvelous work!

Excellent work, can't wait to see the window, and all in place.
Linda Kay

went and picked up the windows, need a bit more painting, i.e. lace for curtains, curtain backtie, then a kitty for the alternate window so he can look as though he's trying to get in for din/din (birdie)

The window frames were a bit large, can't be changed so I love them as they are...hopefully tonight I'll get them painted...

I am dumb here...is all that painted on the inserts? Those are amamzing...my gosh!

I wish I could paint like that!

Thats Betty! One heck of a talented lady!
Linda Kay

You are all being too kind, yep, inserts are a bit primitive but they'll look lovely on the shed.., my goal this spring was to start a DG friendship garden, the area I am working on was virgin soil, not a flower to be had, just an old metal shed...going to change that, been working hard at it, I'm sure I'll see big changes by Sunday..lol...

Well I would love to have that at my house Betty...those are just so totally awesome!

Betty,

Just this VERY second--I had a really wild, and sweet, idea!!!!!

We should all mail you a copy of our House Key (OK!--just ANY key!...) and you can glue it on to the respective mileage sign--or hang it from a key-chain. We could even send you that--kind of a Key Chain from the State we live in.....
This would, SYMBOLICALLY, say--"YOU are always welcome at MY House!!!! Come! Make yourself at home!!!! Let yourself in! ".....

Anyone else like this idea?

Gita

Betty! your creativity amazes me! you just gave me a great idea for my 'gym' shed. :o)
I have a door on the east side of it but no window.... always thought it would look cute with a little window and flower box next to the door..... Now I've gotta try my hand at the inserts! lol!

Thank you for sharing all your wonderful ideas :oD

AnjL

Gita, that's the most fantastic thing, how creative you are...wow..you guys are just winding me up with all the ideas...and praise!!!

Although I'm up early, have put a jar and flowers on one of the inserts because I added to the other one and it looked unbalanced, I'm anxious to get outside and deadhead so I can have the rest of the day to play but you can just feel rain ..let's hope not!

Washing almost done so I'm a few steps closer to play time...

My fadventure into creating a beautiful DG riendship garden continues....

I love the idea of sending her my keychain. Now I will go shopping and see what I can find.
Linda Kay

This is just fabulous Betty!
Well done !!!!!!!

Cheers,
Carol

2 of the 3 are windows are ready to be mounted..just need 2 more hands so guess I'll move on to another project...

those really look nice!

wow! I am awestruck!

Betty what did you use for the inserts? is it plywood or ? that you painted on.....

also...I am really new to this exterior painting idea.... can I use my oil paints? Or does it have to be acrylic for outdoor?

You know what Betty? You are a TRUE artist when it comes to painting! Of course, you already know that.......

Everything you do is SOOO perfect and true-to-life. The little cracks in the flower pots......The sheerness of the curtains and the glass jar!.....The positioning and the shading of all the items---just PERFECT!

You know I am artistic, but I could NEVER just knock out something like this in a couple of hours! I would agonize over every small detail---to you, it comes naturally and quickly. You don't ponder much---you just DO! Your hand--your brush--your eyes---they all know what they are doing without you giving it much thought. And the results are--ALWAYS--perfect!

THAT is why you are an artist in a class of your own!!!!!!

Have a nice day!!!!! Gita

...will look at all my Key chains and see what I have......Since it was MY idea---I better send you one!

This coming week is also out "State Fair".....a great place to collect piles of "Freebies" like pens and magnets and key chains......I plan to go Monday or Tuesday.....

Thank you Gita, just shutting the lights, time for bed..got caught up in a movie...see I do rest..in fact did most of the day..my body always knows when it's time to rest..
No, painting not true to form, it's not to perfection it's just whimsical which is the art form I'm looking for in this project..if I was doing a real 'trompe l'oeil' I'd so same as you, ponder over it, do bits here and there but that's why this projects been fun, just slap on the paint..lol

I've never been to a USA State Fair, imagine it's much like our Toronto Exhibition, one of Ontairo's largest..taking the 4 grandsons on Thursday and am so looking forward to it, it's been years since I've been and they have Medieval Times, that I'm sure they'll enjoy..I'd better at $62.99 to get in just for ME...lol..oh well, those boys will be leading lives of their own in a few years then they'll only spend minutes with grandma...circle of life...hope you enjoy your outing, you'll have to take photo's as will I..are you working in the garden center still? Midland has theirs closed but Vaughan (Toronto) still has massive amounts..plants down to 50% off...wonder if they'll get to 80%..lol..


1AnjL, yes it is plywood 1/4" I believe, actually it was a piece from Home Depot in their pre-cut section - 4 x 4 and they cut it in half for me..I also paint in oils, but have changed over to Genesis (heat set) but for something outdoors I always prefer acrylics, for no particular reason...not sure how the oils would withstand the elements...you could try a sample piece...looking forward to seeing what you decide to do?

night all

I just used acrylics on my birdhouse and well..er... um... guess i am used to oils! lol!

I think I will do in oils and if it doesnt work out I can re-do it next year in acrylic :o) tee hee!

Cant start on it for a week or so.... I have 150 iris to plant and still finishing up my jar. So maybe after labor day when the kids are back in shcool :o)

Thanks for the tip... I have plenty of plywood pieces here, and DH can make me a window frame to match the ones he did on the shed :oD

I LOVE this idea you've given me! DH may think I'm nuts....but well... I am! lol!

Here is a horrible picture of the 'shed' really a Gym/workout room that someday I will be allowed to convert to a garden shed (no one uses the gym equipment! lol!) the yard around it no longer looks like this...thanks to DG! lol! but the place that needs a window is where all the junk is piled next to the door. DH is going to make a flower box for under the side window....now he will need to make 2 of them! lol!

Oh yes wouldn't it look lovely done as a garden shed or a little art/craft studio...wish it was in my yard...hate tin ones but when you are on you own, you do what's simpler, thinking back, it would have been to have one made, structure is really not that strong for all the snow, has to have 2x4 supports done to it before winter so it's probably pay now or pay later...

Going to work on the name/mileage markers today, hoping to get a few painted...can't do much more on shed until I have help to install them, maybe I could cut out the upper sign for above the door...now there's an idea...lol

what is your sign going to say?

I have a 'temporary' metal one too... and I hate it... its been temporary for 3 years now! lol! but DH is building another shed out of cinder block (yuck) for gardening tools....

I would LOVE to use the 'gym' as a art studio and garden shed! just got to get him to get rid of the gym equipment -that no one ever uses! lol!

Painting and gardening are exercise! lol!

Betty! I Love ya, I can't help but to say...Thank you! for being my firiendd. All of ours really!
forget me cuz I'll just ne me. thanks for lovin me yho!

Betty, I've always said you are an angel besides being an undisputed top notch artist.
Your DG Friendship Garden should be envied by us all as it's done with love....not just the amazing creativity you've shown.

You have indeed a joyful bouquet of friends, all because of you!

Thank you, how nice of you to think that..don't you love these plans you have mentally and they start coming together....

A few months ago I found a set of adirondak chairs and table in green, with long weekend this weekend and nothing to do, choke/choke I might paint the backs in white and do quick step hydrangeas for this garden, a place for you all to sit...

Sketched wording for the sign..something simple..

Will read:

"Garden Angels From Up Above
Please Watch Over This Garden With Love"

Betty---

HOW could this garden ever fail with that little "ditty" on your sign????
I am sure you have Angels watching EVERYTHING you do----because everything you do is just HEAVENLY!!!!!....ahem.....

Gita....:o)

Betty, you will have to post a picture when it is done. it sounds heavenly.
Linda Kay

Well thank you all, I'm up to here, did the sign, routered it, painted it, sketched it and who knows maybe tonight I'll paint it...

Again, sure wish those windows were smaller..aren't I terrible, when you've a plan and it changes it send you right of kilter...right??? maybe it's just me..

Want ivy, red geraniums and potatoe vine but it's kinda late in the season so just threw in some plants, on the weekend though I'll purchase mums as once they are done I can plant them in the garden for next year...

Maybe on the weekend I'll get from the secret garden the 2 adirondak chairs and table that I found in the garbage, saw a beautiful design with hydrangeas, won't spend a tremendous amount of time on the chairs but will give them some color and will put them near the garden so you can sit comfortably...
Thanks for keeping me company on this DG friendship garden project...

Hmmmmmm.....Betty....Don't fret! The windows ARE beautiful! I can see where you might have wanted them a tad smaller---but they are "great" the way they are! You did such a beautiful job with painting them!

Need a little something on the doors, though--don't you think? They are just too "naked"....
Maybe a couple of narrow windows near the top--like on a garage door?

Maybe-- you can also draw a "bell" to ring---or a nice, brass "knocker".....Maybe even some small, "stained glass" windows in some kind of shape--somewhere?????
Or--would that be too many windows....Hmmmm......

What else would look great on two doors like that?
AHA! A hook with a pair of overalls hanging on it? Maybe a "sack of bird food" leaning against the bottom of the door? A pet door--with your cat peeking out through it?

I better stop--or I will drive you bonkers!

Gita

I'm so laughing Gita, would be years before I'd complete something like that, how much fun it would be though if you could do it on the inside, make it really cutesy..but then where would the lawnmower, boxes of Christmas/Easter, Halloween, yard art go???? hmmm
Tell you what, better save my pennies for a real country shed...wonder if I can con that brother of mine next year to help me do one...



This message was edited Aug 25, 2008 9:31 PM

Oh my Gosh, Looks wonderful; Betty.
Did you plant all thsoe tonight? Wow!
The chairs will be a nice touch.

Gita, great suggestions, heheh, you on a roll.

There I go, half of the post I wanted to put on Best/Worse and What did I learn was posted here in error, think I'll edit and put it where it was intended...