Another backyard project

I had to take a large Buddleia out last year as it's roots penetrated into my pond and caused it to leak. When I took it out, it left a huge void in the corner of my garden and I didn't want to plant another large tree/bush because of the roots.

I decided to get an arbor/trellis and plant a climbing rose on it, etc. I planted a Cl.Graham Thomas rose and it is doing very well, in fact it already has some buds on it today.

My problem was still there, as inside the trellis, you could still see a void and the block wall...it really needed something else in there. Well, Jasperdale came last week to pick me up for our DG RU and I asked him for some ideas and he gave me something to think about.

A couple of months ago I saw a great idea on Paul James TV show and always thought I would love to do it if I could come up with some old bricks. Wellllllllll, it just so happens that my neighbor next door was cleaning out his side yard this past weekend and he had a whole bunch of used bricks stacked up from an old patio he had. I asked him about them and he said I could use some for my project. I started working on it today. :-)

So, here is the before pic of the arbor. See how naked it is inside.

Donna

Here are some of the bricks I started with.

I started off by making sure it was level and also to figure out how I wanted the pillars to be placed. Here is the start of my pillar. You just take 4 bricks and stager them in a square. Place the next level on top and stager the joints again so they aren't the same as the bottome. This makes it very stable.

Here is a completed pillar.

I knew I didn't just want one, so I place another one a little differently next to it and made it a little shorter.

My neighbor had a lot of half bricks that were broken, so I also used some to create a border along the front to prevent the dymondia from encroaching into this area. I also used a few more and created an area to step on so I can work in the pots.

I now have to find some nice large pavers or stone to place on top of the pillars to cap it off. Then I will paint it with buttermilk to help with the aging process. I will have to start looking for some beautiful pots to place on them and also some nice tall colorful plants for the pots.

I will post more pics as I finish this project. If you have any other ideas for this area, please feel free to post them. I will also be planting some short flowers along the base of the pillars and arbor.

Donna, you never cease to amaze me! I can't wait for the finished project. YOU GO GIRL!

How about a trip to Plant Depot for the pots? Unless there is someplace closer to you. 'Course, we could always do lunch somewhere there. Too bad Weege is on baby watch! This is a great idea for that spot, Donna, and I know you will finish it off with your usual panache.

Donna,
You might try Building materials yards for toppers, or use a square 18" x 18" fired clay flooring tile, or, an oversized saucer for the topper of your columns. Which are absolutely fabulous dahrlin'!
Atta girl! I'm so impressed I'm going to build me a couple here and there. I don't think I'll actually put plants on them until I see how boisterous big dogs handle them.
If you can find that salvage place where they sell salvaged materials from old houses, it'd be fun to check there for containers/pots and toppers.
Keep us posted. ^_^
WIB,
SW

Yup, on baby watch here, good way to put it Kathleen...also been moving the mama this past week so now she'll be closer.
I am up for a lunch with you and nursery shopping as soon as this little one is here!

There you go, it's a date!

Looking great, Donna. Can't think of the name of the place . . maybe Thompsen Building Materials . . . Taft & Glassell in Orange.

No problem with finding a top for the pillars as there are several places in this area. I just have to find the time right now to shop for them and the pots, as I will be away from the house for the next 2 days.

Thanks for the encouragement all.

Donna

Love your ideas so far, but I need to ask, what is painting with buttermilk? What will it do?
Linda Kay

Encourages moss to grow and softens the look of the brick, I think.

I've tried this recently, and I can't vouch for its effectiveness yet, but I have hopes.

I have 2 recipes for "encouraging" moss, which I can post if anyone would like them.

This cool birdbath from a nursery is what I want my broken concrete walls to look like someday:

Oh, I love that look! Too dry and sunny here.

The only time we get moss is in the middle of the winter/rainy season, but it sure is pretty when it's green!

I have a little bit growing in the gh in the shadiest part, and some grows naturally when wet enough here on the farm.
Gosh, that sure is beautiful, ima.
WIB,
SW

I wish It would grow here. I think Texas is to hot and dry also!
That really looks nice!
Where are the links at?

The recipe I have is:

Gather a clump of moss (remove as much dirt from the moss as possible)
Add moss into a blender (a good ratio is 1 part moss to 4 parts liquid)
Add LIQUID INGREDIENT (see options listed below)
Blend thoroughly to pulverize the moss
Spread the soupy mixture onto your object with a brush wherever you want the moss to grow

Liquid Ingredient Options

One can of beer + 1 tsp - 2 tsp sugar
OR
1 cup buttermilk
OR
1 cup yogurt

I've tried the beer & am waiting to see if it takes. Since the rain is likely over for this year, I may be waiting till next spring to see if it worked or not!

Wow, you all have been busy while I was away. lol

Thank you all for answering Linda's question and for that lovely photo of the moss covered bird bath. I have seen many different recipes and Ima, I will be trying one of yours for sure. I have some great moss that is growing just under the waterfall of my pond, so I will take a little of that and mix it with either the buttermilk or yogurt.

I went out to look at my project this morning and it is so bland right now. I need to get out and find my topper and some pots to get this finished.

Donna

What can we use, if we have no moss growing in our area? With something grow from the cutlure of the buttermilk or yogurt, beside mold? LOL