Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Fence and Arbor Almost Entirely From Scrounged Materials

In the olden days we called "re-purposed materials," "stuff that we scrounged up." Here is our most recent project from "scrounged" items.

Since our house is a bit closer to the road than optimum, we've sought to, while we convert our front lawn to native plants (for wildlife and pollinators and our enjoyment), also better-screen ourselves from road noise and on-lookers. We've killed the grass and installed the plants. Here you'll see how we created a physical barrier as well.

From a neighboring farm we were able to salvage old wooden fence posts, rough-cut hardwood planks and an old metal gate framework. From these items and some salvaged wooden ladders we:

Created a fence:






Installed a gate:







And integrated an arbor into the fence itself (using the ladders):


At the base of the arbor we planted native trumpet creeper vines (hummingbirds love these) that we grew from cuttings. Once these vines fill-in on the arbor, the sumac spread a bit and the ashy sunflower (and others) grow and multiply, we will be quite hidden from view!


We had to buy a bit of hardware and used a few screws but this project was largely scrounged and that makes us happy! 




11 comments:

  1. That is ONE awesome looking fence and gate! HOW clever to use the ladders for an arbor...you guys are brilliant!

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    1. We love to repurpose the junk! Steve was just chatting about what to do with all these old ladders and it just came to us. :) What an easy-peasy arbor!

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  2. Oh gosh, what a huge transformation! It looks like a different place! I bet it feels even cozier, too!

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    1. It does feel totally different! I am so excited for the front yard to come into its own. The side yard is absolutely fantastic. I can't even believe the amount of pollinators with all the blooms. I love it! Hoping you are getting settled. We are chatting about a Marquette visit for the fall...

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  3. Hi J&S...Love-love-love it : )
    Those post are wonderful all curved and bent shapes, great fence,gate,and I love an arbor!! Have 5 myself!! : ) but never thought of a ladder, something to remember!!
    Grace

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    1. 5! Wow. Love it. You are such a scrounger too. :)

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  4. Jennifer and Steve, Beautiful, yet again! Love the arbor idea too. Nice idea to shield the view of the road. We're close to a very busy road here, too, but the whole front of the property is a line of old trees and brush, so during the summer, we can't see the road at all...winter, it's bare and we see it, but then it's cold enough for us not to be out too much anyways. Looking forward to the next project from you, I enjoy them a lot! ~Vonnie

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    1. Hey lady! Thanks for the comments. We are enjoying making some functional, yet creative projects. :) It's such a crazy cool summer here...it's like late Sept. We don't know what to make of it. Hoping you are well!

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  5. Super cool! Once I buy a new place, I will definitely be looking for your creative input!

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  6. Man I can't wait to get my own property. That looks amazing, you guys are doing a great job!!!

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    1. Thanks Doug! It's so super fun to make this place what we want. You will have so much fun!

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