Copper Garden Sprinkler

Dulcy Mahar: Dressing up the garden has never been more fun

Dear readers,

As you know, Dulcy Mahar's cancer has gotten to the point that she is unable to write for us. Because we're all thinking so much of her these days, and want to let her know how she's so much in our hearts, we thought we'd feature a past column from our files every day here.

This is one from Friday, June 21, 2001 :

 Lately, as I meander through gardens, I can't help but note that decorative objects are almost as important as plants. Of course, garden ornaments have been getting increasingly popular for years, but this is different. People are making their own objets d'art (notice I am getting ready for my trip to Provence).

I think we can safely declare that a garden arts-and-crafts movement is afoot. I love the idea because it means that more of us are using our gardens as a canvas for creativity and self-expression. What fun. Some of the decor is quite sophisticated, while others lean more toward whimsical.

In any event, it's all a step up from what I recall in my younger days when one used to see old toilets stuffed with petunias on front porches. Sometimes you still see marigolds girdled by tires, not the most edifying ornamental containers although they would soak up the heat and might be good for tomatoes planted somewhere where you couldn't see them.

The best of the arts and crafts today seem to come from an inventiveness born of problem-solving. For example, Wayne Hills and Danny Hughes, who have a lovely farmhouse and old-fashioned garden in the heart of Southeast Portland , lost a tree last winter. Suddenly, there was a plethora of branches, and this spurred Wayne into a creative frenzy.

He began weaving small pliable branches into what the English call wattle fences to edge borders. He used the big branches to frame raised beds. He interspersed rocks and capped the wattle in places with lichen-covered limbs. The result is the most delightful embroidery of limbs, rocks and branches.

Other crafty ideas may not be so labor-intensive, but they still solve problems prettily. Leaky birdbaths – and who doesn't have one – look swell filled with colored glass balls, shells or polished rocks or planted with succulents. Old tree stumps, stacks of bricks and overturned pots are being used as pedestals.

In fact, some of the very best garden art is simply clever recycling.

Celtic Trinity, copper sprinkler « MoonArts Copper Art

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Thanks, Missa --- Anne & Dan

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