Flea Market Outdoors 2015 PDF

LOVE YOUR GARDEN: 25 INSTANT STYLE TRICKS
DIY
328 easy
VINTAGE
TOUCHES
clever containers
cute plant tags

porch panache
SUMMER
PARTY
DECOR
one-day
lattice pergola
!
2015
$9.95
COUNTRY DECORATING IDEAS #168
Display until June 8, 2015
Best Yard Re-Dos
Shed Retreats Tool Cool

Playful Privacy
2
Flea Market Outdoors
2015
12
20
26
20
34
34
40
40
GAP Photos/Victoria Firmston
GAP Photos/Suzie Gibbons
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56
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Layers of Garden Finery
A talented artist transforms

throwaways into beautiful
creations that brighten her
Maryland garden all year long.
Back to the Beach
Worn painted furnishings and flea

market finds give this Manhattan
Beach front porch a vintage vibe.
Outdoor Getaway
Paved floors, perky plants,

renewed furniture, and more
make for a pretty patio.
Critters in the Garden
Enliven your yard with frolicking

fauna.
Lady Lounge
A remade pergola becomes

a gardeners dream retreat.
Sheds: Not Just for

Storage Anymore
Jazz up these bitty backyard

buildings with found treasures
and eye-catching accents.
Enchanted Escape
A charming grotto evolves

beneath a new deck.
Light Your Way
Transform your garden into

a scene of evening romance.
64
Simple Pleasures
68
Old Towne Style
76
Built to Order
An Arkansas homeowner creates

a porch for watching the world
go by.
A self-taught gardener relies
on passion and interior design
training in her Old Towne
Orange, California, garden.
A potting shed gets the cottage
upgrade with a little DIY and
a lot of TLC.
FLEA MARKET outdoors 1
90
94
100
108
114
A Florida porch charms the

old-fashioned way.
Vintage Treasure
Take a few decorating tips from

a stylist who lives with laid-back
farmhouse looks every day.
Summer Celebrations
Add vintage looks to your seasonal

soirees.
English Romance
Soft and dreamy, a small garden in

California feels a bit like England.
Make Your Mark
Fashion plant labels that add

character and info to your garden
all at once.
Porch Perk-Ups
Add pizzazz to your porch with

these simple decorating ideas.
122
Home on the Range
130
Tis a Gift to Be Simple
136
Heirlooms and thrifty finds make

for a memorable family garden.
A neutral palette lends a
peaceful feeling to this 1871
homes two porches.
Farm Tool Finesse
94
Bring down-home flavor to

your landscape.
122
108
In Every Issue
3
4
6
144
GAP Photos
84
A Painterly Touch
From the Editor

Living Outdoors
Creative Upcycling
Make It Today
Gardenrelated
accents
add
flair to
outdoor
rooms.
76
Flea Market
outdoors
the editor
m
o
r
f
TM
Those DIVINE
Details
Outdoor living is the easiest kind of living there is. Surrounding

yourself with the things you love outside makes it all the more
special. Big or small, everything you place in your outdoor room,
yard, or garden will define your style and infuse your space with
your unique personality.
Gardeners by their nature notice the little things, the details
that make up the big picture. Small items tucked among the flora,
such as the cute plant tags you can make on page 108, wont go
unappreciated. This is the kind of attention to detail Ann Edwards
gives her garden in Home on the Range where she decorates
garden rooms bursting with flea market finds (page 122). Christine
Kuus and Bethany Herwegh infuse their porches with country
and beachy charm that suits their locale by bringing some of their
favorite furnishings outside (pages 130 and 20, respectively). Katie
Leporte shows us in Outdoor Getaway how to tackle a lackluster
pergola and turn it into a backyard pavilion that sparkles with
imaginative details (page 26).
As these inspired and ingenious women will tell you, flowers,
foliage, color, and texture will generate outdoor rooms that are
rewarding, but its the little things that we choose and assemble that
enliven them and celebrate our individuality.
Hunting through flea markets or junk shops is a
pleasure by itself. Combining those diversions
with the joys of gardening and decorating
elevates a leisure activity to the level of pure
Photo by www.tonygiammarino.com
Publisher
Stanley R. Harris
Editorial Director
Phyllis Goldstein
Editor-in-Chief
Debra Wittrup
Art Director
Wildfire Design, Inc.

Associate Editor
Diane Speros
Copy Editor
Janet Bjugan
Production Coordinator
Tracy Burg
Photo Studio Manager
Narvas Scates
Contributing Writers
Charlotte Safavi, Debra Steilen, Deb Wiley,

Ann Wilson
Special Thanks to
Hannah and Kurtis Kettler, Dave McGuire,

and Andrew Scates
Circulation/Marketing Director
Tim Hannon
Production Manager
Spiro Maroulis
Advertising Director
Jim Coen
212-462-9540
jcoen@harris-pub.com
Back Issues
212-462-9525; backissues@harris-pub.com
Editorial and Advertising Offices
1115 Broadway, New York, New York 10010
212-807-7100 Fax: 212-463-9958
Country Decorating Ideas Presents Flea Market Outdoors is published annually
by Harris Publications Inc., 1115 Broadway, New York, NY 10010. Single copy price
$9.95 in the U.S. and $12.95 in Canada. Submission of manuscripts, illustrations and/
or photographs must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The
publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Copyright 2015 by
Harris Publications, Inc. All rights reserved under International and Pan American
Copyright Conventions. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission
of the publisher is strictly prohibited. PRINTED IN THE USA.
artistry. We hope youre inspired by what you

see on these pages to create your haven of
happy pursuitsdown to the last detail.
Debra
k
Reijbroe
anneke
otos/H
h
P
P
A
G
Debra Wittrup, Editor
Character counts. A handmade

mosaic panel, above, or a freehand painted plant tag, left, add
artistic spirit to your garden and
outdoor rooms.
on our cover
A whimsical patio is decorated with

flea market finds and recycled treasures.
Photography: Adam Albright
u
ing Outdoors
v
i
L
Sign
Language
Signage does the talking for
you when placed on stakes
or hung on garden walls.
Whether a handmade homey motto
painted on wood or a factory-stamped
metal advertisement, signs provide a
graphic element that blends well with
the surrounding organic forms of your
yard. Made to attract attention, vintage
signage, street markers, and traffic
signs will add character with the ease of
pounding in a nail or a stake.
Because of their durability, color,
and patina, old signs are particularly
welcome outdoors. You can zero in on
a type of product, a brand, or a specific
styleor even assemble a collection of
unrelated graphics that simply appeals
to you.
Choose or create handmade signage
that suits your garden style. Mottos and
rustic signage is ideal for a countrystyle garden, punched metal adds an
Photo by Andrea Caughey
GAP Photos/Elke Borkowski, Design by Helen Riches
industrial vibe.
GAP Photos/Visions
quotes work well in a cottage garden,
4 FLEA MARKET outdoors
Hand-painted signs add immediate charm to a garden, opposite top. Keep

them bright and legible with a sealer to protect them from weathering.
Vintage signage provides an immediate conversation starter, opposite, bottom
left. A green advertisment pops when hung against a complementary red
wall, opposite, bottom right. Let everyone know whats growing in every area
of your yard, above. The simplest, most personal and adaptable signage is
a chalked piece of slate, right. Use it to announce your whereabouts.
GAP Photos/Maxine Adcock
GAP Photos/Elke Borkowski
u
ative Upcycling
e
r
C
Bowled
Over
Bowling balls are practically

a dime a dozen at tag sales.
Grab a trunkful and bring
their spherical beauty to
your backyard.
Try a sculptural
play on gazing
balls made
from bowling
balls on a stake.
Creative, affordable garden art doesnt

have to be expensivejust resourceful.
Old bowling bowls are easy to find and
inexpensive at tag sales, thrift shops,
and bowling alleys. Chips and wear are
okay, especially if youre using it as a
base for a gazing ball.
To make a decorative garden orb,
gather ceramic tile mosaic pieces,
marbles, mirrored glass, pennies,
or even metal washers and a tube of
epoxy. Plan the placement of your
pieces, then attach them to the ball
with epoxy. Allow the glue to cure for at
least 24 hours. If youre using glass or
ceramic, youll want to cover the piece
with grout. Wipe a damp cloth over the
grout to remove excess and let dry.
sanding to provide a good surface for
the paint. Draw on a design or apply
patterns made from contact paper.
Paint the design and let dry. Finish
with a sealer to protect the paint.
Place your completed piece on a
pedestal or directly on the ground in
beds and borders. Near seating, elevate
your work of art on an old birdbath
base or metal stand.
Photo by Mark Lohman, Styling by Sunday Hendrickson
To paint a bowling ball, give it a
Photo by Mark Turner/turnerphotographics.com, Landscape design by Judy Boxx
Photo by Mark Turner/turnerphotographics.com
Rising above a border, a totem made of bowling balls in varying hues of dark blue blends well with other cobalt-hued
accents nearby, opposite. A pile of bowling balls makes a unique and hefty mulch in the garden bed, above left. The
variety of color and pattern gives this simple display its visual appeal. Use a ball as the base for a mosaic-covered garden
orb, above right. Glue flat marbles or mosaic pieces to the ball with epoxy and cover with grout when dry. Wipe with a
damp cloth and display when dry. Tied like a fishing buoy, this watery blue ball evokes images of the ocean depths,
below left. Get striking results by lining your flowerbed with discarded bowling balls, below right. Alternate with straight
pavers to give each ball a chance to shine.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Caruth Studio
While its tempting to use

bowling balls as bases for gazing
balls, consider using more
decorative examples without
embellishment.
Rollin
in the Dirt
Old tires give you lots of possibilities in your garden,
whether youre looking for practical applications or
whimsical and colorful decoration.
What do you do with those bald car
tractor tires can form the basis of a
tires or the old tire swing the kids
garden pond.
have outgrown? Use them in your
Endless sculpture opportunities
garden for unique decorative or
exist as well: a swan fabricated
functional opportunities.
from cut and painted tires, a
Old tires provide the base for
serpent created from a sinuous
easy-to-make raised beds for
row of tires standing on end, a frog
small garden beds. Stacked, they
sculpture made from green-painted
create substantial and paintable
tires of various sizes, green water
containers. Cut in half, laid side
hose, innertube, and an old rubber
by side, and dug into the soil, they
doormat. The ideas are as limitless
make a unique edging. Massive
as your artistic eye.
Photo by judywhite/GardenPhotos.com
ative Upcycling
e
r
C
Photo by Tom C. Hewitt
Using
flowering
annuals
in similar
hues allows
the unique
containers
to share the
spotlight.
Photo by Jerry Pavia
Photos by Don Zinteck, Photographics 2
Mounted between two poles, an old wagon wheel

fashions a see-through garden divider, opposite, top.
Stack together old tires to create an edgy industrial
container mulched with old nuts and bolts, opposite,
bottom. A grouping of tires painted in vivid pastel
hues are stacked in a staggered arrangement that
makes a big impact and fills a hole at a foundation
corner, top. An underused tire swing becomes a
frame in this amusing setup, left. The swing elevates
the mixed basket to focal point status. Repetition
creates impact. The painted bases of the tire planters
match but each upper level has a unique design and
color, above.
u
ing Outdoors
Liv
Plant a
Playful
Garden
Fill corners and empty

patches in borders with
toys that take gardening
tasks from chores to
childs play.
Decorating your garden with
childrens toys is economical and
fun to boot. If you have children at
home, theyre always outgrowing
tricycles, wagons, and other sets
of wheels. If you dont, tag sales
are a great place to find well-loved
but past-their-prime playthings.
Because theyre destined for the
garden, rust and dings just add
more vintage character.
tractors, pull-along wagons, prams,
and strollers, or simply a disarded
toy truck with an empty flatbed.
Edit your choices judiciouslyyou
dont want the backyard to look like
a derelict playground. Then get out
your garden gloves and plant away.
Be creative with your plantings.
Use trailing petunias so that
flowers can spill out of a bike

basket or insert upright angelonia
that can ride in pots on the bed of a
toy pickup. Succulents are ideal for
playthings that dont drain or that
youd like to keep intact.
Put a little childhood back into
your lifeand garden and be
playful with toys in your backyard.
Fill an ancient wagon with a mix of annuals, above. Drill holes for good
drainage. Old wood playthings weather beautifully outside, right. A
vintage pedal car tempts a garden gnome to motor off into his own
world, opposite top left. A rusty tricycle becomes a memento when
embedded in a planted border opposite, top right. Festooned with flags
and surrounded with bright annuals, a vintage bicycle makes a charming
conversation piece, opposite bottom.
Photo by Andrea Caughey
Look for bicycles, ride-on
Caruth Studio
Photo by Cameron Sadeghpour
Playful Possibilities
Decorated for
a perpetual
parade, this
bike creates a
festive focus.
PLANT A TOY CAR. Create a green garden sculpture with a large toy
car covered with moss. Or make a whimsical focal point by leaving
the car in its colorful finish and planting the interior with creeping or
trailing plants that travel out the windows.
INJECT HUMOR INTO THE GARDEN. Place a toy dump truck filled
with mulch or a front-end loader pushing pea gravel into a flower bed.
MAKE DECORATIVE STEPPING STONES by embedding marbles or
game pieces in concrete poured into a wooden frame.
CUT A HOLE in the center top of plastic animal or dinosaur figurines
and plant with spiky succulents.
FASHION A TALL TOTEM from colorful toy wood blocks. Glue blocks
together or drill a hole in the center of each and stack on a metal rod.
Photo by Michael Garland; Styling by Sunday Hendrickson
Ways to use toys in the garden are as unlimited as the variety of

playthings in the toychest. Try some of our quirky ideas.
LAYERS
OF Garden
Finery
A talented artist transforms other peoples throwaways into

beautiful creations that brighten her Maryland garden all year long.
written by Amber Dawn Barz photos by Tony Giammarino
An old scale handed down

through generations now
serves as a display support
for a basket of annuals.
Sherrill made this tree of life
mosaic mural from scrap tile
and then hung it on the side of
her house, right. The succulents
grow from old bedpans.
n Sherrill Coopers mind, everything has artistic value,

whether its worn-out brooms, ditched bottles, or broken
rakes. An artist and illustrator by trade, Sherrills
friends have lovingly dubbed her the ultimate recycler.

Case in point, when Sherrills neighbor tore out an old
swimming pool, she gave the tile pieces to Sherrill. Sherrill
combined the pieces with chips of floor and wall tiles from
her own home and turned the pieces into a beautiful 4x8-foot
exterior wall mural Sherrill calls the Tree of Life.
When someone breaks a plate in my house, it moves to my
chipped-plate box. When someone empties a bottle, it goes in
the bottle-bin. When I have enough pieces, I make something
A wreath made from car

mufflersa gift from a friendhangs
near the staircase, left.
Glass bottles hanging from a
large bush bring constant color to
Sherrills garden, above.
Tree roots and shade can make
growing plants difficult, but planted
rakes and pitchforks always thrive,
opposite left.
Charming and vivacious, its hard
to find Sherrill Cooper without a
paintbrush or garden tool in her
hand, opposite right. There is
always something I am itching
to create, she says.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Combine whimsical collections

to make an impact. Line a stair
rail with license plates or hang
bottles from trees.
Made from a 200-year-old oak tree

stump, ivy stems, and a dog cone,
an outdoor spotlight shoots light
into the sky at night, top.
Rusty dining chairs were renewed
with splashes of paint, left.
A bottle chandelier lends artistic
impact to the porch, opposite top.
Plate-lined retaining walls surround
the patio in color, opposite, bottom
left.
Through an evergreen archway,
fluorescent survey tape adds vibrant
color, opposite, bottom right.
out of them. Color is really important to me, so I started with

a goal to bring color to my garden, even during the winter,
Sherrill says.
A bottle chandelier hangs on the front porch. It doesnt
light up, but it brings a lot of color to the area, Sherrill says.
The wind chimes that hang above the outdoor dining table are
made from old silverware with plastic handles. I collected the
silverware from the Goodwill store, Sherrill says. I just threw
the pieces in a bucket in the garage until I had enough to make
something. The top is a colander hanging upside down.
Broken rakes find a home in a place where Sherrill has trouble
growing anything. Thats where yard tools grow, Sherrill says.
I call the hanging croquet set Perpetual Croquet. If you grab a
mallet and let it hit the ball, they will keep swinging.
I can never leave well enough alone, Sherrill continues.
There is always a treasure to collect and a creation to be
mademy garden and the surrounding woods offer me a nearly
endless canvas.
Ladder
Focal Point
Create an outdoor sculpture with an
assemblage of vintage elements set
on an old stepladder.
Shop flea markets, tag sales,

or curbside trash pickups for an old
stepladder, watering cans, birdhouses,
galvanized pails, flowerpots, or any
other weatherproof objects that you
like. Be sure to mix sizes and shapes
for visual interest.
Secure the ladder. To ensure

the ladder is sturdy enough to
withstand strong winds, bury several
inches of the ladder into the ground,
secure it in place with quickset
cement, or attach large eye hooks to
the legs and drive rebar through the
hooks into the ground.
Secure the vessels. Arrange

objects on the ladder rungs. Drill
holes into the containers for screws
and for drainage. Use screws to
secure the containers in place.
Fill the containers with potting

soil and plant groupings of your
favorite annuals.
An old ladder, vintage birdhouses,

and watering cans create a flowering
focal point, opposite top.
Golf clubs find a new home along
a path, opposite, bottom left.
Unrelated accents become a
decorative tableau in Sherrills
artistic hands, opposite, bottom
right.
Glass bowls and lampshades create
a water feature that resembles
translucent toadstools, right.
Utensils and found objects abound
in the garden. I love turning things
into art, Sherrill says, below.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Make your garden treasures

stand out by elevating them
above flowers and foliage on
old wood stepladders.
Bright and Breezy A bank of windows adds

light on the porchs side. The barely-there coffee
tables base came from a flea market and its glass
topper was custom fit. Cool and Sweet Vintage
Ball glass jars make perfect lemonade glasses,
opposite left. Gliding Along A seat cushion and
pillows warm up the retro-inspired aluminum
glider from Grandin Road, opposite right.
written by Charlotte Safavi photos by Mark Lohman styling by Sunday Hendrickson
Beach
back to the
Worn painted
furnishings and flea
market finds give
this Manhattan
Beach front porch
a vintage vibe.
We purposefully built our home and porch to look like an old California beach
cottage, says homeowner and blogger Bethany Herwegh, who shares the
house with her husband Chip and their three young children.
The couple also designed the front porch to double up as another room, one
they could use almost year-round in Southern California weather.
I wanted it to have a vintage beach look, says Bethany of the porch, to be
retro in feel, with easy and inexpensive furnishings. It made sense, because we
live so close to the ocean that the salt-
Bethany adds. It can be new or old, so
water air erodes things.
long as it feels right.
Inspired by seaglass hues, Bethany
The porch, meanwhile, is well lived in.
picked out pieces in turquoise and vivid
I watch my kids play in the front yard,
greens, with white accents and pops of
while Im working there. Its also great
sunny yellow thrown into the mix.
for parties. We start out with drinks
I really enjoy going to the Rose Bowl

and Long Beach flea markets, as well as
thrift store shopping, whenever I can.
My colors make it easy to narrow things
down when browsing, she says.
Though Bethany furnishes some
with flea market treasures, shes just
as passionate about finding newer
pieces that play the vintage part,
such as the colorfully painted corner
porch cabinet; it came new and shiny
from HomeGoods, but has weathered
beautifully over time.
Its the vintage look that I love,
on the porch and end up out back for

dessert, she says.
Simple Sign A beach

sign is apropos, as the
porch fronts a walkthrough path to the
beach, below left.
Dandy Display An old
lantern and antique
bottle, along with
vintage planters, add
pops of color and
lively forms to a rusted
wrought-iron tagre,
below.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Though the gray-painted porch

wood flooring is new, the
scuff marks through usage are
welcomed, adding
timeless charm.
Making Room By adding a striped carpet and a mix of

furniture, the porch instantly becomes an outdoor room,
top.
Fine Fishing A fish made of small shells stands out
nicely against the sage blue house paint, left.
Viable Vignette Two vintage-inspired bathing ladies
from HomeGoods swan around next to old American
ceramic flower pots, above.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Color takes the leadblues,

greens, and yellowsfor Bethany,
when she scours flea markets
for her collectible vintage
American pottery.
Painting
Furniture
Bethany found the wrought-iron

coffee table base in black at a flea
market. Heres how she rehabbed it.
Clean it Soap and water is fine for

painted wrought-iron pieces like this
one. Let it dry well. Wood can be
brushed down and washed with a
wood cleaner.
Paint it Lightly sand the item down

to ensure a smooth surface. Latex
paint or a weather-resistant finish
is best. If the item has clean-lined
surfaces, spray paint will work, but if
it has lots of nooks and crannies,
a brush will do a better job.
Age it Once dry, the finish can be

distressed with sandpaper in areas
to weather it. You can also use a
dry-brush technique to get the aged
outdoor look, especially if the base
color is darker.
Embellish it A custom-fit glass

top was added to Bethanys painted
coffee table base. Other add-ons
might include fresh hardware.
Corner Store The painted-aluminum cabinet

pairs well with the retro-chic glider. To layer
the look, Bethany had the seat cushions
sewn, and then added a trellis-patterned
pillow, another HomeGoods find, opposite.
Smashing Storage The lower cupboard on
the cabinet stores the childrens outdoor
toys, while the upper one holds dishes,
napkins, and glasses for porch-side
entertaining, above.
Wordsmith Bethany keeps her eye peeled
for beach-inspired signage, such as this one,
when she is out shopping, right.
OUTDOOR
Getaway
Paved floors, perky
plants, renewed
furniture and more
make for a pretty patio.
written by Charlotte Safavi photos by Adam Albright

produced by Katie Leporte
Afternoon in the
Arbor Nestled amid
shady trees, throwing
masses of dappled
light, this newly
erected arbor and
paved patio, opposite,
provide a wonderful
spot to smell the
roses.
Magical Mix A twotier wire planter holds
a mixture of annual
verbena and petunias.
The pink and lavender
hues offer a pretty
backdrop for the
substantial foliage
of fleshy succulents.
J
Lightly Structured
An open design of lattice walls, cutout fence panels, and a beamed roof
give the patio a light-on-its-feet look
under the dense shade trees. A mirror
bounces more light inside.
any of us, who lack the green

thumb, are too busyor even a bit
too intimidatedto plant, grow,
and nurture a full-blown garden
in our backyards. Still, thats no reason not

to create a beautiful outdoor sitting area,
with plenty of flowers and greenery to
enjoy during the spring and summer
months. It doesnt have to be a highmaintenance, complicated venture.
Just find a suitable niche adjacent
to the lawn, preferably near the
Bargain Find The patio set was a Craigslist

find for $150. Picked up for its unusual midcentury
profile, but not its black frame and drab fabric,
it gets a new look with paint and upholstery.
backdoor for easy access to the

home (and kitchen) for grabbing
Befo re
materials that can withstand the elements.
meals, drinks, and snacks for
Add indoor-outdoor pillows for pops of
outside. Define a larger area with
pattern and color. Perhaps use an outdoor
fragrant wood chips or long-lasting rubber
rug to define the seating area. Prop and hang
mulch, and then add a simple DIY arbor. (You
potted plants with color to brighten the space.
can grow potted or planted climbing plants,
Other accents can include a mirror to expand
like jasmine, clematis or roses to cover the
the area, architectural salvage elements to add
arbor eventually and provide additional shade
character, or Chinese lanterns to light it up at
in time.) Lay down a raised deck floor in wood
night. If feeling adventurous, put in a wall-
or composite or create a bed for paving stones.
mounted water feature. The best part is that
Bring in vintage furnishings made from
you can do this all in a long weekend!
Rafter tails
make ideal
spots for
hanging
baskets of
flowers, wind
chimes, or
ornaments on
the outside
of your
structure.
Pretty Pots Terracotta

pots are a must-have
in a garden setting;
they look even better
as they age. Blend
in other pots, like
this blue-and-white
beauty, for visual
interest, far left.
Gorgeous Globes Join
wood embroidery
hoops with staples
long enough to go
through the layers,
then spray paint them
silver, left. Line the
resulting orbs with
coir baskets and fill
with trailing annuals.
Wire baskets, bird

cages, and faux
metal hoop planters
echo the barelythere look of the
structure.
Cage Aux Fresh To create interest on a

tabletopor elsewherepop a wroughtiron caged cover over a pretty potted plant,
like this pink geranium in a blue container.
A wood
frame filled
with gravel
and sand
supports the
paved flooring.
Mixed Melange A mix of plants tops a pot painted on the

bottom half with gold paint. Petunias and bacopa peek out
of a repurposed bird cage, above left. Artfully Hung Create
outdoor art with leaves decoupaged on poster board coated
with glossy Mod Podge. Press flat with wax paper and a book
as it dries. Pop in a repainted old frame, above right. Paint It A
powder-blue coat of paint adds a twist to the otherwise white
patio furnishings. The seat was sprayed white then painted with
color blocks and stripes, right.
Outdoor Living Rooms
If you live in a small home, or if you like spending the warmer months
dining and entertaining al fresco, treat furbishing your patio like you
would a favorite room in the house.
Count on Palette Most likely your backdrop will be neutral, whether

brown wood, red brick or putty-hued tile. Freshen it up with greens, of
course, but then go with the colors you love both for flowers and for
furnishings.
Put In Furniture Other than the obvious chairs and table, add
furniture-inspired accents. For example, two corbels affixed to the arbor
equal a side table with a tray added. Hang art, mirrors, even a candelier.
A ceramic garden stool becomes extra seating, a side table, or a place to
put a potted plant.
Make It Green Get assorted planters, then place them in groups on
the ground or hang them up high. Go lush and verdant. Pots are easy to
replant and switch out when youre looking for a change.
Hooked on Flowers Metal garment hooks hold a wire basket
filled with flowering annuals, above left. Potted plants can be
easily switched with the seasons. Tray Time A vintage metal tray
painted in hi-gloss pale pink and stenciled with garden-inspired
shapes makes a tiny sideboard, above right. Support Staff A pair of
salvaged corbels support the portable tray beneath a framed mirror,
left. Small accents decorate the structural beam in between.
J
Hardware Helps
Look for unique salvage pieces or

decorative indoor hardware that can
add visual punch to your outdoor
room. Hooks, brackets, corbels, and
trim inject character.
Handsome Hooks
Find attractive hooks,
with decorative
mounts, to up the
ante. Pretty and
practical, they can
hold hats, linens, a
throw, bags, water
cans, and so on.
Enliven your yard

with frolicking fauna.
Critters
in the garden
written by Debra Wittrup
Birds, bees, and butterflies bring animation to a garden.

Indeed all you have to do is look around outside for any
given amount of timeeven in the most urban gardento
see critters and creatures abound. It's their season to frisk,
flit, frolic, and flutter.
The backyard is also a natural place for decorating with
animal and insect sculptures, whether bought, found, or
made. They add an instant layer of interest and whimsy,
along with a permanent decorative element, to a patio,
flower bed, border, or lawn. And they look completely at
Caruth Studio
Bristling with attitude, a heron made of rakes, shovels, and

rebar stalks the garden beds, opposite.
If pigs could fly, they'd soar over the garden shed as this little
porcine weathervane does, curly tail and all, top.
An insect hotel offers a safe place for bugs to hibernate, but it
becomes ornamental, too, when shaped like a cat, right.
GAP Photos/Thomas Alamy
home among the flora.
GAP Photos/Suzie Gibbons
Caruth Studio
GAP Photos/Charles Hawes
Top Photos: Caruth Studio
To make your own fauna, look at found objects and

materials in new ways: Old flatware knives could resemble
dragonfly wings, a twisted log may suggest a sinuous
snake, broken shears bring to mind a bird's beak, a tractor
disk is similar to a turtle's shell. The possibilties are as
limitless as your imagination. When assembling your
critter, epoxy is ideal for outdoor use. Use clamps when
possible to ensure a good bond. Allow epoxy to cure for at
least 24 hours before placing your piece in the garden.
gift shops, and garden centers. Have fun placing them to

create sculptural focal points in your garden, the kinds
you can count on each time you step outside.
that don't hop or fly off, or scuttle and slip away, the kind
GAP Photos//Highgrove - A. Lawson
Find the ready-made beasties at craft fairs, flea markets,
get the
look
Make a
spiderweb from
heavy twine so
that it will be
easily seen in
the landscape.
A rusty crustacean made from

welded wrenches and old tools
crawls over rocks and shells through
a bed of 'Lucia Dark Blue' lobelia,
opposite, top left.
Loops of barrel hoops curled in
concentric rings transform into a
springy snail, opposite, top right.
Bound thatch and woody stems
combine to form a regal stag,
opposite, bottom left. Like a topiary
figure and the dog on the facing
page, a shaped wire frame is the best
starting point for this kind of figural
artwork.
Fashioned from a C9 Christmas light
bulb, baling wire, and washers, a
busy bug such as this cheeky little
bee can be staked into a container or
border, opposite, bottom right.
Surveying his territory, this
watchdog is woven from naturally
supple willow branches, above.
GAP Photos/Mark Bolton; Design by Chris Beardshaw
PVC pipes hold together the eight

legs of a giant wooden spider, left.
GAP Photos/Sue Heath - Credit Gaze Burvill
GAP Photos/Friedrich Strauss
GAP Photos/Robert Mabic
Driftwood can often take fantastic

forms and suggest critter body parts
like the ears, body, and horns of the
cute cow, opposite, top left. Just a
simple turn of the wooden head and
splay of the straight legs gives the
bovine figure a lot of attitude.
GAP Photos/Juliette Wade
A nutty deer made from a pecan

and chestnut, with tiny dogwood
stems as antlers, roams the moss in
a plant container, opposite, top right.
Photo Right: GAP Photos/Stephen Studd-Lands`End A Rural Muse; Design by Adam Frost; Sculpture by The Wire Studio
A bug-eyed crow, made of painted

ceramic, makes a whimsical guardian
sitting on a pillar at the entrance to
the garden, opposite, bottom left.
Shining silver koi swim through
a lush bed of tall grass, opposite
bottom right. The long blades mimic
the flow of water, creating a very
dynamic background that swirls
around the fleeing fish.
Made from industrial-grade junk
by artist Sophie Hugs, this vocal
crocodile, jaws agape, stands guard
over a large pond, top right.
Sited where it fell, a toppled oak
becomes an artistic canvas when
carved by chainsaw sculptor
Matthew Crabb, center right. Scenes
of water fowl, river reeds, and
schools of fish complete the tableau
of flora and fauna on the side of the
massive log.
Poised for flight, this handsome
deer sculpture fashioned from silver
wire halts in a woodland garden
surrounded by blooming foxgloves
and frothy ferns, bottom right.
The metallic hue ensures that the
sculpture stands out against the lush
background.
GAP Photos/Carol Drake
style guide
Place your animal sculpture

with an eye to the
environment. Stand a deer
amid a wooded area, set a
dog on a grassy lawn, tuck
a bug among flowers, and
put a bird near a birdbath.
Lady
A remade pergola becomes a

gardener's dream retreat.
LOUNGE
written by Debra Wittrup photos and Landscape design by Ann Elias, annsgardenpath.blogspot.com
An old garden spade,

with its handle painted to
match the shed, becomes
a pretty, yet practical,
door pull, below left.
Ann Elias had always wanted a place of her own to pot and play, relax and
A tableau of some of
Ann's favorite things
decorate a painted side
table, below center.
patio. The pergola was sited in a prime spot so Ann and Mike decided they
Salvaged sidelights, an
old window, and rescued
wood are transformed
into a shelf unit that holds
collections and terracotta
pots, below right.
recharge. What she and husband Mike had in their Menasha, Wisconsin, yard
was a pergola that sat empty most of the time since they had enlarged their
would build her dream cottage economically around the existing structure
using found, adapted, and reused materials.
A set of free windows and visits to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore yielded
the architectural elements they needed at a good price. Mike framed in the
floor, fitted windows and doors and filled in the spaces between with lumber.
Clever ideas abound

around Ann Eliass Lady
Lounge. A potting station
made from old doors,
a sign over the door
made from a twin bed
headboard, and in-ground
flowers fashioned from
pavers and stepping stones
are just a few examples of
her creative upcycling.
A unique two-seater
glider provides a spot
to while away some
time with a friend,
left. The light-filtering
curtains repeat the color
scheme suggested by
the cushion fabric.
Old painted frames,
chandeliers, gauzy fabric
and lace surround a rustic
dining table, below.
Gabled trusses set above the pergola rafters

support a corrugated metal roof.
While Mike was building, Ann was painting.
Tables and chairs, frames, and cabinets all got
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Don't pass up fun pieces

because they lack presence or
patina. Give lackluster objects a
coat of bright color instead.
a coat of neutral taupe or Ann's favorite teal

blue. She covered some of her grandmother's
pieces in Duck Egg Blue from Annie Sloan's
Chalk Paint. "It is beautiful. I think she would
approve of it," she says.
She collected dainty crystal chandeliers,
birdcages, and lace. "I got the circle thingies
from a thrift store. Someone crocheted them
on metal rings. I used suction cups to hang
them up. Only $1.59 eachI thought they
looked 'lady' like, she laughs.
Outside, galvanized watering cans and aqua
glass insulators line a shelf above the door.
Painted tubs are filled with flowering annuals
and totems made from old glass lampshades.
Initially planned to be a greenhouse, Ann
quickly changed her mind as the project came
together. "It's a lady cavea place to look at
garden books, sip a cup of tea, or just sit and
look at my garden," she says.
Fashioned from metal kitchen utensils and old pipe, a female

version of the Tin Man stands on a silver tray, above.
A brick-colored backdrop makes Ann's accessories stand out
inside the hutch of a vintage aqua cabinet, above right.
A collection of oil cans (for the tin Lizzie, perhaps?) adds an
industrial note to a grouping of florals, hearts, and putti, right.
Photo by Gridley + Graves
written by Debra Steilen
SHEDS:
not just for storage
anymore
Photo by Sarah Norton

Jazz up these bitty backyard buildings

with found treasures and eye-catching accents.
potting places
Caruth Studio
Clockwise from top left: Create an artful

display by pinning multicolor seed packets
to a wrought-iron headboard from times gone
by. Above a bright teal work bench, a muntin
glass window incongruously connects a Texas
Longhorn wall mount with a lineup of antique
hand-painted plates; sunflower-yellow accents
amplify the garden sheds sunny personality.
Add a touch of whimsy to your outdoor room
by using a crusty old rake to hold both clippers
and a bar of soap. Once part of a photo booth
display, a flashy red-and-yellow sign focuses
the viewers gaze on shelves filled with stacks
of terra-cotta pots. Weathered wagon-wheel
brackets add Victorian charm to an equally
distressed potting bench; putting that work
station on industrial castors means it can be
moved wherever its needed. Rusted garden
shears pose in front of a parade of old pots,
a chipped cast-iron string holder, and an oldfashioned mail organizer. Repurposed objects
rule this shed: A once-discarded kitchen island
holds baskets of gardening tools; antique
walking sticks stand tall in a wicker umbrella
stand; and an orphaned drawer keeps pots
organized. Lining a harvest basket with plastic
makes it a suitable container for potting soil;
the galvanized iron scoop originally doled out
feed to farm animals.
GAP Photos/Julia Boulton

hether bespoke or built from a kit,

garden sheds are meant to reflect
our personal style just as surely as
kitchens. So what does it take to
turn a shed into a sanctuary?

Cleaning products aside, prepare the interior with
plain white or wood-paneled walls; either offers a
blank canvas for everything from old trophies to
architectural salvage. Include a comfy chair for
using your iPad, and a sturdy table or workbench for
potting, crafting, and sorting seeds. Add a daybed or
sofa for the occasional snooze (if you have the space).
And yes, find room for your tools. But most of all
Photos by GAP Interiors/Amanda Turner
surround yourself with things you love.
Clockwise from top: Wrought-iron strap hinges, muntinstyle windows, and French doors add heirloom style to a
plain gray shed. Bring out a rooms feminine side with pastel
accessories, lace curtains, and a white hot plate for making
tea. Prep your shed for a party by setting out a vintage
serving tray and a galvanized-steel box filled with cocktail
napkins. Hand-painted flowers welcome visitors inside an
out-building festooned with flowering vines.
A vintage cabinets glass-front doors reveal polka-dot shelf
paper and a spring-fresh collection of cups and bowls.
Fat quarters and fabric bundles stay organized inside a
repurposed china cabinet. Stitch in style when your shed
boasts a sturdy work table and a bright red Windsor chair.
creative spaces
Use glass containers

with lids to store seeds
for next years garden.
Give functionality
some old-timey flair
by choosing vintage
bottles and mason
jars to do the job.
get the
look
Photos by Eva Kylland/livinginside.it
Line woven baskets

with colorcoordinated fabrics
to keep small items
corralledwhile
adding a layer of
loveliness.
Photo by John Ellis, www.johnellis.com

Styling by Sunday Hendrickson
Photo by Eva Kylland/livinginside.it
sleeping quarters
get the
look
Clockwise from top left: Romance

rules in a garden shed furnished
with a four-poster canopy bed
and plump pillows. As sweet as a
birthday cake, this sheds interior
gets its charm from pink pretties:
glassware, china, candles, and
even rolled-up linens. Garlands
of artificial ivy soften the look
of exposed rafters high above a
shabby-chic iron bed. A vintage
flower basket provides the
crowning touch to a garden shed
surrounded by an old picket fence.
Used as a guest room during the
summer, a remodeled chicken coop
includes a small table and chair for
late-night refreshments. Striped and
floral fabrics give this plain white
shed a cottage-style personality.
A crystal chandelier sparkles in
front of the sheds main window.
Filmy mosquito
netting suggests
romance inside
a garden-shed
bedroom; a sisal rug
provides practicality
underfoot.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Photos by Gridley + Graves
Turn an abandoned iron

bedframe into charming guest
accommodations by adding a new
mattress, piles of fresh pillows,
and sunflower-bright linens.
Clockwise from top left: A

turquoise-painted door with
stained-glass inserts marks this
garden shed as a destination. Circa
1950s tablecloths add personality
to a sitting area; their colors are
repeated in vintage umbrellas
mounted to the ceiling. A timeworn
spade and pitchfork make charming
handles when attached to a sheds
barnlike doors; old watering
cans and sand pails enhance the
visual intrigue. Colorful lineups
of old insect sprayers and kitchen
canisters add to this garden sheds
sense of whimsy. Patchwork caf
curtains inject cottage charm
into this garden sheds fern-green
interior. Carefully chosen cast-offs
in rusted metal, weathered wood,
and faded fabric highlight this
sheds French farmhouse persona.
Photo by Janet Loughrey; Landscape by Charlie and Karen King
relaxing hideaways
get the
look
Jon Day/Livingetc/
timeincukcontent.com
Photo by Kimberly McCole
Stitch together
dish towels to
make quick and
easy curtains
that resemble
a quilt.
Photos by Bill Mathews; Styling by Gloria Gale
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Display linear elements in neutral

shades to counteract all the color:
a garden gate above the mantel;
wire fencing used as a fire screen;
and an old birdcage in place
of statuary.
Use sets of vintage canisters to

celebrate the past while providing stylish,
water-tight storage for seed packets, plant
markers, and other gardening supplies.
written by Charlotte Safavi

photos by Mark Lohman
Styling by Fifi O'Neill
A charming grotto
evolves beneath
a new deck.
ENCHANTED
Escape
When Michelle and Mark Ferullo added a deck off their Woburn,
Massachusetts, circa-1905 home, they found the space to create a beautiful

outdoor room beneath it. Our backyard is on a slope, says Michelle,
and the homes exposed fieldstone foundation is so beautiful; we took
advantage of the spot and were inspired by the idea of grottos in France.
Pressed concrete floors resemble an old tiled floor. Two mahogany deck
support beams were integrated into a dining table. I wanted to decorate
the outdoor space in the same way as my house, adds Michelle, with lots
of wrought-iron, chandeliers, fresh flowers, all with a French country feel.
An avid thrift store and flea market shopper, Michelle slowly added in
decorative layers, bringing the patio to life. Anything old speaks of being
well-loved, says Michelle of her approach. It adds a warmth that
nothing new can do.
Playing with Fire

White paint refreshes
an antique fireplace
mantel picked up at
a flea market for $20
before being casually
propped against the
stone wall, opposite.
Veritable Vase
This coffee pot was
missing its lid when
purchased, but
Michelle uses it to
hold flowers and add
silvery sparkle, above.
Pretty Party Michelle

hosts casual gatherings
in The Grotto, using old
silver and white linens.
Garden delphiniums
enliven the scene, left.
Marvelous Mantel A $10
yard-sale fire grate and a
couple of chairs gifted by
a friend add layers, as well
as extra seating options, to
the fireplace niche, below.
The Grotto Michelle pulls
the handmade sheers
for ambience, bugs, or
weather, making the space
cozy at all times, opposite.
style guide
Comfort reigns supreme
in The Grotto. Fresh
linens, cushy pillows, and
gauzy drapes add warmth,
while the roadside-rescue
wrought iron chairs got
conversation-friendly seats.
Double Vision Placing a

candelabrum in front of
a mirror makes the view
twice as nice, opposite,
bottom right.
Fresh Flowers Michelle
and her neighbors grow
lush garden flowers,
which they cut and share
for display, right.
Classic Black For extra
seating, Michelle shopped
her house for these two
black wrought-iron chairs.
The flea-market planter
holds dishes or a pitcher
at parties, far right.
Ready for an evening

of alfresco dining,
candles dangle
from tree branches
above and line a long
wooden table in a
country garden.
YOUR
WAY
Transform your garden into

a scene of evening romance.
Wittrup
Transform your gardenwritten
intobyaDebra
scene
of evening romance.
Light
Ready for an evening

of al-fresco
Turn
humble dining,
Mason
candles
dangle
jars into lanterns with
from tree branches
solar-powered
lids.
above
and
line
a or
Or, fill with candles
long
wooden
table
battery-powered twinkle
in astrands.
country garden,
light
opposite.
Courtesy of SOLARLIDSLIGHT.COM
Turn humble Mason

jars into lanterns with
solar-powered lids.
Or fill with candles
or battery-powered
twinkle light strands.
Photo by Tria Giovan
As spring and summer daylight hours stretch longer, the

pleasure of staying outside after dark also increases with
warmer temperatures. There are plenty of opportunities to
be in the garden after sundown, whether cozying up on a
porch swing with a soft blanket in May or dancing barefoot
manmade light goes a long way beneath the moon and stars.
Safety always comes first, so don't wire electric light fixtures
frivolously or plop down candles irresponsibly (with electricity,
the main risk is rainwater, with candles, wind; with both, fire),
GAP Photos/Victoria Firmston
on the dewy lawn in August. One thing's for surea touch of
but given that primary consideration, the world of light is wide
You can add a row of vintage oil lamps to light a gravel

pathway; mount an elegant chandelier on a porch, create a
dramatic focal point near a pond, or hang a string of bistro
lights from a pergola. Let there be light.
Photos by www.tonygiammarino.com
open to your interpretation.
Stake out
Line paths or surround

seating with lanterns elevated on stakes.
Photo by Diane Guthrie
get the
look
Stagger lanterns
or luminaria on
paths or steps
to avoid the
landing-lights
look.
Candle-powered lights are

casually staked in the ground
and are easy to relocate as
needed for gatherings, opposite,
top left.
Decorative woven wicker
stakes hold candlelight above a
late summer border of aster and
penstemon, opposite, top right.
Tealights fill old terracotta
pots set upon bamboo stakes,
opposite, center. Ribbon
streamers add color and
movement.
This antique lamp draws the
eye to a destination amid lush
flowerbeds, opposite, bottom.
Hunt flea markets for vintage

lanterns with unique shapes to
line steps or paths, right.
Photo by Tria Giovan
A votive grounded by a
measure of sand in a vintage
Mason jar is suspended in a
lantern cage from a shepherd's
hook, above.
Caruth Studio
Build impact by displaying like items

in groups, right. Character comes
from similarity, not an exact match.
Add a giggle to your garden by
covering an outdoor pendant with a
dinged-up colander, bottom left.
A vintage egg basket fitted with a
screw-on light cord set, makes an
easy rustic pendant, bottom right.
Turn the basket upside down, place
candles inside Mason jars, place
moss around the jars and hang from
the handle, opposite, top left.
Photo by Mark Lohman; Styling by Sunday Hendrickson
Convert any old electrical chandelier

into a candle-burning fixture with
votive inserts, above.
If you find a fabulous vintage fixture

from a church or town hall, have
it rewired for safe outdoor use,
opposite, bottom left.
Rosa 'Bobbie James' grows through
a walnut tree above a dangling
wooden lantern, opposite, right.
Photos: Caruth Studio
A Chinese paper lantern is lit by

morning sun in the garden, opposite,
center left.
The suspense Dangle light fixtures

over tables or seating under a pergola,
or from high in tree branches.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
GAP Photos/Manuela Goehner
Photo by Jennifer Cheung; Styling by Sunday Hendrickson
GAP Photos/Visions
Caruth Studio
Place lighting fixtures wherever

you and your guests gather to
dine or chat. Line path with
luminaria to guide visitors.
Bit of spark Add sparkle to an
evening of food or conversation with the

flicker of candlelight.
get the
look
Drill sections of
birch logs with
a door-knob
drill bit. Insert
candles in a
matching size.
Photos left and right: GAP Photos/Friedrich Strauss
GAP Photos/Pernilla Bergdahl
Feed Pan
Chandelier
WHAT YOU NEED:
Vintage metal feed pan
Chain
S-hooks
Key ring
GAP Photos/Christa Brand
Drill
Damp moss
Pillar candles
Shepherd's hook or plant hanger
Flower blooms (optional)
A simple yet effective lighting

solution, candles in glass
clamp-top jars hang from birch
branches in a pot filled with
salvia, opposite, top left.
Drill three holes equidistantly around the

rim of the feed pan lip. Insert small s-hooks.
Attach the hooks to three equal lengths of chain
and gather the chains together on a key ring.
A red Moroccan-style lantern

pops against a bright blue
wooden table. Paired with
colorful woven pillows on
a chunky wooden bench it
creates global-style patio decor,
opposite, center left.
Caruth Studio
Roses and chamomile flowers

float amid candles in a waterfilled grey ceramic bowl,
opposite, bottom left.
Hang the ring from a sturdy hook. Place a

grouping of pillar candles in various sizes in the
pan. Fill the pan with moss around candles to
hold them in place. Add flowers that match your
decor for a fresh touch.
Candle holders made from birch

branches create an eye-catching
table centerpiece, opposite,
right.
Elegant taper candles in crystal
candlesticks and peonies in tall
glass vases add height to a table
set for tea on a patio set next to
a planting of boxwood, peonies,
and roses, top.
Lanterns and votives illuminate

a painted bench surrounded
by container plantings of
Leucanthemum superbum
'Daisy May', Agapanthus,
Asarina Lophos 'Summer Cream'
and Petunia Bingo 'Perfectunia
White,' right.
An antique farm feed pan

becomes an instant party
chandelier, above right.
J
Contained Connections
Potted plants on the porch make all

the differencethey help to blend
the house with the garden. Here, a
combination of hanging and tabletop
containers keeps things fresh.
Rescue dogs Bernie and Baxter,

as well as rescued flea market
treasures, warmly greet visitors
to the Collins porch.
written by Charlotte Safavi photos by Mark Lohman

styling by Sunday Hendrickson
SIMPLE
Pleasures
An Arkansas homeowner
creates a porch for watching
the world go by.
just love our cottage, says Cathy
color combination with the yellow and white, and
Collins of the sunny yellow cottage
a traditional choice in the south for many reasons:
with crisp white trim that she shares
Some think the blue expands the space by mimicking
with her husband Jeff in Eureka
the sky, others in the past believed it warded off evil
Springs, Arkansas. Cathy loves the home so much
spirits, while many thought the color kept wasps and
that shes even given it a nameHilltop Cottagealso
spiders from nesting.
a favored place for Shih Tzu Bernie and part Shih Tzu
and Bishon Baxter, the familys rescue dogs.
Cathy and Jeff have furnished the porch for easy,

comfortable living, with white wicker furniture, a
The cottage was once a restaurant in the 1950s,
swing for two, and various vintage and antique finds.
though its hard to imagine it bustling with crowds.
I love to collect unique pieces for the home. I go
Cathy and Jeff have now adopted it, and especially its
to flea markets almost every weekend, says Cathy
charming front porch, as their quiet place.
of her hobby. Sometimes, a piece just calls out your
Its our respite from the stresses of the real world,

says Cathy, who pauses and then adds, The porch is
our little piece of heaven.
The porch looked bare and uninviting before it was

embellished with vintage accents and pretty linens, top.
Adorable Bernie, the family's beloved rescue Shih Tzu,
claims a cozy spot on the porch swing, above.
The porch ceiling is painted light blue, a perfect
name and there it is! Other times, you have to search

and maybe dig into an old box or look in a drawer to find
it. The search is great, but the best part is to incorporate
the new find into your home. Thats really fun.
Cathy has made good use of her flea market treasures
on the front porch, which is set up so that she never
needs to go back and forth into the cottage once
ensconced in a comfortable wicker chair. There is a
mounted vintage shelving unit stacked with dishes and
cutlery for impromptu entertaining; a tin container
that stores spare throws and pillows; and a repurposed
cabinet that holds candles, cards, and board games for
leisurely evenings outside.
Its almost always cool there, adds Cathy of the
hillside porch, the perfect place to porch sit, a favorite
pastime around here. You just call up a friend and say
come on over, have a drink and sit a spell.
A salvaged stained glass serves as an artful wall hanging in

front of a window to the house, above. A vintage picnic
basket doubles as a potted plant holder, above right. The
Collinses keep a variety of glasses, dishes, flatware, and
linens ready for use on this old shelving unit, right. A glassfront cabinet displays decorative items on the top shelves
next to the swing, opposite top. Less frequently used items
are stored below. A large tin canister can hold so many
things. The graphics and color on this one stand out, jazzing
up the soft blue-and-yellow palette with a pop of red and
ochre, opposite bottom.
get the
look
Wrap a vintage
striped sheet
over a seat
cushion. Pair
it with toile
pillows.
$
The traditional
ceiling color on the
porch is light blue,
like the sky. Its
very restful.
OLD
TOWNE
A self-taught
gardener relies on
passion and interior
design training in her
Old Towne Orange,
California, garden.
Style
written by Deb Wiley

photos by Mark Lohman
styling by Sunday Hendrickson
hen Jeri Cunningham

bought her 1916 Craftsman
bungalow 23 years ago
in the historic Old Towne
area of Orange, California, there was a

Fuerte avocado tree planted in back by the
original owner but very little else in the yard.
That was fine with Jeri, an interior designer
and real estate agent, who loves, loves
flowers and favors a design approach she
calls European country.
It has a flair to it but not a bunch of
tchotchkes, she says. Designing a flower
garden is like designing a room: It has to have
a focal point, color, comfort and accessories.
Over time, she filled the yard with cottage
garden favorites such as David Austin English
roses, foxgloves, and sweet peas. With its
flowers and cottage-style decorating touches,
the yard feels like another room of the house.
This is a vintage house and it needs a vintage
landscape, she says. A landscape should
complement your house.
The base of a white vintage iron flower

stand rests near a flea-market find statue
of a curtseying girl, above.
Blue mophead hydrangeas bring a
lush and romantic atmosphere to the
cottage-style garden, right.
A white iron baby crib gets new life
as a comfy daybed, opposite. Covered
with weather-resistant outdoor fabric,
the mattress and pillows can withstand
some of the elements.
Photo courtesy of provenwinners.com
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
A 5-foot fence defines the back yard with

12-inch-wide redwood boards sporting white
peeling paint and a different pattern cut on
An old metal gate becomes

a trellis against the fence and
provides a lush backdrop for
the charming birdbath.
the tops of each side.

Jeri carefully blends treasured vintage
pieces with inexpensive new items, repeating
colors and patterns throughout the garden.
Pinks and blues, with a few soft yellows here
and there make it easy on the eyes.
The plantings give the landscape a lush look
but simplicity rules. Jeri uses color to outline
the landscape but uses decoration sparingly.
Curving garden beds balance the rigid,
asymmetrical lines of the bungalow. Nothing
sweet heart) who painted every wall in her
stays the same. I change my house rooms and
house beige in case she would sell it someday.
I do that in the garden, too, she says.
Fifty years later, when we were moving her
To create the ever-changing look keeps

Jeris creative juices going. Although she
earned a B.A. degree in interior design from
to a nursing home, the walls were still beige,

Jeri says. Im never going to live like that.
In her comfortable Old Towne home with
a local college, Im self-taught on gardening,
its surrounding beauty, Jeri says her guiding
Jeri says. Im creative, and its so important
philosophy is always to choose easy.
to enjoy your passion.

She uses the color wheel when she teaches
classes on garden or interior design and likes
to tell the story about her mother (bless her
You need to make easy choices, she

says. Listen to the whispers or they become
shouts.
Mick Scott, Jeris

son-in-law, handcrafts
cedar planters and
garden decor. He
created the oversize
obelisk to fill a spot
where a tree was
removed, above.
A vintage sampler
from Jeris collection
adorns one of the
homes two front
doors, opposite left.
The soft-green paint
on the house is
accented with cream.
The raspberry color
of the detail trim was
inspired by the hues
of a rose, opposite
right.
style guide
Blending vintage pieces
with new items saves
money while preserving
the look. Never pass up
something that works. If
you see something you
love, just get it, Jeri says.
The pots are new but the iron

chair holding a pot through
a rusted-out seat is old.
The side window of The Hollyhock

House, her potting shed, gives Jeri a
garden view, left.
Adding metal items with the weathered
patina of white paint automatically
lends a vintage look, bottom left.
Jeri collects iron flower frogs to serve
as holders for vintage seed packets,
bottom right.
Crafting a vignette in the garden is
as simple as grouping together pretty
plants and using a focal point (here, the
chair) to draw the eye to them, opposite.
Photo courtesy of provenwinners.com
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Add an elegant finishing touch

to your garden with decorative
planters that are large enough
to accommodate shrubs.
A grouping of pots demonstrates the

value of plant color and texture that Jeri
employs through the garden, left.
A vintage wooden box holds ferns
and ivy in summer, but may get a side
dressing of ornaments for Christmas,
baby pumpkins in fall, and plastic eggs
for Easter, below left. The frog figurine
is a memento from Jeris mother.
A vintage birdcage purchased 25 years
ago at a swap meet dangles from a
hexagonal metal gazebo, below, that
Jeri loves because it looks like its
growing in the garden. The ribbons
were among decorations for Jeris
daughters wedding in the garden.
Make new
containers out
of old vessels.
Anything that
will hold soil is
fair game for
planting.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Old washtubs work remarkably

well in the garden. The weatherresistant basins can serve as
containers or outdoor sinks.
Martha
Washington
geraniums,
fuchsias,
bacopa, ivy,
and Kong
coleus are
some of
Jeris favored
container
annuals.
J
Improve Character
Add unique features, like French

doors, to jazz up a kit structure. Kate,
the eldest grandchild, peeks out. To
her right, Ann planted white wisteria
to train up the side of the shed.
Built To
A potting shed gets the

cottage upgrade with a little
DIY and a lot of TLC.
ORDER
written by Charlotte Safavi photos and styling by Mark Lohman
I had so many garden-related things that I wanted a place

to put them, recalls avid gardener, Ann Dare, who lives in
Layton, Utah, with her husband Jesse.
The potting shed Ann had in mind was a charming
cottage where she could work or relax, alone or with Jesse
and their three grandkids. She also would furnish it like a
home and keep her garden collectibles inside.
Mixed in with her

gardening library, Ann
keeps scrapbooks for
her pressed flowers,
yet another gardenrelated hobby, above.
Zinnias, blackeyed Susans, and
coneflowerseasy-grow
cottage favorites offer
a riot of color outside
the shed, opposite.
The Dares picked up a DIY shed kit from

Home Depot and set about upgrading it
right away with paned windows all around
and a pair of entry French doors, as well as
a brand-new roof that looked more homey
than the kit version.
On the inside, we covered the 2-by4 plywood walls with cottage-style
beadboard, says Ann. We also sanded
the floors, which we felt we could use, then
style guide
Deep aqua walls in textural

beaded board provide a
vivid backdrop for white
furnishings and shelving.
The color also creates
a uniform ground for a
variety of collectibles.
stained and varnished them to look good.

The revamped potting shed was painted
both inside and out in sage and teal, with
crisp white trim. Ann then repurposed
furniture: a table and chairs from her
basement, an old bookcase from a thrift
store, and more. Jesse built display
shelving and a freestanding potting stand,
with plenty of storage beneath. The shelves
now hold Anns collections.
I use it in all seasons, says Ann of
her special shed retreat. I go out there
to read books, to cut flowers, to relax. My
grandkids love going there at night. We
light up the candles. Its so pretty.
I wanted a place to keep

and spend time,
Though small, the upgraded

potting shed packs plenty
of cottage charm inside.
In addition to being fully
furnished, there is plenty of
room to display collections,
including Anns watering
cans on the upper shelf.
the gardening things I love, a place to sit

as well as a place to pot flowers.
J
Personal Touch
Furnish your personal retreat with

mementos and collections that speak
to your love of gardening, such as
old tools, natural elements, and
framed photographs.
The chandelier adds a romantic touch.

Candles are lit at night for a soft light, above.
A wooden tool caddy keeps tools in daily
use tidy and at hand, above right.
Garden stakes and bunched twine are
always handy in a potting shed, right. Ann
grows fresh herbs in her cottage garden
flowerbed just outside the sheds French
doors.
Boots for everyone, and all ages, stand
ready for use in the garden, below.
Though Ann dedicated this corner to her
vintage tools, opposite, tools she uses hang
on hooks or sit in an aluminum container.
Get the
Cottage Look
Cottage style is always warm, casual, and

unpretentious. Create a welcoming atmosphere
with a charming mix of flea-market finds,
antiques, and calming colors.
Furnish for comfort. Look for beckoning

vintage pieces, such as an old wicker set, that
recall long days on the porch or lolling on
a chaise under a tree. A quick recovering of
cushions and a fresh coat of paint can revive
all but the most dilapidated furnishings.
Accent with charm. If you love to

frequent tag sales, antique shops, and flea
markets, the cottage look is perfect for you
because peeling paint, rust, and vintage patina
are all part of this style's appeal.
Add flora. The plants you select are just

as important as the furnishings. Set the scene
with shade-lovers such as ferns, hostas, and
houseplants and add in cottage favorites like
hydrangeas, impatiens, and petunias.
Jesse spray-painted the ceiling beams
white for a fresh cottage look. Ann hangs
chandeliers, lanterns, and even a birdcage
from the rafters, top left.
Mason jars filled with natural curiosities
sit atop a shelf, top right.
Every inch of space is used, right. A white
bookcase holds Anns gardening books,
while a wicker reading chair sits nearby.
Adding bamboo blinds

makes the potting shed
look like a cozy cottage.
Collections sit on the
hanging shelves, while an
antique hurricane lamp
and a vintage wooden
container sit on the
freestanding unit.
J
Seasonal Swap
Treat your private space like the

favorite rooms of your home. Swap
out accents for seasonal updates
in spring, summer, and fall to keep
things interesting!
A Painterly
J
Privacy, Please
Hanging an antique mirror porch-side

is a great way to add a little privacy,
without blocking light. Plus its pretty.
TOUCH
A Florida porch charms

the old-fashioned way.
photos by Mark Lohman styling by Fifi O'Neill
Assorted vintage pillows from yard sales and flea markets make the porch a cozy, warm and
welcoming spot. A carpet grounds the seating area, opposite. Juanita collects rose-printed china.
A thrift shop pitcher filled with flowers sits atop a crocheted tablecloth nabbed for $5 at a yard
sale, above left. This toile tray is part of another of Juanita's prized collections, above right.
hen retirees Juanita and Wilfred
the community, says Juanita, who set about
Erazo bought their 1925 beach
working her decorating charm on the porch.
cottage in Sarasota, Florida, the
The porch became an important part of the
porch was empty and the yard was sand.

We always loved gardens, says Juanita.
outdoors before long, with vintage wicker, old

pillows, and antique linens. Though Juanita
Nature is so inspirational, and we wanted to
had brought the big pieces from her old house
be surrounded with greenery and flowers.
in Brooklyn, most of the accents were found
The couple consulted with local landscaper
at local flea markets, thrift stores, and yard
Jane Lees, who laid down the foundation for
sales. The couple also added miscellaneous
a colorful blooming yard, with crape myrtles,
outdoor accessories to the garden, creating
flax lilies, gardenias, hibiscus, and more.
vignettes, nooks, and destinations.
The Erazos use their green thumbs to fill the
The porch has become a gathering place,
potted plants and window boxes with colorful
adds Juanita. Its a place we use all the time
annuals, such as begonias or geraniums.
when were alone for coffee or lunch, but its
We also wanted a place that put a smile
also a place where we visit with our friends
on the faces of passersby, a place for the
and family, as well as neighbors. Its a no-
neighborhood to enjoy, for us to be a part of
invitation, always welcome kind of place.
The iron star beneath the eaves was added to the cottage when the couple moved in. Wilfred painted
the door a happy yellow, below left. Juanitas sister gave her this vintage pillow when she moved into
the house, below right. Juanita is always on the lookout for seating options when shopping yard
sales. This wrought-iron settee does the trick, plus it has nice curlicue details, opposite. Birdhouses
are another collectible that the couple keeps an eye out for wherever they go, opposite bottom.
I like to create seating

throughout the garden,
so we can take a break when
working. Its a place to
sit and talk.
J
Need a Lift?
Work with one material to create

a powerful garden niche by mixing
heights, shapes, and functions. Here,
a stone planter, statue, and birdbath
sit atop slabs of stone.
Juanita set the cupid garden statue on a stone slab to give it a lift. The small birdbath is filled with
pretty beach glass, opposite. The brick garden path winds along the side of the house and is
bordered by arboricola, hibiscus, tie plants, flax lilies, and more, below left. Wilfred painted this
birdhouse from Michaels a vivid blue to stand out amid the flora and greenery, below. Though the
birdbath is from Home Depot, the pots below brimming with flowers are flea market finds, bottom.
Vintage
photos by Kritsada
styling by Sandra S. Soria
TREASURE
Take a few decorating tips from a stylist who lives
with laid-back farmhouse looks everyday.
At the end of the long white-gravel lane leading to the

home of style expert/home editor Sandra Soria, youll
find her two-story, white-with-green-shutters, centuryold farmhouse. The front porch, decked out in farmfriendly furnishings, has everything you need to sit
back, iced tea in hand, to watch the events of the day:
the billowy white clouds moving leisurely across the blue
summer sky. The patina of well-worn (and well loved)
furnishings fits together like hand in glove: painted
tables and cupboards, washed linens, vintage metal
chairs, and a collection of green and blue glass oil lamps.
A new all-weather porch swing plumped up with pillows
offers a comfy seat suspended in air. Porch living is
nothing but fine when the furnishings are so laid back.
Like Sandra, you can set the scene for easy summer
entertaining with fantastic finds from barn lofts,
basements, auctions, and flea markets. Here are some
Stay-awhile style
characterizes this comfy
farmhouse porch. A kickback-comfy seating area
balances a dining zone at
the opposite end.
of her farm-fresh tips:
Update with color. I tend to fall for the fresh

country lookto me that means familiar shapes
Mix and match vintage

tables, chairs, benches,
and linens to create an
eclectic and memorable
outdoor dining area. Add
sparkle with a chandelier.
Vintage metal
chairs make
easy seating
around an
adaptable
drop-leaf table.
A wood chair
and bench
complete the set.
$
A cupboard
on the
porch keeps
everything
at hand for
entertaining:
dinnerware,
checkered
tablecloths,
and napkins.
infused with bright color. Color is the perfect update. Color

refamiliarizes things. On the porch I use turquoise, soft greens,
natural browns, and a pop of orange: They are cleaner, clearer
colors, more friendly and more open.
Add dashes of white. I like color leavened with white

so the shape of things comes through. Im not a big pattern
person. I like things more clean and serene.
Go for galvanized. My idea of fresh farmhouse style is

using things fresh from the barn. I use a lot of galvanized items
because it is such an iconic country material but it can come off
as modern and clean. I love the shape of watering cans, wash
stands, and tubs. Theyre such humble pieces but designed with
beauty. And they're easily repurposed.
Get twice the tabletop. Use drop-leaf or gate-leg

tablesthey can be trim and intimate or opened up for
gatherings. The best pieces for a small porch are flexible ones.
A glass of lemonade, a soft breeze,

and a porch swing are ingredients
for a guaranteed relaxation recipe,
top left.
Keeping to a color theme of aqua
and green makes collecting easy,
top right.
Casual summer elegance is easy:
Toss a pillow onto a chair, clip some
hydrangeas from the garden, and
arrange in a watering can, above.
Summer
CELEBRATIONS
Add vintage looks to your seasonal soirees.
Wrap colorful
pom-pom-edged
fabrics around chair
backs, add cushions
and a tablecloth in
coordinating and jazzy
hues, and finish with
a handmade doily
runner. Dangle festive
decorations from trees.
Place drinks in a jaunty
carrier so that it's an
easy task to take refills
to your guests, opposite.

photos by Simon Scarboro/Country Homes
& Interiors/timeincukcontent.com
get the
look
For fab signage,

cover masonite
with chalkboard
paint and fit
in an ornate
vintage frame.
Like a stall at an old-timey summer fair, this vintage chest of drawers gives a stylish
welcome to guests, this photo. It's also a great spot to store extra supplies. Offer party
favors tied up in pretty pinked squares of floral fabric, opposite top. Give old flatware
an update with vibrant paint sprayed onto the handles, opposite, bottom left. Bunches of
cut flowers in ribbon-tied jars add to the festival feel, opposite, bottom right.
atios, lawns, or pergolas, wherever you choose

to host an alfresco party, only a small amount
of effort is required to brilliantly set the stage
for your gathering.

A simple menu for outdoor fare is best: inventive drinks
with fanciful edible garnishes, a decorative dispenser, easy
nibbles, plus a sweet treat or two combine for a delightful
meal. Be sure guests have easy access for refills.
Place the main event for your party in a comfy-cool
location out of direct sun. Provide cushions for chairs to
invite guests to linger. Remember to have enough side
tables around seating for setting drinks and trays of food.
The best part of a simple soiree? With everything in
placeand decidedly stylishyou'll have plenty of time to
savor the party alongside everyone else.
Roll up a paper doily to make a cone

for sweet treats. Secure it by sewing on
a pair of patterned fabric ribbons and a
colorful button in a contrasting hue.
J
Color Connection
Use brightly colored fabrics to

tie together different activity zones
for your gathering. Drape tables in
seating areas and plump up chairs
with patterned pillows.
Hang vintage frames in various sizes and shapes from tree branches for your photo
booth, opposite top left. Set up a table with a camera so guests can take their own photos,
opposite top right. Fill a cone with ice cream, kept cold in a champagne cooler, at this outof-the-sun station, opposite, bottom left. Provide a shady spot a little bit away from the
excitement for quiet conversation. Decorate in harmony with your party, this photo.
English
ROMANCE
Soft and dreamy, a small garden in California

feels a bit like England.
Written by Deb Wiley
Photos by Mark Lohman
A reproduction of a turnof-the-century French

iron bench anchors a
floral vignette of pastel
colors. Most pastels
tend to mix, says owner
and designer Diane
von Gerichten.
he house and its tiny yard were simple. When

Diane and Robert Von Gerichten moved into
their 1907 gothic farmhouse-style home in
I wanted it to smile, says Diane. It provides privacy,

but its not affrontive.
Diane used a garden hose to lay out the design on an
the historic district of Old Towne, Orange, California, 16
irregular space. She chose a series of curves to convey a
years ago, it needed embellishment. Diane, an interior
sense of discovery and mystery. There are no straight
and garden designer, saw a blank slate on which to create
angles anywhere in our garden because I wanted it to
a romantic, inviting, and comfortable space that serves
look natural, like it just evolved, she says. Its soft and
as a tribute both to her English mother and her love of an
romantic. There are curves in the landscape of the garden
old-fashioned cottage garden style. The back yard is quite
to fool you from knowing where the parameters are.
small, says Diane. I would call it a little jewel box.

One of the first things the Von Gerichtens did after
buying the house was to erect a 6-foot fence with arched
gates and a rose arbor. The custom design features a series
of curved inverted arches.
The result is a soft, informal look that seems organic but

was well planned. I like to create vignettes in our garden
so each area develops its own character, says Diane.
A small yard like this comes with its own challenges
and advantages. Design work is a series of compromises,
An undulating white
picket fence and rose
bedecked archway
define the front entry
to the Von Gerichten
home, opposite.
'Iceberg', climbing
rose adorns the entry
arbor, above left.
A dramatic Weeping
China Doll rose
beautifully frames
a birdhouse, above
right.
Diane is careful
about color choices
in her garden beds. I
avoid using red in our
garden because red
doesnt play well with
others, Diane says.
Instead, she selects
what she calls lively
pastels with only an
occasional addition
of saturated bloom
colors, such as pots of
gold gloriosa daisies
in season, left.
Outdoor dining appeals

to all the senses when
surrounded by garden
delights. For larger-scale
entertaining, Diane creates
multiple small gathering
spaces instead of using
one large table.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Bring romance to backyard

soirees with lace tablecloths,
crystal candlesticks and lighting
fixtures, and silver flatware.
Its soft and romantic. There are curves

in the landscape of the garden to fool you from
knowing where the parameters are.
Diane says. A gardeners vision is weighed against the

available time, money, and garden conditions.
But there is good news, too: Its more affordable to trick
out every nook and cranny, Diane says. You can make it
look fuller faster.
Its a technique Diane uses inside her home and out.
Everywhere you look, theres something to capture your
interest. I love to fill a garden with real antiquities or good
reproductions. The 9-foot-high wrought-iron gazebo
sports a flea market chandelier; a decorative metal table
and chairs exhibits flower-themed place settings on the
patio, and a white iron bench beckons in a floral bower.
The casual, bloom-happy style makes Diane and Robert
feel at home. I grew up with an appreciation of flowers
and nature, she says.
Floral-themed dinnerware and cranberry-colored glasses

extend the color palette to the table, above.
A vintage plate becomes a work of art when placed inside an
oval frame, left. The windowbox brims with pastel blooms.
style guide
In a tiny rectangular yard,
go curvy. Using rounded
edges, especially in the
hardscaping, directs the
eye and gives the space
a sense of mystery and
enticement.
There are no straight edges

in our garden because I wanted it to look
natural, like it just evolved.
Bring color into the air with vines or climbing roses such as
Berries N Cream. The trellis repeats the lines of the windows,
but other edges in the garden are curved, including the bird
bath, opposite.
A garden house at the back of the property is part storage
shed, part potting shed, above. Formerly stucco, it was
renovated with wood siding to match the 1907 house in style
and color. This view shows the white gazebo and table seen on
the last page, demonstrating the small size of the garden.
A sweetheart gate hides a storage area from view next to a
tiny pond with an antique art nouveau fountain. The gothic
arch of an old church window creates a unique backdrop, left.
Make your
All images: GAP Photos
Fashion plant labels that

add character and info to
your garden all at once.
MARK
Knowing what youve planted where is essential to caring

for your plants and identifying seedlings. And you'll finally be
able to answer immediately those questions from inquisitive visitors: What is
that gorgeous pink flower? Which variety of lavender do you grow? Provide
that much-needed information and bring some individuality to your beds and
containers at the same time with easy-to-make plant I.D. tags you assemble
using recycled items, household utensils, leftover materials, and found objects.
Create a label for a crate of

herbs using lettered metal plates,
opposite left. Knot each plate
onto jute twine, spacing the
letters equally. Tie onto small
nails tapped into the top edge.
Write plant names in permanent
marker onto inexpensive wood
spoons and tuck into the garden,
opposite right.
Using a paint pen, write IDs on
smooth river rocks, above left.
Make unique labels by writing
names on willow branch
cuttings, above right.
stamp it
Paint stir-sticks offer a free surface for plant ID tags. Paint the sticks, let dry, then
either use stamps and ink or stencils and paint to add names to the sticks, top left.
The painted surface will make the sticks last longer in moist earth. Using small pieces
of wood, parts of a garden cane, and string, you can make easy-to-spot plant labels
that rise above the foliage, left. Stamp the plant name onto the block of wood, place
it at a right angle to the cane, and loop string over and around the block and cane in a
crossing pattern. Knot the string to secure. Give clothespins a new chore, above. Stamp
the name of the plant onto the side of a clothespin and snap it on the rim of a planted
terracotta pot for a quick ID.
USE A VINTAGE STAMP KIT to create inventive and

attractive lables. Start with a bunch of wood popsicle
sticks or tongue depressors. Paint them in pretty
pastel shades, above left and left.
INK THE STAMPS and press each letter individually
onto the sticks to spell out the plant names, above.
Don't worry about being precisethe uneven
lettering will give the tags a vintage character.
GAP Photos
GAP Photos
write it
GAP Photos/Christina Bollen
If you're a wine lover, you can accumulate a good supply of used

corks. Put them to work in the garden by writing plant names up the
sides, pushing kebab sticks into the bottoms of the corks, and placing
the sticks into the soil, top left. Get creative with small terracotta pots,
center left. Mask off the pot bottom and spray the rim with chalkboard
paint. Let dry, season the surface with chalk, plant the pot, and chalk
the plant name on the rim. Use a broken pot and paint pen to identify
plants in borders, bottom left. Paint river rocks with black paint.
When dry, write IDs on the rocks with a paint pen, above.
Foil Plant Tags

1. GATHER YOUR MATERIALS: Aluminum foil tape,
scissors, pencil, plastic forks.
2. MEASURE STRIPS and mark them evenly on
the foil tape. Cut the pieces out with scissors. Be
careful to avoid sharp edges.
3. FOLD EACH STRIP in half end to end.
4. WITH A SHARP PENCIL write the plant names
on the foil strips, pressing to get a good impression.
If you want something more decorative, add a
pattern around the border of the strip.
5. IF YOUR TAPE has a backing on it, remove the
backing a strip at a time as you complete each tag.
6. FOLD EACH STRIP around the end of the handle
of a plastic fork and press sides together to adhere.
Place the utensil end of the labeled fork into the
soil of a container or garden bed.
PERK-UPS
Add pizzazz to your porch with these simple decorating ideas.

Rocking chairs and a porch swing are delightful in their simplicity. But we're
here to tell youand show youthat kicking back can be easily kicked up a
notch. Think of the porch as an extension of your home and your visitors' first
Use color. Bright and
vivid hues make a porch
cheerful and welcoming.
Inject color with
furnishings like the vibrant
blue settee, above left,
or the multi-hued table
and chairs, above right.
Choose paintable furniture
for easy color scheme
changes. A quick brush
with a fresh color, and,
voila, a whole new look.
Don't forget to paint floors
and ceilings, especially
woodthey're ideal places
to add color on the porch.
impression and you're on your way.

The beauty of a relaxed porch is that it doesn't have to cost a lot of money to
do it up right. Look in your home, attic, or basement for furnishings that are
past their prime. Jazz them up in a fresh coat of paint, add some pretty textiles
and they'll have a whole new attitude. Put the word out to family and friends
that you're looking for freebies. Walk the neighborhood on big-trash days.
The casual attitude of the porch is the perfect place for the imperfect.
Chipped and cracked bowls or mugs and dented accent furniture are welcome
here. You'll find your repurposed furnishings will work like a charm.
Photos this page by Mark Lohman; Styling by Sunday Hendrickson
Porch
Add attractive storage

Unless you plan to run
into the house whenever
you need something,
include some appealing
storage options on the
porch, such as this
weathered armoire. Use it
to hold reading materials,
extra pillows, throws,
and basic drink supplies
and dinnerware.
Don't forget playtime.

Plan your porch with an
eye toward the type of
entertainment your family
enjoys. If you love card
games, jigsaw puzzles, or
crafting, add a table or
bench and several chairs,
right. For reading or
listening to music, a chaise
might be just the thing.
Set up an impromptu
beverage cooler with
some ice and drinks in a
vintage urn, far right.
Furnish your porch, as you

do the other rooms of your
home, to suit the way you
use it, left. Create a living
room for porch sitting, for
example, with coordinated
(but not matching) seating.
Include accent pillows for
color and comfort and
toss in a throw for cooler
weather or evening chills.
Place a side table near
chairs and a central piece
for a cocktail table. Include
a few decorative accents for
visual interest, above.
Photos left and far left by Robert M. Peacock
Photo by Mark Lohman; Styling by Fifi O'Neill
Photo by Mark Lohman; Styling by Fifi O'Neill
Open-air
porches
Collect what speaks to you. If you love it,

it will fit into anything you do.
Dress your swing
Soften the edges. Place a thick cushion on the

seat, plump with pretty pillows, and drape with a
throw. If it's practical, surround your swinging perch
with gauzy curtains for privacy options, right.
Disguise the hardware. Hide a necessary evil

with a decorative wrap of colorful fabric streamers
tied to the chain from ceiling to armrests, far right.
Photos by Mark Lohman; Styling by Fifi O'Neill
A porch swing is an icon of kick-back summer

hospitality, above. Whether wood, wicker, or metal,
you can make your porch swing inviting and appealing
with these ideas.
Screened-in
porches
Mix pattern with abandon on the porch for a lively

look. You'll get the best results by choosing a group
of fabrics that share a color palette or common
hue, above. You can also opt for fabrics that share
a theme or motif, left. For a varied look, make sure
your choices include large and small prints, plaids,
stripes, or checks, and a solid or two.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
An old step stool or stepladder

makes a quirky, yet practical,
shelf or side table that offers
multiple levels for display.
Employ neutrals for a flexible decorating scheme.

If you want a porch that can be redecorated seasonally,
or even on a whim, choose an envelope of neutral walls,
floor, and ceiling, and large furniture pieces in neutrals,
as well. Add color through pillows, rugs, and small
accent furnishings and accessories.
Get inspired. Let a favorite

work of art, plant, textile,
or collection chart your
porch decor route, below.
In this instance, right, a
group of Sunday paintings
suggest a tree of roses in
a pink, green, and yellow
palette. Those colors find
their way into the painted
ceiling, the floral tablecloth,
accessories, and even in
the vintage toile chandelier.
Even the metal chairs and
shelving get into the act
with their swirling designs.
Mismatch with harmony.

Porches often seem
to be the final resting
place for hand-medown furnishings and
rehabbed finds. Marry
your disparate decorating
elements with a similar
fabric type or hue. Here,
custom cushions and
pillows are primarily
made from old grain sack
fabrics in neutral colors or
chintzy linens with floral
motifs, left. What bold
color there is comes from
the hues in the fabrics.
1{
Easy steps to
porch style
Start your decor with what you have and
choose a color scheme that works with the
color of your home. For the rest, the process
can be broken down into five basic steps.
KNOW YOUR STYLE Before

you begin, figure out what kind of
design suits you best. Do you lean toward

midcentury modern or is a cottage look
more your style? Would you rather have
a country farmhouse vibe or retro kitsch?
If you're not sure, look through books,
magazines, and websites to help you define
your preferences.
PLACE IT WELL Create intimate

groupings of furnishings that invite
guests to linger. Gather sofas, chairs, and

swings into conversation groups around a
central table and ideally beneath a ceiling
fan. Ground the area with a rug. If you have
the space, set up another area for dining
with table, chairs, and a cupboard under a
chandelier.
LIGHT IT RIGHT To help you
2{
determine the best areas for dining,
lounging, or working, know what your

options are for lighting your space. If you
can, wire in some overhead lighting, expand
possibilities with strings of bistro lights, or
set table lamps on surfaces for task lighting.
KEEP IT COZY Think first and

foremost about comfort. Include the
softest and most plush linens, cushions,

and pillows that you can. Worn fabrics and
an ottoman or two for putting your feet up

while reading or napping. Hang weighted
curtains that you can pull for privacy.
POPULATE WITH PLANTS

Nothing will tie your porch to your yard
as quickly as a plethora of plants. Fill an

etagere with shade-loving annuals or bonsai
and a large urn with a billowing hydrangea.
Hang ferns from hooks above railings. Place
a few tall houseplants like potted palms or
ficus around a seating area. Line potted
plants on the steps up to the porch.
some throws for evening relaxation and
Photo by John Ellis, www.johnellis.com; Styling by Sunday Hendrickson
finishes are okay hereeven welcome. Add
5{
Photo by Mark Lohman;

Photo by Mark Lohman; Styling by Sunday Hendrickson
Photo by Mark Lohman;

Styling by Fifi O'Neill
3{
4{
Heirlooms and thrifty finds make

for a memorable family garden.
HOME
on the
photos by Jerry Pavia
Range
A newer wicker set
provides comfortable
seating on the porch
for enjoying the lush
garden and yard art.
get the
look
Create a color
block with a
turquoise ceramic
pot, chartreuse
sweet potato
vine, and fuchsia
coleus.
e retired to this house a few years ago to be

closer to our grandchildren, says Ann Edwards
of the charming home and garden she shares in
Spokane, Washington, with her husband Gary. Although there was

an existing basic backyard layout, Ann wanted to redo the porch
and garden to better reflect her personal style and rich heritage.
I was looking to recreate what I had growing up as a child in
North Carolina, she says. I was influenced by my grandparents and
parents, who got me really interested in gardening when I was only
five years old. They had chickens, rooted plants, grew flowers and
vegetables from seed. I wanted my grandkids to know what is was
like to work in a garden and see the results.
A tin painting of a charming hen, chicks, and rooster provides art on the porch, which is furnished like an extension of the interior,
top left. An antique cupboard picked up at a farm show has cubbies for displaying small flea market finds, top right. The antique
duck decoy came from an estate sale more than thirty years ago, above. Ann picked up this large piece of decorative wicker,
which blends well with her furniture, at a yard sale. She uses it to add a layer of texture to this vignette, opposite.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
An antique washtub and

wringer make a garden focal
point, while doubling as a
planter for a mix of petunias,
snapdragons, and more.
Ann has always been a collector of garden accessories, shopping

flea markets, yard sales, and farm shows; her passion is for old and
vintage items, reusing and repurposing them as yard art. And she
likes to integrate heirlooms into the mix.
I find a spot to put things, says Ann. I call it decorating. Its
using an inexpensive thing or a family piecea lot of which might
otherwise be thrown awayto add interest to the garden or porch.
Ann displays several of these items on her porch, from a wagon
wheel off her country-doctor grandfathers buggy to old-timey
metal toys. She also favors old containers for annuals.
Im always on the lookout for yard art, she adds, of her whimsical
collection. No doubt her grandkids love being home on the range.
An antique cabinet becomes a sideboard when Ann entertains, above. The folk art light fixture overhead incorporates an antique
wagon wheel rim. A friend gave Ann a vintage orchard ladder; birdhouses sit on rungs, below left. This staked wood birdhouse
was a find at a local farmers' market craft booth, below center. Ann collects discarded farm tools. Here, she props a grouping to
create a destination in the yard, below right. A hanging wire basket adds interest and color to a porch nook, opposite.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Displaying rustic heirlooms en

masse draws the eye, like this
plough, as well as the wood
ducks and birdhouse made by
Anns grandfather.
Flea Market
Planters
You can just about use any
item for planting, says Ann
of her passion for flea market
containers. I like to take
something that is usual, that
you see all the time, and to
put it in an unusual garden
setting full of flowers. It adds
interest and catches peoples
attention. She shares a few
favorite planter ideas.
Tote It Planting in a
moveable object, like a wagon

or crate, allows you to move
the planter around to fill in
bleak spots in the yard. Add a
plastic liner to prevent rot in
wood boxes.
Stack It Use
vertical space. Ann stacked
bottomless old beehive boxes.
She then lined the top one
with a screen, put in soil, and
scattered some petunia seeds.
Go Whimsical One
of the ladies in Anns garden
club sold planters her dad had
made. Ann loved them and
popped pansies in their roofs.
Scoop Em Discarded
farm equipment finds new
life as cacti planters mounted
on a wire fence. They drain
easily because they arent
watertight.
Original Art Even an
old galvanized chicken nesting
box finds use as a planter
chez Ann. She pops in little
flowering pots and adds a
crafted wood chicken for
good measure.
Fairy Yard Inspired
by her young granddaughters,
Ann filled an old wheelbarrow
with lush groundcover plants,
such as alyssum and Irish
moss. A miniature fairy house
completes the look.
1{
2{
3{
5{
6{
4{
Curtains shield the back porch from

hot afternoon sunlight. The Kuuses
spent their honeymoon at home,
so they dubbed the porch Veranda
Beach and Christines father made
them a sign to make it official.
A neutral palette
lends a peaceful
feeling to this 1871
homes two porches.
tis a
Gift
to be
SIMPLE
written by Deb Wiley photos by GAP Interiors/Robin Stubbert
Bosc pears in a yellowware bowl

lend a simple yet elegant touch
on the front porch.
hich came first, Christine Kuus 1871 house or her

love of decorating with items from 1870 to 1920?
Definitely the era, she says. Theres something
about the way things were made from wood and
natural fabrics like cotton.

So when she and her husband Bobby found the housea
former window and sash mill in St. George, Ontario23 years

ago, they felt right at home. We knew we would buy an older
home with character, she says. In fact, the front porch is what
drew us to the house.
With its tidy spindles and elaborate posts,
the 6x25-foot front porch is a welcoming
space. But the 12x20-foot back porch,
which Bobby added 12 years ago, gets the
most use. We sit on the porches from May
to October, Christine says. Theyre an
extension of the house. Once the weather
warms up, we cant wait to get out there.
Christines antiques store on the property, The Primitive
Heart, allows her to admire the patina and feel of well-loved,
time-honored pieces such as linens and cottons, as well as
Even Sam, the Kuuses' housecat, blends into the neutral color
scheme, above left.
Vintage linen aprons and towels hang from a peg rack that Christine
crafted from pieces of old wood, top.
The front porch is an asymmetrical entry to the 1871 house. The
wooden window boxes are decorated seasonally, bottom.
A French wooden tray on the back porch holds a whitestone bowl,
balls of string, corbels, a vintage trellis, and a basket of hydrangeas
clipped from a nearby bush, opposite.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Natural materials in neutral

hues combine well. Pair shades
of brown, gray, and off-white
with wood, straw, tin,
and wire.
The front
porch is what drew
us to this house."
Fabric pumpkins made

by Christine blend with
white geraniums, ivy, and
a dainty vintage trellis. The
arrangements are changed
seasonally, top.
The grain sacks adorning
the porches and house
are a mixture of vintage
and replicas that Christine
makes from old textiles.
I come up with pretty
names like Sparrow Hill
and replicate the old feed
sack, she says, bottom.
The front porch boasts a
swing where Christine likes
to read and a bentwood
willow chair, opposite.
natural or painted wood furniture.

Christines decorating style, indoors and out, relies on
primitive pieces in neutral shades. The house is white
clapboard with shutters in pale gray. The porch floors are one
darker shade of gray.
Textiles, including pillows and cushions, are arranged in
a wide range of off-white to buff shades of linen or cotton
plus linen grain sacks, both original and the reproductions
Christine makes. Wood furniture from the period, painted in
pale hues as well as natural wood, complements the look.
The porches tell the story of a simplerperhaps timeless
period with primitive pieces that are both tactile and pretty.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Christine crafts items

from antique textiles to sell
at her shop and online:
picturetrail.com/1871farmhouse
Bring down-home
flavor to your
landscape.
FINESSE
GAP Photos/S & O
Farm tool
Like a piece of
garden sculpture, a
vintage garden roller
becomes a focal
point in the middle
of a grassy lawn,
opposite.
GAP Photos/Christa Brand
Old garden tools

and a horse collar
decorate the wall of
an antique wooden
shed. Petunia
Surfinia fills an
antique pram.
spade is only a spade if you use it as a tool

to dig a hole in the ground. Other than
that, a spade can become an integral part
of your garden's landscape. It can be hung as a

piece of sculptural art on a covered front porch,
be integrated into a picket-style fence, or stand in
a border as a unique totem.
Tools, especially old-fashioned garden tools
think long-handled rakes, short trowels, tin
watering cans, and the likeare often more than
just the sum of their parts. The best thing is that
they are easy to find and inexpensive to buy
at yard sales, farm auctions, and flea markets.
Folks tend to discard them when they are rusted
or dated. To the flea-market gardener, though,
that only adds interest, texture, and character.
Purchase some old tools and they'll repay you for
years with their hardworking good looks in your
own backyard.
Photo by Pete Krumhardt
Photo by Mark Turner; Landscape design by Judy Boxx
GAP Photos/Julia Boulton
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Use fine-leafed foliage to

contrast with the heaviness of
weathered wood and metal
garden and farm tools.
An antique garden fork

becomes a unique trellis
when hung on a wall and
trained with fast-growing
ivy, opposite, top.
Billowing with fuchsia,
an old goat cart becomes
a moveable feast of color
that can be placed in any
bare or dark spot, opposite,
bottom left.
Set amid garden foliage,
a circle of windmill
blades creates a dynamic
decoration, opposite,
bottom right.
A vintage wooden
wheelbarrow stands ready
to plant with summer
flower favorites such
as delphinium, roses,
penstemon, dianthus,
lavender, and nemesia, left.
An ancient gas can and
galvanized roofing get new
life when combined as a
home for feathered friends,
below left.
Caruth Studio
GAP Photos/Juliette Wade
Neolithic in stature, an
old millstone adds weight
to a dry-stacked fence,
below right.
When using farm artifacts in the garden, a little

goes a long way toward creating a bit of whimsy.
Anything can become
a plantereven old
farm machinery. An
old cultivator makes
a unique container for
geraniums and sweet
potato vine.
Photo by Terry Wild Stock Photography, Inc.
Caruth Studio
Nestled into a shady nook amid pink impatiens, a vintage

pump head looks like it's put down roots, left.
Pair a hand plow and wagon wheel against an old
fence. Annual lobelia and daisies marry the pieces to the
landscape, above.
s
FLEA
MARKET FINDS
Old implements and machine

parts often offer the look of
abstract art. Look for pieces
with worn finishes.
An old-fashioned barrel
trolley trades in its
workaday persona for a
filling of vivid annuals,
right. As with all wheeled
containers, it can take its
show on the road.
Low groundcovers around

your tools will help them
blend into the landscape
and appear more like
ornaments than industrial
interlopers, below left.
Photo by Mark Turner; Landscape design by Judy Boxx
Painted in white, an
assemblage of old garden
tools produces an artistic
collage effect, below right.
u
Photos and landscape design by Julie Fiato, redheadcandecorate.com
e It Today
Mak
Can-do Candelabra
Combine a few spare parts,
some adhesive, and pretty
plants for a knockout planter.
I planned on just using the shades for
white-painted candelabra caught her eye.
flower pots. Pretty simple idea, right?
I couldnt believe it, but it was almost as
Julie Fiato of redheadcandecorate.com
Then I realized they needed something
if they were made to fit together. All I had
replaced a broken ceiling fan in her home
to sit on or they looked unfinished and
to do is supply the super glue, she says.
and found herself with a few leftovers she
boring. So, I searched the house. Thats
See how snug they fit together? Like 2
couldnt bear to throw away.
what I do when I need inspiration.
peas in a pod. We couldnt agree more.
Julie explains how it all came together:
When she went into the basement, a
Upcycle

[pbmaPersonality
Evapo-Rust completely removes rust and is:

;bh]^`kZ]Z[e^LZ_^hgLdbgGhg&Mhqb\K^nlZ[e^
Use on: Upcycling Projects, Gardening Gear, Cast Iron Cookware, BBQ Parts & More
Oblbmhnkp^[lbm^mh_bg]Zk^mZbe^kg^Zkrhn
:fZshgAZk[hk?k^b`amMkZ\mhkLniierFhk^
ppp'>O:IH&KNLM'\hf
888.329.9877
5 Rebate
On a Gallon or Larger
Please mail this ticket (or copy), original receipt,

your address, & original UPC to:
Harris International Laboratories, Inc
Attn: Rebates, 2078 Ford Ave, Springdale, AR 72764
FMO SP15

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LOVE YOUR GARDEN: 25 INSTANT STYLE TRICKS

cute plant tags

COUNTRY DECORATING IDEAS #168

Display until June 8, 2015

Best Yard Re-Dos

Shed Retreats Tool Cool

GAP Photos/Victoria Firmston

GAP Photos/Suzie Gibbons

Layers of Garden Finery

A talented artist transforms

Back to the Beach

Worn painted furnishings and flea

Paved floors, perky plants,

Critters in the Garden

Enliven your yard with frolicking

A remade pergola becomes

Sheds: Not Just for

Jazz up these bitty backyard

A charming grotto evolves

Light Your Way

Transform your garden into

Old Towne Style

An Arkansas homeowner creates

FLEA MARKET outdoors 1

A Florida porch charms the

Take a few decorating tips from

Add vintage looks to your seasonal

Soft and dreamy, a small garden in

Make Your Mark

Fashion plant labels that add

Add pizzazz to your porch with

Home on the Range

Tis a Gift to Be Simple

Heirlooms and thrifty finds make

Farm Tool Finesse

Bring down-home flavor to

From the Editor

Outdoor living is the easiest kind of living there is. Surrounding

Wildfire Design, Inc.

Photo Studio Manager

Charlotte Safavi, Debra Steilen, Deb Wiley,

Hannah and Kurtis Kettler, Dave McGuire,

artistry. We hope youre inspired by what you

Debra Wittrup, Editor

Character counts. A handmade

A whimsical patio is decorated with

FLEA MARKET outdoors 3

Photo by Andrea Caughey

GAP Photos/Elke Borkowski, Design by Helen Riches

quotes work well in a cottage garden,

4 FLEA MARKET outdoors

Hand-painted signs add immediate charm to a garden, opposite top. Keep

GAP Photos/Maxine Adcock

GAP Photos/Elke Borkowski

Bowling balls are practically

Creative, affordable garden art doesnt

6 FLEA MARKET outdoors

Photo by Mark Lohman, Styling by Sunday Hendrickson

To paint a bowling ball, give it a