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An Inspired Barnwood Potting Bench

June 2, 2013 by Barb 11 Comments

wildflower bouquet

Yesterday I headed outside, fully intending to cut the grass.

Strangely, though, I found myself over by my new potting bench… it has become a magnet for me.

I think I’ve been dreaming about having a potting bench my whole life, and I’ll tell you how it came about. Last summer I wrote down in my journal that I would have one. Then I pinned a couple ideas, and voila…

potting bench

I’m a firm believer that if you write something down, there’s a better chance of it coming true. There are tons of books written about that theory but for the life of me I can’t remember where I read it first. I think it was Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, or The Artists Way, by Julia Cameron.

Right now I’m reading The Secret, which of course teaches about the law of attraction. But I digress.

potting bench

So, early this spring I was at my favourite little country store which I frequent on a monthly basis. It’s there that I’ve been scooping up rustic, custom-made barnwood benches by the handful… I can’t resist them. Each one is so unique, with different colours of lichen clinging to them.

potting bench

Anyway, I simply asked the owner if the fellow who makes these benches would consider making a potting bench. She replied; not for the shop, but here’s his number. Hmmmm, I was expecting her to take an order or something. But I took it and ran.

After that it was just a series of fortunate events.

I called and asked this fellow if he would consider making one for me. He replied; well, I’ve never even thought of making a potting bench, but here’s what I think: it should be about 5 feet in height, 44-45 inches wide, with a 21 inch deep counter. Add a small shelf in the top part, and a large shelf on the bottom.

Ummm, well, OK (said I) as I crumpled up the little scrap of paper with all my measurements written on it … I could see there was no need to tell him what to do! But what would it cost me?

Well, this is just a hobby for me (said he) but I’d have to charge you $115.00…

… gasp… seriously people, I know of some places that would not charge any less than $250.00… I mean, this thing weighs a ton… and look at the colours of these fabulous lichens!

potting bench

… and it holds a lot of heavy pots, and gardening essentials…

potting bench

potting bench

It was here that I created my little cottage garden/wildflower bouquet. Could there be anything more charming?

So if you are dreaming of a potting bench, or anything else for that matter, I would advise you to get out your journal, or even just a scrap of paper and write it down.

I feel so inspired.

Oh, and yes, I did cut the grass.

Filed Under: LIFE Tagged With: flower, flowers, lightroom, photoshop, potting bench

Comments

  1. TexWisGirl says

    June 2, 2013 at 9:50 am

    just awesome! and i agree with the writing it down – something i need to do more of.

    and i’ve read the secret several times. the mind is a powerful thing…

    Reply
  2. Tammy says

    June 2, 2013 at 9:54 am

    That is just beautiful, Barb!! The bench is stunning, as are the flowers. :) Congratulations and enjoy!

    Reply
  3. Viv says

    June 2, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    Serendipity a favourite word of mine… Love your bench and your beautiful flowers…

    Reply
  4. Deanna@Snippets from Springdale says

    June 2, 2013 at 1:19 pm

    Well, that settles it, I am going to have to start writing things down. What a sweet potting bench, just perfect and it obviously assists in creating beautiful floral arrangements as well.

    Reply
  5. Carol says

    June 2, 2013 at 6:53 pm

    Your potting bench is perfect!

    Reply
  6. Suzette says

    June 3, 2013 at 8:36 am

    I love your potting bench and all that wonderful rustic charm. I love the moss and bit of weathered wood. My husband built me a potting bench, but it’s stood unused for a long time. It holds odds and ends of things, but your example may have sparked something in me and maybe I should take another look at it…put some pots on it…use it! I love your story too how the bench came about. The images are stunning as well and the bouquet is beautiful! Have a wonderful day!

    Reply
  7. Gail says

    June 3, 2013 at 9:27 am

    I did not know about the theory of writing things down. Will have to try that. Anyway, that potting bench is awesome and what a steal! I’d have paid $200 for it, easy. Enjoy!

    Reply
  8. Carol says

    June 3, 2013 at 11:39 am

    I L-O-V-E your potting bench! I have pinned it as my inspiration!

    Reply
  9. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says

    June 6, 2013 at 11:28 am

    Absolutely gorgeous photos! I love your new potting bench – I want one too! Maybe I need to write that down. :) I believe in the power of thought!

    Reply
  10. Helene says

    June 6, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Love, love every one of these photos! And that bench…wonderful work. I have a list (actually several) of things I need to do around the house. I’m in the process of getting rid of clutter. It is a slow-go but it’s getting done little by little, day by day. I guess there is some truth to that ‘list’ thing so I’ll have to continue making lists!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Friday Finds: More Barn Wood Inspiration says:
    June 13, 2014 at 4:01 am

    […] may have met my potting bench a few (ahem) times. I have a whole theme #fromthepottingbench both here on my blog, and on […]

    Reply

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Welcome! I'm Barb, and this is where I practice my mantra to "learn something new, try something different". It's my hope that something I do here may inspire you! Read More…

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