All over blogland almost everyone is gearing up for Autumn. It’s true that the air is becoming brisker, it’s getting darker much earlier, and mums are populating the nurseries about town…
but…
I refuse to even think about it until Labor Day. I’m still concentrating on our landscape, mostly because there’s still soooooo much to do it makes my head spin.
When the ‘to-do’ list is long the last thing we want are projects that are difficult or expensive. We’ve had enough of both to last a lifetime, so I thought about what materials I already had available and what I could do with them and these are what I came up with.
We had some MDF so I decided to make a garden sign. I drew the lines for the curved top and then used a jigsaw to cut it out. (It’s the first time I used a power tool unsupervised! Can I get a whoohooo?)
I gave it two coats of black paint then used a white paint marker and some stencils for most of the lettering. (I didn’t trust my penmanship enough for the ‘my garden’ part so my friend Cheryl did it for me.)
Since it’s MDF I don’t expect it to last very long, but just in case, I did coat it with a sealant, and to keep it off the ground it’s resting on a piece of wood that has a groove in the middle so it won’t blow over if it’s windy.
Oh, and in case that bench looks familiar, it’s one of the three benches we got for free recently. The other two are currently not being utilized, but that won’t last long!
Up next are some garden markers that are basically free and easy to make. I’m a huge fan of using natural materials in a garden, and living in the woods made it easy to gather what was needed for these fun and charming markers.
The best part? Imperfections (such as my not-so-great handwriting) are NOT a problem. In fact, they enhance the rustic vibe.
I lucked out with this large piece of bark. Rather than cut it up and use it for several small signs, I decided to take advantage of the natural curl at the top and use that to hold the horizontal twig. The only nailing that we needed to do was for the stake. Notice the flower on this sign and the garden one? That’s Fisherman’s trademark :).
Here’s a super quick how-to, and what you’ll need.
- Twigs about 1/2 – 3/4″ in diameter. The larger the sign, the larger the twigs.
- Birch bark (from fallen trees), cedar shakes, thin boards or metal flashing
- 1″ nails, preferably copper
- Hammer
- Marker or paint and small paint brush
- Polysealant
Cut four pieces of twig to make the frame. I cut two 3″ long and two 6″long for the top and bottom. Cut a 12″ long piece for the stake. Using your nails, drive a nail through the long piece into the short piece on both ends. To make this a bit easier, if you’re working alone, you may want to secure the pieces with hot glue before attempting to nail in place. If someone can help you, have them hold the twigs steady while you hammer.
Cut the piece of bark (or whatever you’re using) to fit the outer dimensions of the frame. Write/paint whatever you want before nailing in place. Then nail your stake to the back, letting the top extend about 2″ above the sign as shown.
How easy is that??!
*Note* If you take a good look at the frames, you’ll notice that the construction is different for each one. While they all work, my preference is for the ‘spinach’ frame, with the short side ends on top of the long ends. This type of construction makes it easier to secure the bark in the back. For example, with the ‘mesclun’ frame, there is a space between the top and bottom twigs and the bark. Not a deal breaker, but it’s something worth noting.
This next project is one you’ll have to spend a bit of money on for the solar lights, (these were less than $5 on sale at Loew’s) but it’s totally worth it. I got the inspiration for this via Hometalk, and you can see the ‘how-to’ here, but trust me on this, it’s really easy and can be done in just a few minutes.
Solar lights seem to have come a long way. The light these give off are as bright as low-voltage lighting, but less expensive to implement. We were using some battery operated lights up until recently, and while they were less money to purchase, having to replace the batteries frequently doesn’t make them a budget friendly (or eco-friendly) option.
If you have an area in your yard that is extremely shady, listen up, because this next yard upgrade is a no-brainer, and won’t cost you a dime. The area of our yard located near the road is shady and damp and as you can see, full of weeds. Not much would grow here except moss, so why fight it? I actually like the serene look that moss brings to a landscape.
We noticed there was a lot of moss on the tennis court in our community. Not only is it unattractive, but the immediate area surrounding it is very slippery, so we did our civic duty and took some and transplanted it to our yard where hopefully it will fill in this area nicely. Most likely I’ll plant some hostas and ferns also, but not until September or October.
So if you’ve got a spot that simply seems like nothing will grow there and it doesn’t get much sun, take a walk in the woods and gather some moss. *Tip* make sure you keep the moss damp until it has time to get established.
In other garden news…
A couple of weeks ago we had a torrential downpour. It didn’t last long, but it managed to separate our Rose of Sharon. It’s gotten better, but still has a way to go to recover. Almost every day there are dozens of bees and a hummingbird or two enjoying the blooms, and I get a front row seat from my porch.
Oh, and I FINALLY got a picture of a butterfly! I never seem to have my camera when opportunity comes knocking, but this little guy hung around long enough for me to retrieve it and I was able to get this shot.
I guess these Black-Eyed Susans have naturalized, because I don’t remember planting any here!
Remember my birdhouse? I picked up a little nest and gave this bird a new home.
I promise in a couple of weeks I’ll have something more ‘Autumnal’ for you.
(maybe)
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
Oh Doreen, what a wonderful post! I thoroughly enjoyed it! I LOVE that black sign! Never would have thunk to paint with black and letter with white on MDF…. I want one for MY fence in my little baby garden area! I could maybe even do it myself, if I just had somewhere to work.. and it wasn’t so danged hot here! Our garage is like a hothouse and no counter space to work.. and outside… well.. just too hot for me. But am keeping this in my “to do” lists.. and also those cute garden markers. What a neat idea. We have a tree here that sheds bark all the time.. how cute those are.. but I may be hard pressed for some twigs…. hum.m.m.m. and solar lights.. great idea… and the moss idea…. very smart. Our woods in Washougal, WA where we used to live, looked just like yours.. very wet and damp under all the trees and it was all moss, with some perennial wild things, like bleeding hearts, trillium and ferns. We just left it natural.. mowed in now and then as some of the grasses got too high.. but otherwise, I loved the natural look of it. Your grounds are so pretty and natural and GREEN! This girl is envious! Take care and don’t work too hard!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Doreen, I am still sweating like a pig, so am much as I love Autumn, it is not realistic for me to expect to see it anytime soon. Your garden is absolutely enchanting. The little signs for your veggies are very cute and full of charm. And that photo of the butterfly is a treasure, I can never seem to snap one of anything that flies.
kim says
Woohoo, love all the projects!
My favourites are your birch bark projects, Doreen, and the stoop lights.
I can’t wait to see what you do for Fall. I’m with you though, don’t rush it.
Kim says
Doreen, I am in no rush to see fall yet either. I am a summer girl and love all of your garden projects. I would never think of replanting moss, but what a great idea! We have some shady spots that could use a little ground cover…now you have the wheels spinning!! Your yard looks fabulous!
Emily says
We sure think alike, I can’t and won’t think Autumn until after Labor Day. Living here it still feels like summer until October when we finally get relief from the humid hot temps. I see you are still going strong with your garden projects. We have so much to do here too my head spins but it will have to be done in the late fall. Your sign is a great idea and the smaller ones are so creative, great ideas. I adore moss and we have it here and Jim knows to leave it where it is!!! Your green thumb is rally showing Doreen along with your creative garden projects.
Cecilia says
I’m with you, Doreen…not ready for Fall even if we have had super hot weather.(funny, I’m writing a similar post). We’ve had a week of rain so the temps are back down although humid. I still wait every year for September before breaking out my Fall stuff. Love your picture of the butterfly. And smart to put moss in your shady damp area. I like the look! Enjoy your last days of Summer! I’m kind of envious of your cooler evenings!
Cindy says
Doreen, wonderful post. Love the signs and perfect for lake living. The solar lights are super, you’re such a clever one. Happy your Rose of Shannen is making a come back. The storms have been something
Cindy
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Love all your projects. Those solar lights are fabulous. I love that fire pit seating area. Fabulous. Have a great week end.
Kris
tammy j says
I ALWAYS give you a whoohoo whether involving a power tool or not!!!
LOVE the rustic garden signs.
and
look how the solar lights create a pattern in the fire pit area! so pretty!
an added bit of outside dΓ©cor. π
such an enchanting cottage in the woods you have. it’s perfect.
and well worth all your hard work. xoxo
Dewena says
Whoohooo! You’re a brave girl, no telling what you’ll tackle next!
That sign is so professional looking, if it doesn’t last because of the material it’s on, you really should do one for permanent summer display. I love the little birch bark signs too. They look like they’re a craft project from some swanky Adirondack camp. I smiled when I saw your husband’s “trademark” as R.H.’s has always been eyeglasses. He draws them in every conceivable design on birthday cards, puts them on tools, would add them to legal documents if they’d let him. The problem is that sometimes they look more like bras than eyeglasses!
What a sweet little butterfly–wonder what it is?
Jane says
The sign and plant markers are so stinking cute, Doreen! It must be great to live where you can go out a few steps from your house and find what you need for projects. I once saw a vase made from a Ball jar wrapped in cedar. I loved it but I have no access to cedar (other than eBay…believe that?).
Thanks for the tip on the lights. I may be looking for them for the lake. Our patio has a lot of light but not the dock area. I like these. I like your ‘borrowed’ moss, too. We have a lot of shade in our backyard and I’ve got Ajuga and German ivy in those spots. Mint spreads out nicely, too. And the good thing…it chokes out weeds.
I’m with you—let summer keep rolling for awhile!
Jane
Rita C at Panoply says
Doreen, I love the solar lights and birch bark signs! I’m with you – no fall at least until Labor Day, please! So much summer left to go, and I do NOT like winter! Have a great weekend.
Rita
Doreen says
Since I have more of a “brown thumb” (more by choice…..can’t do everything, so must choose!), I sure enjoy your posts!!! The storms here have resulted in a lot of flooding in Western WI (just across the Mississippi from us) but the temps have dropped majorly and the house has natural AC for the first time in weeks…..yay!!!!! Getting ready to head East on Labor Day so working hard to finish up a ton of clients’ stuff!!!!! Hope the hurricane season holds off til well into October!!!!!
Debbie from MountainMama says
You just amaze me with your creativity, Doreen! I love every single one of these projects, but I think my favorite are the solar lights – too cute!!
Judy says
Hi Doreen, your property is gorgeous, and your little garden signs are so rustic and charming. I’m so glad you contacted me, I see we do have something in common. You even live in a “foothill” area also. Love the fire pit. We wanted to put one outside the screen porch but too many trees overhead so put the fountain/bird bath there instead. We have a large area off the porch that was our dog yard before so might be able to talk my better half into putting one there. I have signed up to receive your posts so I won’t miss them..Happy Weekend..Judy
AnnMarie says
Oh, I feel your pain! I have so much to do in my garden too because I refused to go out there in the heat and humidity we have had in the northeast. I got poison ivy again too so all the more I did not want any part of anything green! My yard is a mess! We have a few days of nicer weather so now I have no excuse. I just love your garden signs and the plant markers….just adorable and rustic. You go girl using the power saw!
Amy @ StowandTellU says
Woohoo! You go, Doreen. I too, am power tool challenged, so I’m going to give you another woooohoooo!!! Let’s face our fear, lack of skill, or combination thereof together.
All of your projects are adorable. I love those twig garden markers. Thank you for pointing out the short sides over long top and bottom, cause I’m going to HAVE to make some.
The stump solar lights are a must do, too.
Great projects!!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
It’s a cute project and I, like you, hang to summer with every breath. Today is supposed to be sunny here!
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Good gravy Lady – you’re my hero!! Working with power tools too? Is there anything you can’t do??? I bet you can’t burp the alphabet? Right, you can’t do that?
Anyway….awesome job on everything! I love the garden signs. If I ever have a true garden someday – or even some raised beds of size – I want to do something similar. So thanks for magnifico inspiration as always. π
And I super ADORE those light posts you made!! I can think of several places I’d love to put some like that – hhmmmm
And great ideas for the shady spot and superb photography skills with that butterfly! You rock Girlie!
Best of all is Fisherman’s trademark – flower perfection. Such a Sweetie.
Blessings Babes. xoxo
kelly says
I love all of the cute projects you did in your outdoor area! The little plant markers are adorable. I love your firepit area too. The solar lights you added on top of wooden posts was a great idea!
Poppy says
I love the variety of flowers, (yes, even the tattered rose bush, but especially the black -eyed Susans – so bright and brilliant!), garden projects, (the striking black and white herb/veggie sign is adorable!), and natural beauty of the landscape is simply charming! Key word: ‘simply’, as simple never fails to make a statement!
Poppy
Pattie @ Olla-Podrida says
What a fabulous post! I love all of these projects, the chalk board in particular. The light in the stump is amazing, too, and I certainly could have used that idea at my former home, particularly when a tornado went through and left us with stumps, but I’m in new construction now, with not a stump in sight.
Julie says
Hi Doreen,
Wow I love your sign and the herb markers you made. The solar light look great too. Thanks for sharing with us how to make the markers and I love how natural they look. π I hope you have a wonderful week.
Julie
Karen@ Beatrice Euphemie says
Love all your garden creations, Doreen! So very sweet ! Thank you for sharing all your creative ideas. I love the moss garden you have started, too. I am always reluctant to transition into a new season until it actually arrives, too. Life moves so fast – I just want to savor every last day of summer! Hugs xo Karen
Amy says
You have been busy, busy, busy, Doreen! First of all, here’s that Whoohoo from me! Great job with the jigsaw! All of your projects are great – I especially love the garden markers. I’ve got a spot where moss would be great – gotta keep my eyes pealed for some. I’m also not ready to think about fall, and I plan to keep doing summer posts at least for a while! Great butterfly shot, btw!
Summer says
I too like to the look that moss adds to a landscape β₯
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Oh I agree about the Too Early Fall stuff…good grief summer is not over until September 21 and if a lot of your gardening involves seeds that you have planted or veggies etc the harvest or rewards are just starting lately. Yes a weather break would be nice but fall ideas and decor etc…nope, too early.
So much fun stuff to see in this post, Doreen, especially your markers and sign and creativity amidst your lovely blooms.
I do have to admit that I said HOLY SHI*!! when I saw the Rose of Sharon!! That was some rain!!
Red Rose Alley says
You live in such a beautiful area, Doreen. That butterfly is so pretty against the vibrant pink flowers. It’s pretty tricky to capture the butterfly, isn’t it? I finally got a pic of one but it was at the nursery, of course. I love those lights around the campfire area. And your garden signs are delightful. How creative they are.
It’s good that you are enjoying the last summer days in your garden. I’m one that is looking forward to Fall, my favorite season of all. I know you will have some wonderful Fall posts to bring me back here. Your pictures are filled with beauty and wonder.
~Sheri