Our assignment (after lunch, of course) would be to create a garden gate to use inside or out.
We arrived early to take a walk around the farm.
Daffodils were in great abundance...
...and there were even some other floral sightings!
As usual, the bird baths filled with flowers were my favorites.
And of course, there is always a lurker or two on the path. This fellow seemed rather harmless.
Southern Exposure is a beautiful spot to walk in contemplation, with an array of beautiful statues, a bench or two to rest upon and even an arbor -- not yet in bloom but one to watch out for as the green approaches.
Our workshop was Garden Gate.
We started with a model of the demo and various ways it could be changed from season to season.
This indoor-outdoor "gate" came to us pre-made but for one who knows their way around wood, a saw and some paint it would be a matter of measuring six graduated slats and mitering the corners, connecting them and adding a support piece on the back. That would take longer than our workshop, so we were glad it was assembled and painted!
We distressed the slats with a heavy-duty sandpaper and then added a clear coat. The type we used was "low odor" but I would call it "no odor" and would be glad to use it again! Everyone worked with great concentration, yet there was the energy and joy that comes from creating with company that was infectious.
Then we were given several small bottles and a selection of flowers. Bottles were hung on the fence in whatever way we chose.
And then, done!
Of course, there was time for another visit to the gift shop -- and as usual, just walking in was a treat for the senses.
The gardens are open to the public and I suspect I will return this summer to photograph it in its full glory.
Till then I have lovely memories of good company, camaraderie in creation and especially those beautiful flowers.
I must remember to look back at this post when the snow falls!
24 comments:
Will we see a photo of where this project ended up at your own garden or house? That would be fun.
Oh fun, I love how the garden gates turned out! What a fun piece for your yard! I love the distressed look to it.
That property is just so gorgeous. I love seeing all the flowers in bloom. I feel like I have not seen that many flowers blooming here but I have not been outside of the city all that much lately so that is probably why! Sounds like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!!
I have some photos from going there years ago. I really must go back to take pictures. Your gate must have a place of honor at your home.
This would be so much fun. How relaxing. It is such a simple way to add beauty to your surroundings. You are right you need to remember this in the winter. I cannot wait to see the result. Pop over to Sidewalk Shoes Pam showcased azaleas . She lives in the south and has the loveliest garden.
How pleasing it is yo see those flowers well grown. Decorsting a gate is a wknderful idea, I think I would join if there was one closeby :) My mom does decorate our gate with birds of paradise and orchids sometimes. I remember those days coming home from school seeing a very welcoming gate.
I wonder if those flowers you used for decorating the fences during the workshop are all real.
What a beautiful place that I never tire seeing and a great project with the extra fun of seeing everyone's unique approach!
Those wisteria look real.
Amazing what they do with with "faux" blooms nowadays.
oxo
Beautiful and interesting. The decorations on that garden gate is a most original idea. Your spring flowers are wonderful. We're having warm temp., but no flowers yet. As always, love your photos!
Looks like a lovely spot. Although I always find human shaped things a little disturbing...at least until I get used to them! What a nice idea to open the gardens to the public. It looks as if they really enjoy doing them, too, and want to share.
What a dream....to work and decorate a PICKET FENCE? This is charming my friend! Don't you just love this season of new beginnings?
Beautiful pictures! You are an excellent photographer.
All the spring flowers are making me giddy.
Oh what fun! That place must be so inspirational and soothing at the same time. What a great place to greet spring. The garden gate is so neat. Where will you put yours? You will have to show us how you incorporate it into your own setting.
I showed the collage from church. (I will get the email answered!) We also had reclaimed fence posts and doors on display. Next month, church members are supposed to bring in chairs they have reclaimed in art projects. They are displayed in the reception area at the church just outside the sanctuary.
What a fun way to spend the day; you get to be creative and enjoy the beautiful grounds and good company too.
Thanks so much for sharing your garden gates at Vintage Inspiration Party.
what a fun thing to do
and
a beautiful setting to do it
your gate is charming
and
full of the spirit spring beauty
how much fun to do the fence/gate! Great photos, all throughout the post, too!
I don't think I would have thought to decorate a garden gate, but what fun. Of course you know I always love when you share this wonderful place.
Southern Exposure is a wonderland, so much to see and learn, I always enjoy the virtual tours you take us on.
Happy May Day!
What a super-sweet project--love that little gate! What a great idea! This place is a creative's and nature lover's paradise...*sigh*... So glad to go back along with you, Jeanie! Once again, I'm behind and catching up with you! ;o) Happy Weekend, my friend ((HUGS))
Love the gate idea. Inspires me to take action with a small wooden shutter.
Beautiful nature photos too.
Hi Jeanie! Oh, this is so pretty and your gate turned out so cute! Love all of the garden images! Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
What a great day, I would be very happy to have been there !!! a beautiful weekend wishes angie
Pretty! How fun! Where is this located?
HaPpY pInK sAtUrDaY!
Blessings,
Sarah
just as cute as can be and i'm sure it was sooo much fun.
I was able to glean lots of inspiration from your trip. Everything is just glorious.
Ann
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