I am showing off in this week’s post and sharing photos of my DIY Project and Container Garden.
DIY Project
After many years of trying, I finally completed a DIY Project that makes me proud. As you can see from the photos below the furniture on our front porch needed either a makeover or removal.
Since, the pieces were only three years old, I chose the makeover option. Even though I was treading into unknown territory, I was confident.
First, I needed to find out what to do. I didn’t know anyone to ask. So, I went to Google for an answer and asked, “how to refinish metal furniture pieces”. Google directed me to detailed written instructions as well as video step-by-step demonstrations via You Tube. The only supplies I needed were sandpaper and spray paint. Sanding was the most difficult. Spray painting was the messiest. I must have overlooked the directions to wear rubber gloves and my hands sported green paint for almost a week.
What do you think of my first DIY Project?
Container Garden
We retired and purchased our home in Florida a little over four years ago. During our fifty-four years of marriage, we lived in many homes. Some were rentals and others we owned; but they were all viewed as our sanctuary for peace, joy and happiness.
This home, for the first time, had an outdoor space that was livable year-round. I wanted to make the lanai, my special haven to retreat, relax, and rejuvenate. I took the photos below on our first walk-through before purchasing the house. The lanai area was spacious, but barren. And, it remained that way for the first year while I was in recovery from a very serious and life-threatening illness.
During this recovery, I learned to appreciate and value the beauty of nature; and, I decided to fill my haven with flowers and plants. And, I spent many hours picturing how it was going to look. These are photos of my dream Container Garden which has grown bigger and bigger each year.
This year, Hubby invaded my haven and convinced me to add two tomato plants.
And, I added the small herb garden.
We are contemplating expanding the Container Garden, herbs and vegetables only, to the backyard. Gardening is a new venture; and, I love it. To become a better gardener, I seek the advice of other experienced gardeners and self-educate via books and the Internet.
What do you think of my Container Gardening efforts?
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Post Script: Photography is a work-in progress, too. But, I am not ready to show off yet. Still taking photos on my IPad or telephone. New digital camera purchased months ago is on the learn-to-do list.
SeasonedSistah 
Fantastic … Both projects are wonderful… I too am big on pots of plants to fill areas.. I love to garden but do not get out there as much as i would like.. You have inspired me…
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Thank you for your positive comments. I am glad you were inspired to spend more time in your garden.
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Good blog for this week.however do not go crazy with your new green thumb. Jim
Sent from my iPad
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I won’t be able to go any further if you decide to stop helping me with the planting. Those 25 pound bags of soils definitely too heavy for me. Thank you for working with me on both projects.
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Nice work on both counts. I couldn’t take on the metal furniture refreshment project, but it is exactly the sort of thing Alice would love to do. She’d like both the furniture itself and what you did with it. That pool looks like a wonderful place to relax and the plants around it make it an even more beautiful spot for renewal. Good job. Happy to hear it pleases you to garden.
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The pool has been mostly for the grandchildren when they visit periodically throughout the year. I am not a swimmer. Last summer I tok an aqua zumba class and not only was it fun but a great exercise for my degenerative rheumatoid arthritic joints. Once the weather is warmer, I plan on using the pool for both zumba and the recommended Arthritis Foundation water exercise program. When stress enters my space, I immediately exit to the lanai which is always “still” and “quiet.” Thank ou for taking the time to comment.
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Beautiful!
Bonnie Sent from my iPad. Please excuse any typos.
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Thank you, Bonnie. Both the gardening and furniture refinishing helped as a distraction from the physical and emotional pain I was experiencing due to a recent flareup and hospitalization.
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splendid job with both the furniture and the plants!!
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Thank you, Jane. Gaining more confidence every day stepping outside of my comfort zone.
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Everything looks beautiful and what a great job on the furniture. You did an awesome jog and it all looks brand new. Your yard also looks absolutely beautiful, as well with all the plants and flowers. I’ve always wished I knew how to do that kind of stuff, but I have no green thumb. I hope to one day learn. I live around all these older or retired people and their yards are just beautiful because they have the time to spend out in the yard all day and of course they seem to know what they are doing. I would sure like to learn, though. I’m impressed. Looking good, girl. Hope you are feeling “good” these days. Must not be to bad to be out doing all that, and that’s such a good thing. Keeping active and moving is good. Something I need to work on. The pain keeps me from doing a lot of things. I’m trying, though. Baby steps. I actually got out and took my adorable little 19 month old grandson for a walk in his stroller. I made it for 40 minutes and that’s really good for me. I was told to only start out with 10 minutes, but I have trouble following directions with this ADHD so I just kind of do what I want and then pay the price for my actions. maybe one day I can get off this all or nothing mindset. Good to see ya. I haven’t seen much of anyone for awhile since I’ve been pretty sick, but tonight I’m finally making the rounds and reading others blogs. Hope you have another great day tomorrow. Take care.
Peace and hugs,
Tammy:)
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Wow….. I am SO impressed by both of your projects. They are stunning!
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Thank you so much. I had my doubts about the front porch furniture, but happy with how it turned out. The container garden is a lot of work, but in maintaining I am distracted from some of the physical pain and emotional stresses that are a part of living with a chronic pain condition. Again thank you for reading my post.
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When I first saw those chairs they took my breath away, because they were so stunning. I’m glad that you have the distraction from the chronic pain as well creating something that is beautiful and produces food (i.e. herbs) that are healthy!
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It was such a pleasure to find your blog. I was diagnosed with SLE(lupus) in 1993 and fibromyalgia last year. I intend to follow many of your suggestions and am so happy to see the photos you shared. The projects are beautiful and I love your sanctuary.
Thank you for sharing.
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