Monday, June 1, 2015

Repurposed Gutter... For Flowers?!
















 I do some unusual things in my garden.... and I tend to experiment. This time I wondered about using a gutter to hook to the deck for herbs or flowers. Hmmm.... not what you usually see... in fact, I have never seen it.... but worth a try. :)














We had a piece of guttering that was closed on both ends....  I checked the decks and found that it was a perfect fit for this spot. I was actually surprised that my guys didn't make fun of me on this idea...






My Mom and Dad are visiting... this is the first visit after Dad's open heart surgery a few months ago. 
When An Emergency Strikes


With one of our sons helping,
Dad drilled holes in the bottom of the gutter, for drainage... about every 10" or so.... 

At one end, there was a large hole for a downspout... I put some plastic with a few small holes, over it before putting dirt in. Landscape fabric or screen would have been better, but I was using what was handy. :)  It works. 




 Dad is improving-it has been slow and he still has to be careful, but he wants to help also... and I am needing to find little jobs for him... ones that do not tax him too much, but that also keep him busy. I appreciate his desire to help...and the work is helping him also... we all need to be needed.

 We all agree it looks great and is a nice addition to that area.  I planted some annual flowers in it... and also some mint. The mint should smell wonderful when we have our picnics on the deck.

I would love to add another one of these to a shady part of the deck for lettuces... seems it would be great to have it so accessible to me and NOT to the rabbits! :) I will be watching for a nicely-sized piece of guttering with ends, for that project. Maybe this year, maybe next... we'll see.

  We will have to be careful to give the plants enough water as it gets pretty hot here in the summer.... and dry and they could dry out quickly. For now, with all of the rain we are having, it is doing great. :)

I hope you have a great week....





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48 comments:

  1. AprilJune 1, 2015 at 6:41 AM

    What a clever idea! Our gutters are in desperate need of replacement, so if I get any guttering, it will have to be used on our home. :) And I agree on the watering, no worries on that right now. I keep reminding myself not to complain to much though, because I know come summer time, I'll be wishing for some of this rain.

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 1, 2015 at 8:45 AM

      I know what you mean... I have heard of people praying that the rain STOPS... and I think, "be careful w/ that type of prayer." We'd like it to slow down a bit, but NOT stop! :) It gets pretty dry in the summer. Sometimes people just get rid of their old gutters when they get new ones... that is what my gutter was from... nice to give it a new use. :)

      Delete
  2. LitaJune 1, 2015 at 6:09 PM

    This is an awesome idea. I think any spot you can add color is worth the effort. Thanks for sharing and caring so for your dad. We all need to be needed.

    Wishes for tásty dishes,
    Linda

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 3, 2015 at 7:59 AM

      Thank you... so far, it is working very well... and I am enjoying it. :) What a blessing that Dad is still around to care for.... and to do some of these odd jobs that we haven't gotten around to doing. To us, it is overwhelming... to Dad, it is a joy and he has the time to do them now. :)

      Delete
  3. Ruthie GrayJune 2, 2015 at 5:44 PM

    How clever! Using what you had on hand, and it worked perfectly! I'm glad your dad is gaining strength. It's hard when our parents get older and more feeble, isn't it? Dealing with that on my end, too. Thanks for stopping by my blog today.
    Have a good evening!

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 3, 2015 at 8:01 AM

      Thank you.... I do like using what is here.... It is hard to see them lose strength and ability... so thankful for this time we have with them... thank you for visiting... it was so nice to have you. :)

      Delete
  4. daisy gJune 3, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    It's great when we can repurpose things by thinking outside the box. It looks lovely. Hope your dad continues to heal...

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 8, 2015 at 9:12 AM

      It is... so many things just get thrown away and I love it when I can re-use something and it actually looks nice. :) Thank you... Dad is doing better and better, what a blessing. :)

      Delete
  5. Lois@Living In DenimJune 3, 2015 at 10:24 AM

    What a great idea. I can see growing lettuce, strawberries and much more in these to dress up my porches.

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 8, 2015 at 9:15 AM

      I was thinking of lettuce on the deck (AWAY from the bunnies!) and strawberries up on the fence in the garden. :) I just need to find some more gutters with the ends on them. :) I hope you find these to be fun projects also. :)

      Delete
  6. Kate | The Organized DreamJune 3, 2015 at 4:12 PM

    This is an ingenious idea! I never would have thought of it! I need to do something like this right now!
    Thank you for linking up to the Wake Up Wednesday link party!
    We hope to see you next week!
    Kate | TheOrganizedDream.com

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 8, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      Thank you... it is good to use up those old things rather than just trash them. :) I look forward to coming to the party this week. :)

      Delete
  7. TrishaJune 3, 2015 at 6:11 PM

    Great idea! It looks like it was meant to be!

    ~Trisha

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 8, 2015 at 9:27 AM

      It sure fit in there perfectly and I am loving seeing those pretty flowers out there. :)

      Delete
  8. StephanieJune 4, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    Well, aren't you clever, my dear :) I love this idea AND it looks fabulous. Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. It's so nice to visit with you. Hugs!

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 8, 2015 at 9:29 AM

      Thank you... I am really enjoying it and I look forward to how it will look when the flowers grow more. :) Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  9. Carole WestJune 4, 2015 at 7:03 AM

    This is a neat idea - I love to repurpose. Putting Planters together is fun in general.
    Carole @ Garden Up Green

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 8, 2015 at 9:36 AM

      I have other ideas on using this in the garden... maybe next year I will try some variations. :) I think they will need some frequent watering (we have had so much rain lately that we haven't needed to water it yet. :)

      Delete
  10. UnknownJune 4, 2015 at 7:51 AM

    What a wonderful idea!! I think I may even have a few pieces in the barn I can use.
    I would love it you shared it on the new Our Simple Homestead Blog Hop!
    http://oursimplelife-sc.com/our-simple-homestead-blog-hop-2/

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 8, 2015 at 9:38 AM

      Thank you... when a new guttering job is done, there are lots of old pieces to use... and some of them still look great. :)

      Delete
  11. StephanieJune 8, 2015 at 2:09 PM

    Hi friend! Just wanted to pop in and let you know that this lovely post was featured at Roses of Inspiration this week :) Hugs to you!

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 9, 2015 at 9:36 AM

      Thank you... that is fun news. :) Nice to see you... and I am praying for you.

      Delete
  12. UnknownJune 8, 2015 at 10:08 PM

    I love this idea! Thanks so much for sharing at the Talented Tuesday Link Party! Sending lots of prayers for your dad's continued recovery - it sounds like he's improving every day!

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 9, 2015 at 9:40 AM

      Thank you... I am loving it more every day as those flowers grow bigger... and I can see it from my bedroom window... I love seeing that bright spot of color there. :) Thank you for praying for Dad... he is doing so much better and continues to improve. :)

      Delete
  13. PetroJune 9, 2015 at 10:43 AM

    What a lovely idea! I'm still trying to figure out what works best for my garden, not the smartest gardener here lol

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 10, 2015 at 7:48 AM

      I have learned so much through trial and error... what works okay, may have a GREAT replacement idea... so I just keep trying new things... and sometimes I find some really good ideas. :) I hope you have a wonderful gardening season this year. :)

      Delete
  14. Debby RayJune 9, 2015 at 11:30 AM

    This is such a great idea! Thank you for sharing!

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  15. The Charm of HomeJune 9, 2015 at 4:20 PM

    Great idea! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 10, 2015 at 7:58 AM

      Thank you... so fun to figure out something new out of something old. :)

      Delete
  16. Jennifer@MyFlagstaffHomeJune 12, 2015 at 9:55 AM

    What a creative idea! I love it!

    By the way, I'd love to have you post on my new blog hop (open all weekend) at www.myflagstaffhome.com, if you're interested.

    Jennifer

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 12, 2015 at 12:34 PM

      Thank you... I will certainly check it out and thank you for the invite. :)

      Delete
  17. pamJune 25, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    I love this idea!

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 30, 2015 at 3:17 PM

      Thank you... that old saying, "Necessity is the mother of invention" sure holds true... I wanted something for that spot and the gutter fit. :) Thank you for visiting.

      Delete
  18. Gentle JoyJuly 7, 2015 at 8:55 AM

    I sure have been enjoying it. :)

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  19. philipkotler11December 28, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    You got a really useful blog I have been here reading for about half an hour. I am a newbie and your post is valuable for me.
    Gutters Seattle

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  20. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2016 at 1:09 AM

    This is easier and surely gives comfort to internet users. Thanks for sharing. Post like this offers great benefit. Thank you!
    guttering cleaning tools

    ReplyDelete
  21. Jhon MarshalMarch 26, 2016 at 3:27 AM

    Very interesting topic, can you post some further information on this subject.
    gutter cleaning pole

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    1. Gentle JoyApril 6, 2016 at 10:05 AM

      The project is one that allows for much variation... gutters don't have to be in perfect shape... old ones can be used... metal or plastic would both work. You will need to be sure to water often enough as there isn't a deep soil base. It also works best if it isn't in full sun... if there is no choice on that, then choose plants that love the sun and water more often.

      Delete
  22. Jhon MarshalApril 21, 2016 at 3:27 AM

    Very interesting topic, can you post some further information on this subject.
    guttering cleaning tools

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 13, 2017 at 4:45 AM

      It's pretty basic... a way to hook the gutter to the deck and make sure there are some drainage holes in the bottom. Using good soil helps and watering enough. Hope that helps.

      Delete
  23. Gentle JoyJune 13, 2017 at 4:50 AM

    Thank you... I think I have finally learned how to share it on your group, so I will plan to do that. :)

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  24. My thrift store addictionJune 19, 2017 at 11:18 AM

    I am all about repurposing in the garden, so I love this idea! Thanks for sharing @Vintage Charm!

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 19, 2017 at 6:35 PM

      I was pretty pleased to do it... and we are on our 3rd summer with it... and it is doing great! :)

      Delete
  25. Beverly @Across the BlvdJune 24, 2017 at 6:00 AM

    What a clever repurposing project! Pinning. It looks terrific!

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    1. Gentle JoyJune 24, 2017 at 6:41 AM

      Thank you! It is working well after 3 years also. :) Thank you for visiting and pinning.

      Delete

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