It started out as a new roll of wire reinforcing for putting in concrete. It was purchased to be used in a DIY concrete sidewalk project that never materialized. So it languished away by the side of the barn through Summer’s thunderstorms, Autumn’s leaves, and Winter’s ice and snow.
And slowly it gained this wonderfully rusty, beautiful patina. Patiently it waited, longing to be noticed, wanting to shout about how lovely it had become and how perfect it was for some fun project.
I looked at it daily, at first wishing it had a place to go where it couldn’t be seen all the time. Wishing it didn’t look like hobo’s lived here, accumulating anything and everything that might have a purpose on some far-off, unknown time.
And then I started to notice that it had become delightfully rusty! And I began to wonder what could be done with it – because anything that rusty and industrial really needed to be turned into a fun DIY project.
Enter the idea to use it as a trellis of sorts to get my ivy to grow up instead of out over the ground. I’d been trying to get the stuff to go up the porch post for the past 2 years but the ivy wasn’t getting my vision.
The idea wasn’t met with uncontrollable joy from my husband, but he didn’t totally reject it either. So I left it to simmer for a while. Spring hadn’t arrived yet anyway.
What to do with a cute leftover piece of fencing? Why create a small fence to keep the sheep in place of course – heehee!
And then I saw a House Tour Feature over at It’s Overflowing, and I was smitten. I immediately headed over to Cape 27 to check out her vertical wall planter a little closer. I was convinced that I could create the same idea with my rusty fence stuff.
I showed it to my hubby and he thought perhaps it would work – he wasn’t nearly as excited as I was but he did agree to let me buy the containers when we were at IKEA just a couple of weeks later.
I’m so glad I Aimee featured Cape 27, and that the feature included a photo of the front porch and there was a link to the project. I bought 9 IKEA pots at .79 cents each. My husband drilled holes in the sides for the s-hooks to hang the post, and my teenager punched drain holes in the bottom with a nail. I planted the white petunias in them and hung them on the fencing that my hubby was convinced to staple to the porch for me. Very simple and fun project, I’m so happy with it!
Now you may have seen several of these photos if you read my blog regularly. I posted the pics here when I was ‘borrowing’ wifi from a friend. And since I didn’t want to take the time it would take to link to the other blogs I reposted now so I could give credit where credit was due for the idea for my project! I hope you will take the time to go over and check out both Aimee’s at It’s Overflowing and Jessie’s blog at Cape 27. Jessie and her husband have done quite a few great DIY projects on their house and it’s worth checking out!
Jill
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Beautiful indeed
Thanks!
this is awesome!
i love this…hmmm…wonder if it would work in our back patio???!
Thanks Ali, I’m sure you could figure out a spot for this – it’s really very simple!
What a fab idea! Just think at Christmas etc how it can be customized.
I know Jane, I know! How fun will that be!
Wow. That looks incredible. I never would have thought to use a fence to hang lovely plants on. Really lovely.
Oh I love this idea! And so glad that sheep is corralled now too! Pinning and sharing on my FB page tomorrow!
Kelly
I love that you kept working at the hubby 🙂 This was a great idea. I would love to see a pic when everything starts to climb!
🙂 He comes around on most things if I give it enough time 🙂
Love this Jill! Super cute!!
Thanks Nic! I need to put some update pics up already – you should see the flowers now! They are huge!
Sweet! how cute that is…and clever you are….That is a great idea.
Thanks Christine – I’m so happy we did this project cause I am loving it so much!
I LOVE our trellis. I think this is a brilliant idea you had to use the rusty fencing.
I’m sure the ivy will soon find it!
Mary Alice
Thanks Mary Alice – I’m loving it too. Need to post pics of it again – the flowers have gone wild there!
This is awesome! I love how you added it to the porch ~ not up against a wall. I’m visiting today from Savvy Southern Style. I co-host a Linky Party Tuesday (open thru Sat) and I’d love for you to link up! I hope you get a chance to stop by, link up and leave a comment, too!
~ Megin of VMG206
Join me each Tuesday for Brag About It Link Up Party
Thanks Megin!
I love the pops of green, since your lawn is so crisp and green, too. great idea!
Thanks! We are really enjoying this project!
This looks fabulous. I am so glad I stopped by. I am hosting a giveaway via Arcadian Home on my blog. It would be great if you could stop by. Have a lovely day!
Thanks!
Nice look…..I bookmarked this last year and now will go ahead with the project….
Question: what gauge and size of concrete wire mesh did you use. Looks like 6 x 6 inch squares and 5 ft wide…..however more important is the gauge for me?
Thank….Lee
Hi Jill, awesome post! I love how you turned something you had lying around that most people might just get rid of! Question, did you find that the metal pots started to rust as well? Or did they hold out ok? Thanks!
The buckets did start to rust some. I used them for 2 or 3 years in a row before we did a remodel on that porch and it all had to come down. I still have the buckets and they can be used for flowers again for a few years I’m sure. totally worth it for the price point of the buckets. I liked the rusty look they were taking on and hope to use them again on a rusty fence in another location.
Thanks Jill! I totally agree, I like the rusty look as well. 🙂