"One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it brings."

Friday, March 27, 2009

I finished the potting bench!

I'm so glad the weather changed a bit over the last couple of days.  I was able to check something off my spring to do list.  I got the potting bench fixed up and stained.  I've been trying to remember how long ago my husband gave it to me, it was at least 5 years ago.  The poor thing started off looking so nice.  I took very good care of it and used it quite a bit.  Over time though it got rained on and used as a toy storage and catch all for anything that didn't have a place.  After realizing that it was looking so bad and the weather was taking such a toll on it, I decided it needed to be taken care of.
Here is how it looked a month ago.  I had even taken off a lot of things to take the picture.  I found a lot of stuff to throw away.  I'm finding a new place for toys somewhere else in the yard.
Now this is its "before" shot.  Very weathered and a little warped.  I had to repair the lid that covers where potting soil is supposed to be stored.  It usually is just full of water, so I need to come up with a solution for that.  As you can see by all the water underneath, I spilled it all down myself as I tried to slide the basin out.  Oops!
The first trick was trying to read the smallest print ever on the can of stain.  Nothing like holding a something at various angles and in different lights to try and read.  I'm not ready to admit I might need reading glasses yet, so I blame not being able to see it on the manufacturer's small type.
I put this on macro to see if it was any easier to read.  

Anyway, I really hope I was able to pick out the most important pieces of information.  One being that it needs to be above 40 degrees, another that no rain is forecast for 24 hours.  Hopefully the weather forecast is correct and both will hold true.
I applied 2 coats, the wood just sucked it in.  I thought I did a pretty good job, especially since I managed to keep my 2 1/2 year old entertained with her coloring while I stained.
Here is the after.  I'm really happy with how it turned out.  I didn't expect it to look new, just better.  It's supposed to be weatherproof for up to 6 years.  I think I'll find some new drawer pulls to make it look a little different.
Glad to have one thing checked off that list.  Now onto the next item!
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36 comments:

  1. It looks lovely. Nothing like a great potting area for inspiration!

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  2. It looks wonderful! There's nothing like a good-looking potting bench...

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  3. Catherine~~ The top photo, or the "before" looks like a potting bench made with barn wood, a little weathered but still very cool. The "after" photo looks like that expensive teak furniture seen in the more upscale stores. What a transformation, girl! As for the fine print, or even the not so fine print, I hear ya! I'm wearing bi-focals (progressives) and still having trouble. I remember years ago my grandfather used a large magnifying glass to read. How strange that was. Now I'm thinking, not strange at all. Funny how that goes. Anyway, enjoy your NEW bench.

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  4. I am so jealous - partly that your husband gave you a potting bench in the first place (I must drop better hints) and partly because you have a 2 1/2 year old who can be kept so well occupied.

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  5. What a great job you did! You will again enjoy using this, now that it looks so nice. Perhaps the protective coating will help it look better longer. :-) Have a great day!

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  6. ooh, great gift your hubby gave you Catherine! and great job staining it. It looks a million times better. Now I'd be afraid to dirty it up tho!!! lol

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  7. I'm so jealous- that potting bench is so beautiful! I don't think I'd be able to put dirt on it!

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  8. I want one! So cute.... Come see your candle.

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  9. It looks beautiful, like new. Good job!

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  10. That looks fantastic! I guess someone has suggested you put a hole in the container so it will drain. You did a great job and don't you wish it had been done sooner. That's how I feel when I wait too long to get a thing like this accomplished.

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  11. It looks darling - I have always loved these.

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  12. You are the handyman umph handylady, Catherine. That is a first class job. Really. You have a lot of talent there and what a way to introduce yourself as a fixer-upper. I mean I am betting you could find extra work just doing small jobs. Your photos are really nice too.

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  13. Lookin' good!!! Very posh potting bench!!!! Glad your getting good weather you lucky thing. Its all glum and cold here!!!

    Linzi x x x

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  14. Sheila - Thanks, I can't wait to start planting now that I have space!

    Susan - Thank you.

    Grace - I'm just not ready to admit I can't see up close anymore :( At least I can see that the bench turned out pretty good!

    Dawn - I give very obvious hints, this one though he did on his own! My daughter was in a great mood yesterday so that helped.

    Shady Gardener - I'm hoping it will help make it more waterproof at least.

    Kathleen - I know, I don't want to put anything on it now :)

    Laura - It feels like furniture to me now instead of a potting bench.

    Darla - Thanks. I'll be over to see it :)

    Ginger - It turned out pretty good, better than I expected :)

    Anna - Holes, why didn't I think of that? I will put a few in so no more drenching myself. I was going to do this years ago and kept putting it off. So glad I finally did it!

    Mildred - Thank you!

    oldmanlincoln - Thanks for the compliments! I've learned a lot from my husband. He is really handy!

    Linzi - Unfortunately the weather didn't last long. It's cold and gray today.

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  15. That looks fantastic. Can you come over and help me refinish a few things? I need to hit some yard sales to find myself a potting bench. I think my kitchen counters can only take so much.

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  16. Isn't it great to get things marked off the list?!?! Your bench does look nice but I kinda liked the weathered look too!

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  17. Can I borrow you for a few weeks?!
    Nice job - I'm sure you're going to get a lot of use out of this. How sweet of hubby to get it for you.

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  18. Wow, looks great, and you did all that with a 2 1/2 yr. old awake and nearby? Doubly impressive. I like your idea about drawer pulls... these are super pretty, wonder if they would work outside? http://homeandgardenart.com/drawerknob5.html

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  19. It's lovely...stained or unstained! Your hard work gives it warmth and the waterproof coating will be nice. I don't have a potting bench...it's just whereever I happen to be at the time! Usually, the driveway or in cold weather, inside the garage!

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  20. You really did an awesome job. As I was just commenting over someone's blog as to how patient they're (I think over at Racquel's). So are you! I like the bench...

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  21. It looks wonderful! How lucky you are to have a special bench for potting!

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  22. Melanthia - I bet you could find one at a yard sale or Craig's list. It's nice to use when you eat outside as a buffet too.

    Susie - I was afraid too much more weather and it would have fallen apart! Onto the compost!

    Nancy - I'd love to be able to help :)

    Karen - Those are very cute! I bookmarked the site. Thanks for sharing!

    Jan - I use the kitchen counter pretty often and the ground too. It's easier to spread all of the potting supplies on the ground usually!

    Chandramouli - I'm not always this patient, but since it wasn't too huge of a job I did pretty well.

    Phoenix - Thank you! Now I'm working on a way to keep it organized and not just a place to pile things on.

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  23. I think it looks so nice and happy now! I have longed for a potting bench of my own for several years now, maybe this all of our lucky year!
    -Heather

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  24. It looks great. You did a terrific job.

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  25. Beautiful and inspirational! My potting bench is buried under its pile of stored stuff in the garage. Luckily, I have the greenhouse to use now. Happy planting!

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  26. Amazing looking bench. I am impressed.

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  27. What a lovely useful bench. I can see so many happy hours planting seeds and potting on.

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  28. Hi Catherine - just wanted to add one more voice to the crowd singing your praises on your potting bench project. Good job, good job! Happy potting!

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  29. It's looking good. I bet it'll start out as a picture of organisation, then by August..... (If you're anything like me)

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  30. The bench looks great! I've stained a few things and it always takes more stain than you think. The results are worth though when you end up with a product like your bench!

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  31. Heather, Sue, Phillip - Thanks!

    Sinclair - How lucky to have a greenhouse!

    Suburban Gardener - Thanks, I'm glad I got it finished.

    Joanne - Now if the weather would just cooperate :)

    Kris- Thanks!

    Rob - Unfortunately I am kind of that way. I'm going to try to keep this my area and no toys at least will be on here. They have the rest of the yard.

    Dave - I couldn't believe how much stain it did take. I thought I'd have a lot left, but almost use the whole can.

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  32. You did a great job! My potting bench is in the garage, so weather is not a problem.

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  33. Msrobin - Thanks! Lucky you to have space in the garage! My husband has claimed the little space in there for his tools.

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  34. Oh, Catherine! Great job! I can't believe I missed this post! I had a bench years ago (similar, but not as nice) that I did a crackle treatment on- it turned out beautiful, and lasted. I really like the design of yours! Don't you just love the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a great project that you'll use and love for years? :)

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