This column first appeared in April 2012.
Up at dawn, a quick piece of toast, a brush through the hair and out the door. That pretty much sums up my Saturday mornings from early April until the first frost of fall. As many of you know who have read my column the past 14 years, I am an avid garage sale junkie. Since the mid-1980s I have scoured the yards of Marion and surrounding counties in search of antiques and unique decor for my home. But have I mentioned that along the way I have also found some unique ideas for using antiques in my yard and garden?
From the beautiful estates of Indy’s historic districts to the farm houses of Rush County, old concrete is a tradition. Bird baths, urns, unusual flower boxes, fountains, benches and statuary abound, in addition to some wonderful old concrete angels who have found their way among the foliage. While new concrete is available, my preference lies in the old weathered pieces that have endured for decades. These are still readily available at many estate sales. If they are sitting in the yard without a price tag, make certain to ask if they are available for purchase. In their hurry to mark and present, sale people often overlook the items in the yard that they are willing to part with — and often for pennies on the dollar!
Iron, iron, and more iron — that’s what makes a garden! Pieces of old fencing and Victorian garden gates can be placed randomly for effect or anchored into the ground to be used as a trellis. The versatility of the shepherd’s hook is limitless, adding height to the garden setting while holding iron pots, bird cages, and old wind chimes.
Wooden pieces will not have the durability of iron, but if you store them at the end of each season they will give you years of pleasure. Old press back chairs, children’s chairs and rockers that are missing the seats make wonderful plant holders. Architectural pieces from corbels to fret work add a Victorian charm, or if your taste runs more to the “primitive” try wheelbarrows, old wooden buckets, one-horse plows and wagon wheels.
Tired of the offerings at the garden shops and discount stores? Lawn furniture doesn’t have to say “Made in China”! Iron bistro sets, retro shell chairs, old park benches, and early 1900s iron settees are still plentiful. And don’t forget to watch for my personal favorite, the old porch swing.
One of the most original ideas I have come across in several seasons caught my eye just last weekend when I stopped in an alley to inquire as to the price of some old shutters. There, against the fence, among the hostas was a 1930s walnut dresser mirror in the harness. It had been painted in a white Shabby Chic style and I commented to the homeowner how beautifully it reflected her plants. She told me that had been her original intent, but to her surprise she has found that it attracts squirrels, chipmunks, birds and even butterflies who enjoy preening themselves in the reflection of the mirror!
As I have garage saled my way through central Indiana these past twenty-plus years I have had the occasion to meet many of you. I look forward that opportunity again this summer. I won’t be hard to spot. I will be the fast moving woman in the big sunglasses — with an even bigger cup of coffee. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett70@gmail.com