If you garden at all, you need a potting bench! Why? Yes, you could transplant those seedlings on the back patio, and you could re-pot all your houseplants on a newspaper covered dining table. But once you’ve discovered the convenience of having a dedicated potting table for all your garden chores, you will never go back! Don’t want to shell out hundreds for a nice looking one from the catalogs? No problem. We have instructions for some great DIY potting benches anyone can make. BTW… excellent Mom’s Day, Birthday or Anniversary gift! (Or, just because you want to love your gardening hobby just a little bit more, gift…) Our featured photo (above) comes from Jardin Designs. They created this potting bench from an old dresser…. Love this! Use scrap wood to attach a headboard and footboard together, then apply a tabletop and paint a great color! From the Backyard Diva.
  Robins Nesting Place made this potting bench from old rummage sale junk! This is so cute!
  Fabulous Home Ideas made this potting bench against a garage wall…and I love how this looks! With supplies from a home improvement shop and surplus supplies for the table top, they created something that looks really cool without looking sloppy.
  We found this potting bench floating around Pinterest, and I had to share it because it looks so amazing… Obviously old fencing material with an old window… Creative repurposing, yet looks like it would last forever! If anyone knows who created this, please share so we can pick their brain!
  Want to build a sturdy, yet simple DIY potting bench from scratch? This Old House has a full tutorial!
  Also found on Pinterest, an old baby changing table and recycled wood pallets make this DIY potting bench!
  Potting bench made from an antique door, beadboard, porch posts, chicken wire and a working antique light – wow! From HGTV Gardens…
  This cute DIY pallet potting bench is budget friendly. From Ana-White.
  And one of my favorites from BHG, this armoire potting bench has step by step instructions.
  Finally, an inspirational potting bench from Ty Pennington. Keep garden dreaming!

I love songbirds, and I have several feeders in my yard. But I get bored with the same old stuff you find at the box stores… I love the idea of making your own bird feeders because it’s an easy project even for beginners, and also because I think it makes the connection with nature stronger when you have had a hand in it. And since I love things that are just a little bit unique, here are our top picks for creative #DIY bird feeders that any gardener can make for their feathered buds. Most of these have tutorials with great step by step instructions, and some of these would be fun to make as a family as well. Tip: when feeding the birds in your area, don’t just buy “wild bird seed” in a mixed package. Most of those mixes contain filler seeds that just get tossed out by many birds. Also, if you take the time to learn what birds visit your yard (or which ones you want to visit) and what they like to eat, not only is there less waste, but more enjoyment for everyone. We get lots of finches at our house, so I use both thistle (their favorite) and black oil sunflower seed. Sometimes, I mix them and sometimes use them alone. See what works best for you!
Our first project below, is from Hoosier Homemade. This DIY repurposed bird feeder is made of household items, and sure doesn’t look it. Read their instructions, complete with photos at their tutorial.
  I really love this DIY bird feeder by Erins Creative. Made with just a plate, bowl and some hardware, its cute as well as functional! Great tutorial at the site, jump over and check it out!
  From Tonya at Create Celebrate Explore, this DIY popsicle stick bird feeder is a great project to do with kids. Easy, fun, neat! Directions and photos on the tutorial.
  Let The Art of Doing Stuff teach you how to make a bird feeder from glass shades. This project has a more modern vibe to it, and I really like how different they are from every other bird feeder. We’ve also seen these made using an embroidery hoop around the globe to hang from. This might have to go on our “to make” list!
  From Plum Adorable, this tin can bird feeder is…well, adorable! So easy, you can do this with kids, or without and make it look funky, or subtle.
  Recycle with this soda bottle bird feeder from Here Comes the Sun! A couple of wooden spoons for perches, and there ya go!
  More bottles? This wine bottle bird feeder by The Chicken Street has a complete step by step for you. Not hard, and I love the repurposing!
  From Two Llamas and a Whole Lotta Dramas Facebook page, they made this DIY bird feeder using a mason jar, an old chicken feeder and some copper tubing… Purely inspirational, but with the same design, Life. By Design. found these amazing bird feeders at a market and shared. Epoxy glue and imagination! We like Gorilla Glue for these kind of projects.
  We have featured projects from The Garden Roof Coop before, and this is why… these DIY glass bottle bird feeders look store bought, but they have a great tutorial and you won’t believe how easy it is! Love these!

Yep, you heard me, treehouse! Pure fun for the #garden …and I don’t know if you’ve seen the new show on #treehouses , but they aren’t just for kids anymore. There are even treehouse cabins for rent for us grown ups! In other words, society is giving us permission to think like kids for awhile. And thats always a good thing… So whether you want some childhood inspired daydreams, or actually want to build one of these “high in the sky” funhouses, we have it here. So #DIY treehouses ahoy! (Oh, that’s ships, right? Got my childhood daydreams mixed up.) Our feature project, above,  is a doozy… a full blown deluxe treehouse with free plans from The Wood Plans Shop. Got kids or grandkids? Want them to love you forever? Make This!
Don’t think you can pull this project off? Go see how Kristen Duke and her family build a treehouse with the help of the sisters from Shanty 2 Chic. (We love them!)

  From Popular Mechanics, a lot of good real life tips on building a treehouse
  From ‘Make N Do’ on Instructables, this how to build a treehouse tutorial has plenty of step by step photos that make it perfect for the treehouse building novice.
  Want to get serious? This DIY treehouse by DIY Network could be my new office! Step by step instructions and cost estimate.
  We really like this one and their creative use of materials. Nice design and just very cool! From ‘Kid Baltimore’, you can see how they did it in these three parts – one, two & three.
  If that wasn’t enough, we will leave  you with this inspirational treehouse that just about says it all by the looks on the kids’ faces. Pure wonder.

I love a charming #garden project. Something creative and a bit unexpected, that has all the attributes of good art with all the care and concern of an aged and weathered object. So comes our next garden project ideas for our readers… repurposed door projects for the garden. All these projects can be done with old or new doors, but I do suggest visiting your local architectural salvage company, or even ReStore from Habitat for Humanity to find old doors with character. (And, it’s recycling, so it’s better for the earth!)
Our first two inspiring photos comes from Green wedding Shoes. While you may not be planning a wedding, this old door table hung from rope can’t be beat for charm – who wouldn’t want to eat a summer breakfast on a table like this?
  From Finding Home, check out this vintage door bar station! I want this for my patio! Great job Laura! (Read the tutorial!)
  While this next pic of this screen door potting bench is inspirational, it could easily be done as a #DIY project! From Hymns and Verses.
  From Diana Wearing, this shutter door fence is amazing!
  Very cool old door bench made with old spindles and a door cut lengthwise, from Lark Books.
  Confessions of a Curb Shopaholic created this really cool old door potting bench! Love this!
  From Pinterest, this old door painted this incredible color simply has a window box attached to the front, and is used as art in the garden. I am planning to do something like this to fill an empty corner!
  From HGTV’s Rate My Space, this garden shed made from doors is totally inspirational…
  From Jeanne Sammons – ‘Flea Market Gardening’… Oh my…this door arbor is cool…
  This garden bench from BHG is using a newer door as the base… but you could make this idea as modern or as vintage as you wanted!
So create a re-purposed door project for your garden or outdoor spaces!

Rain chains are perfect instruments for harnessing the elements of nature in the #garden , so that they can be appreciated. Using a rain chain anywhere in the garden adds a decorative element, and who doesn’t love the sight and sound of water in the garden? However, they can be expensive and hard to find. We decided to go out and find some #DIY rain chain projects and tutorials for you just in time for spring rains! (Better than snow, right East Coast?) So let’s get to garden crafting!
Birds and Blooms has this rain chain from spoons project, complete with instructions. I love the look of this, and using old flatware just makes it more interesting! Here is a better view of the whole chain… Burbs and the Bees made this cute pine cone rain chain. Read the comments, one suggestion was to smear on peanut butter and use as a bird feeder!
  Dollar Store crafts made this very cool wire and stone rain chain, and they have a complete tutorial with lots of photos for you.
  I’m Going to Texas made this fork and spoon rain chain… just by bending the fork tines. Love this! Another rain chain made with repurposed funnels and measuring cups etc…
  Mother Earth Living has a similar project, for a funnel rain chain, with instructions!
  Coveting those expensive copper rain chains? This DIY version by Reverberations of Echoes has a great step by step.
  DIY Maven at Curbly provided us with the how-to’s for this bucket rain chain project! She did this in under an hour!
  Finally, from Design Sponge, this DIY ombre rain chain made from small pots is such a great and budget friendly project. Check out the instructions and have a go at it!
Which one would you love in your garden? Share your thoughts in our comments section!

I wanted to touch base about pruning #trees at this time of year, because as soon as the holidays are over, many of you do exactly that. And if you have run across any of the “guides” on pruning trees written by the extension programs of state universities, you may have had your head spin around. Here are all the simple guidelines on how, and when to prune your trees.
When to Prune Trees For all of you who pull out the clippers and loppers right after Christmas, don’t! Most trees will come out healthier on the other end if you wait until after the coldest part of winter has passed, but before vigorous growth starts in early spring. For most people that’s February to March. That having been said, it’s ok to do minor pruning to weed out dead branches, etc… at any time of year. Note: it is okay to still prune fruit trees if they have started to flower. In fact, fruit trees tend to get some winter kill of branches, and waiting for the first flowers will help you determine which branches are dead and need to be removed. How to Prune Large Trees Short answer? Don’t. Large trees need an arborist or tree trimming service for both safety and health of the tree.  Fortunately, large trees rarely need to be pruned yearly! How to Prune Small Trees You prune decorative garden trees for two reasons… First, is to improve the health of the tree. Pruning creates more compact and healthy growth, and opens up the crown for good air circulation. Second, to improve the appearance of the tree. Every time you make a cut in your tree, first think about which one of those objectives you are trying to achieve… if your cut fits with one of those two, it’s a good cut.
Note: Make sure your pruners and loppers are sharp and clean. You don’t want to invite fungus or disease. To prune a small tree for health, first you want to remove any dead or unhealthy branches. Make your cuts just outside the collar of the branch…don’t cut too close to the trunk, and on the other side, don’t leave a stub. Below is an example of a proper cut. If branches cross over or are too thick, prune them out to allow the branches you leave room to grow and flourish. Most people are not aggressive enough in thinning out branches. Now prune for shape and size. Step back and look at your tree, and know what it’s natural shape should be. For instance, is it a weeping tree, or a graceful vase shape? Make sure you remove branches that are interfering with the shape you want your tree to take. Step back after every cut and re-evaluate. Try to remove most of your branches at the trunk, but if you need to shorten a branch, don’t cut it in the middle… make your cut a quarter inch above a bud. How to Prune Fruit Trees
Pruning fruit trees is slightly different in that the main purpose is to encourage stronger growth of the fruit itself, not size of the tree. This involves creating a more compact tree and only leaving the strongest branches, which results in large and more flavorful fruit. According to Dr. Lee Reich, author of “Landscaping with Fruits”, “You need to make thinning cuts and heading cuts—to keep the center of the tree open and to stimulate new growth for the following year. And in general you need to cut more than you probably think you should.” Also suggested by Dr. Reich is a good visual tool for deciding whether you have thinned your fruit trees far enough…another place most people are not aggressive enough. He calls it his “cat tossing method”. Yes, I find this disturbing, but it’s a good visual… He says if when you are finished pruning, you could toss a cat through the branches, you’ve done enough. Not the analogy I would use, and I’m torn between laughing at the craziness of it, and feeling really disturbed. But there you are, one of the leading authorities on pruning. How about this, he offers an alternative for those of us a bit sensitive… If a large bird can fly through the branches, you are good. Why didn’t you just say that in the first place, Dr. Reich? :) His basic rule for thinning fruit on apple and peach trees is that for every 20 blossoms, only one should remain. Yep, that aggressive. So prune your trees at the right time, with the right technique. It will improve their curb appeal, their flowering and fruiting, and their health. It’s not hard, just take it one cut at a time!

If you read our post on Organizing Your #Garden Shed, you know that it’s that time of year when it will pay off to get your garden accessories in order. Nothing gets tripped over, mowed over or driven over more than the garden hose. Isn’t it time to get it stored properly? Not to mention, a garden with the hose always left about is an eyesore… you want to appreciate the garden itself, not the tools you use to care for it. (Unless you have a gorgeous set of antique copper hand tools, but thats a whole other story…:)) #DIY garden hose storage projects will help clean up the mess, and might save you from face planting in the tulips as well. Get to DIYin’!
Love Grows Wild created this DIY garden hose holder with a custom look from a wood post and some finials. Great tutorial!
  Up-cycle an old wash tub from a washing machine as a hose holder! Use old wooden spools attached to a wall to create a unique hose wrap, from Sunset.
  Screw a metal pail onto a wood post, and use as a DIY hose wrap. Charming!
  Same idea, using a wire basket or bowl, via Lorene Edwards Forkner whose new book Handmade Garden Projects is out on Timberline Press.
  Working on a theme, but this time the bucket does double duty as storage for small items as well!
  An inexpensive alternative to buying an expensive garden hose hook, from Modern Cottage.
So wrangle up those garden hoses, and use these DIY garden hose storage projects to keep your garden a little bit more garden, and a little less hazard zone!

I love concrete in the #garden . It’s such an organic material that blends well with nature, yet it holds up over time, and only improves it’s looks with age. It’s inexpensive, and can be bought in ready made forms, or created by mixing with water and other organic elements. Grow a little moss on it, and you will have me swooning…  So given a choice, if I can’t have a natural element such as stone or wood…give me concrete! Here are our fav DIY concrete garden projects gathered from around the web. Our featured project, above – Give you garden structure with this #DIY concrete edging project.
And of course, we have our very own DIY concrete globes project from last season… Anyone tried this yet?
  Upcycled Garden Style created these outdoor planters from concrete pavers and caulking adhesive. These are so simple, they’re brilliant! Can’t wait to try this out! Remember to check out the caulking you use and make sure its warm enough outside for it to harden and cure.
  Martha tells us how to use the age old technique of hypertufa to create cool planters that make great garden accents. The Hunted Interior has a great tutorial on how she made this cinder block planter… hers also happened to be an outdoor bar as well! You gotta check out this  project…
  These modern grassy planters are awesome… learn to create them here.
  Check out these great DIY concrete fire columns from In My Own Style that are a Restoration Hardware dupe… complete with all the how-to’s!
  And finally, Man Made DIY teaches us how to make this amazing DIY concrete fire pit! Love the clean look that would work in any space…
Make some DIY concrete garden projects and let us know how they turn out, and please share your ideas in the comments!

Growing season is creeping nearer, and we all are looking at our #garden beds from last year in the harsh light of winters lack of plant cover…and possible being disappointed by their condition. Have you considered using raised beds this year? Raised beds are great for veggies and herbs, and can be the perfect solution for flower beds when the soil is poor, or when a gardener just needs an easier way to maintain their garden #space . Easy to put together, raised beds are nothing more than a box with no bottom, filled with good garden soil. Plants that are grown in raised beds are healthier, weeds are easier to control, and watering and fertilizing is concentrated right where you need it. Gardeners that have trouble bending over find raised beds easier to work in, and you can make them any height that works for you. Plus, they just keep the garden neat! If you want to try raised garden beds this year, check out these tutorials for #DIY raised garden beds. Our featured project,  using water troughs as raised beds! I love this because it looks like art in the garden, yet tall enough to make working the beds easy for an older gardener, or someone like me who has trouble with her knees… Love this!
This raised bed has minimal side, but it’s an easy way to organize the vegetable patch. They used simple lengths of re-purposed steel rods as edging.
  Just need a basic raised bed tutorial? This Old House shows you how…
  Project Alicia created this unique raised bed from tin roofing and some lumber… They give complete directions on how they made it, and their son helped!
  I Save A 2 Z created this budget friendly raised bed from cinder blocks. I like how they lined the bottom with cardboard to prevent weeds from growing up into the bed.
  Life on the Balcony created this project that is a cross between a raised bed and a garden container… but it serves the raised bed purpose, and you have to love the vintage charm it gives the garden. Heres how to create a wine box raised garden bed.
  Lastly, I’m throwing this one in because we love it for inspiring small gardens to having raised beds as well!
Create a basic garden bed, or a unique DIY raised garden bed like the ones shown here… Think of how much healthier you could eat, for less! (Oh, and EASIER!)

The garden gate is the quintessential “first impression” of any #garden , and making it special sets the tone for your outdoor #space . Why not use up-cycled materials to create a garden gate with charm, cleverness, creativity…and is a good thing for nature. (Recycling!)
We scoured Pinterest and the web for bloggers that have some great ideas for up-cycled garden gates, and anyone who is handy (or can lean on a handy loved one!) can accomplish these garden projects. This old window makes a marvelous garden gate… Simply place posts a distance apart equal to the width of the window, add hinges and latches…
  This garden gate was created from old tools. So creative! Montana Wildlife Gardener used all recycled tools for his project. Dishfunctional Designs recently featured a great garden gate made from an old screen door… Check out your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore!
  Finally, we found a bunch of great gates done out of old metal headboards… I think these might be my favorite!

  What ideas have you run across for creative up-cycled garden gates? Share!