This past summer I had the privilege of meeting the delightful author of 'Handmade Garden Projects' - Lorene Edwards Forkner - and was able to see her gardens first-hand, including many of the projects in her book. What impressed me about Lorene was her genuine passion for creativity and an almost a child-like enjoyment of what I grew-up calling "crafts". Lorene makes re-purposing an attainable and practical goal for your garden.
I spoke with Lorene about her book and absolutely loved her comments:
"If I could offer anyone advice about taking on their own garden
projects – whether one of the ones found in the book or something of
their own creation – It’s to get back in touch with their childhood
sense of play and interacting with the outdoor environment. Experiment,
test limits, and even fail a bit. The magical part is always in the
process and sometimes we end up with something way better than anything
we set out to create.
I
would say the outdoor terrarium project was an example of that for me.
So much has been written about indoor terrariums but we all know what
happens to plants under glass in the sun! I was totally experimenting
with an object I had around the house (the large light fixture) and
pushing the limits. The resulting completely enclosed, self-sustaining
composition of plants has been a delight. What a treat it’s been to
have this SHADY nook and garden feature in the garden that looks lush
and detailed yet asks absolutely nothing of me on a regular basis. Now
in its third summer, I’ve had to change out the annuals but the
perennials have held up fine through a couple of challenging winters.
The
other advice I might pass along is when something doesn’t work – MOVE
ON! Trust me – there were plenty of projects I thought would be
brilliant that were… well, let’s just say they were NOT brilliant! My
basement – always a repository for stray bits and collectibles is also
where all my not-yet-finessed ideas languish! The projects that did NOT
make the book live there.
Live
and learn; garden, play and relax. When I was a kid – my parents were
always telling me to “go outside and play; it’s a nice day!” I’ve been
there ever since."
From the Timber press website:
Handmade Garden Projects: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creative Garden Features, Containers, Lighting & More
By Lorene Edwards Forkner
You can transform your garden into a handmade, personality-infused
oasis. Author Lorene Edwards Forkner — part eco-friendly
non-traditionalist, part crafty creative — will show you how.
Projects run the gamut from eye-catching structures, like a pergola
made from plumbing pipes, to imaginative details, like a tree-hung
chandelier for nighttime ambiance. You'll also find helpful plant guides
to accompany projects: delectable herbs to fill a stacking container
tower, stellar succulents for a vertical gutter garden, glorious
flowering vines to climb a bamboo obelisk, and so much more.
Ready to get started? All you need are refreshingly simple,
inexpensive materials — hardware store basics, salvaged goods,
repurposed castoffs from cluttered basements — along with a little
do-it-yourself spirit. With clear instructions and inspiring variations
on every theme, this book is easy to follow and easy to love. Your
journey to a made-from-scratch outdoor space starts here.
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| This outdoor terrarium made from an old giant light has been growing for almost 3 years. |
I have thoroghly enjoyed reading through this book, and value the careful instructions that are given to accomplish the tasks. Learn more about Lorene's book at
Timber Press and check out what others are saying about this creative book from these well-respected garden writers:
http://www.vintagegardengal.com/
to cook enough food to feed the hungry horde - as long as you cook." (this braiser is teenager-proof). Then I just sit back with my laptop, pretend to be distracted typing, and soak in the sounds of youthful exuberance. 
