Flora and Fern and a "Married Metals" Bench

I mentioned awhile back that Springfield has had several fun new shopping venues open up, and the latest one I want to share with you is Flora and Fern, which is right next door to the new Harrison House Market. It's full of wonderful vintage displays, topiaries, orchids, large and small potted plants and trees, and unique accessories including jewelry.

(enlarge to read the Swedish definition on the chalkboard)

LOVE the wall design with wonderful mismatched plates and metal lettering.

The conservatories draw you in to enjoy all the smaller vignettes 

with various unique pots and plants.

I have to go back and find a topiary...one that the kitties won't eat or destroy.

One of the things I'd been hoping for while looking for new houses a couple of years ago was a roomier front porch. That didn't happen, and while it can still be considered a "porch", it isn't very big, and doesn't have a lot of wall space. I love a bench or even a chair to decorate around for the seasons. I'd just about given up that I'd find the right piece; something that was not visually overwhelming and too wide. It needed to be a size that wouldn't have me and Hubbs at odds. He hates too much "stuff" in traffic patterns, but I think I have what will work and not cause any conflict with visitors, delivery people, or irritable husbands...

(Here it is at The Vintage Peddler, my new shopping addiction...)

It's almost camouflaged here on the dark brick backdrop of the porch.

and that's fine, I'd just as soon it not stand out. 

First thing we did was secure it with a bicycle cord and lock.

Upon close inspection you can tell it's some sort of outside type "parkbench",

 and metal footboard from a bed, that has been welded together.

You can barely see it,

 but the back has some traces of wonderful aqua blue paint.

The frame will stay "as-is"; it really has a perfect vintage patina.

I did a light charcoal gray latex wash on the old wooden slats

 that even out the wood tones from sanding them down.

I'll be using a pillow, some pumpkins, mums, and baskets to 

welcome everyone to the Fall Front Porch.

But I couldn't wait to show you the bench,

since I've been on the lookout for such a long time!

xoxo,

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