Back Porch Potting Bench

When the weather starts getting warmer and planting time is here it's time to get out on the back porch, do some clean up, and put together the potting bench. With all the trees around, our back porch can turn into a bit of a leaf dump. Starting in early April we get a variety of "tree droppings", which can get a bit overwhelming to stay on top of. Oaks and walnut trees are lovely except when they're dropping helicopters, fringe-y seeds, peapods, pollen... nuts, and oh and leaves.

I also have to do a quick coat of paint on the top of the potting bench because the squirrels and chipmunks make a mess. They seem to use a few hiding spots as a "potty bench"... excuse the pun. I also had to do a clean out of the drawers on the lower shelf because leaves seem to collect there, too. I salvaged the drawers when we replaced the laundry room vanity here, and they fit perfectly on the shelf and are a great place to store gardening tools and small pots. 

My little concrete lamb and galvanized tub of my mother-in-laws, 

tuck in under the bench. The tub is where I store extra potting soil.

My Momma and Baby Bunny live here on the potting bench.

(thank goodness, they're not messy)

My little boy garden statue is missing a foot,

but he's just too sweet to toss.

Just cover him up a bit with ivy...

See the little birdhouse on the top shelf? A few years ago a little male sparrow made the nest inside, as is the nesting habit of sparrows, and he spent weeks trying to get a female interested in taking up residence with him. I guess it wasn't deep enough because none of his efforts paid off. I felt so bad for him I finally brought the birdhouse indoors so he could move on. sad little guy. 

A potted bit of Creeping Wire Vine or Angel Vine

in an old chippy clay pot from the 40's.

I save my plant tags during the season so if I have to replace 

or buy extra I'll know the color.

This year they landed in the vintage berry boxes.

I also keep the old discolored ironstone tureen and pitcher

out here for impromptu flower arrangements.

 

The little green vintage pot is pretty old as it's painted with an enamel paint.

I found it the same time as the chippy white one on the top shelf.

The old door behind the bench is the same one I used in the Kitchen Sitting Area

at the last house. I just didn't have a spot for it inside here, but it's been the perfect

backdrop for the backless shelving.

I have so much fun using and decorating this spot,

as it continually changes with the seasons.

I'm sharing a few more pics of the potting bench 

and a some pics of it through the seasons and years 

this weekend at Vintage Cottage Weekend.

Hope you'll come back by to visit.

come join us on Monday evenings at 6:00

joining in here:

The House on Silverado,  Love Your Creativity at Life and Linda, 

All About Home at Common Ground and Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Inspire Me Monday at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia 

 Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch 

  Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life   Wonderful Wednesday at LeCultivateur 

Turnabout Tuesday at My Wee Abode,  Centerpiece Wednesday at Karin's Kottage

Share Your Style at French Ethereal,  Vintage Charm at Our Hopeful Home,  

Thursday Favorite Things at Follow the Yellow Brick Home,  

Create, Bake, and Grow at Shabby Art Boutique, Farmhouse Friday at  County Road 407

 Fabulous Friday at Vintage Home Design Friendship Friday at Create with Joy 

 Funtastic Friday at 2 Chicks and a Mom