I’ve said it before, that one of the appealing things about having old stuff around the place is the associated nostalgia. It gives me a warm, happy feeling. Which is a very good thing. An anodised aluminium teapot that I keep on the slow-combustion heater for hot drinks in winter, sparks memories of Sunday morning tea after church in the hall. And of the old (perhaps they were not very old, but I was just a kid back then) ladies who poured cups and cups of tea into proper tea cups, for me to drink with my biscuits. When I fill one of my brightly-coloured anodised aluminium cups for a guest, I recall drinking cordial in Grandma’s kitchen. And I’m taken straight back to my great grandmother’s sunroom when I sit in an old white wire patio chair on the verandah. So around my garden, to add to the cheer that being amongst plants and nature brings, I’ve incorporated old furniture items that made me smile when I discovered them.
Since there are various animals living outside at my place, as well as young children about, decent fences are rather important. And fences need gates. Just an excuse to obtain more lovely vintage items really! When it came time to fence our property, my husband and I drove across the countryside to collect old gates that we’d purchased on ebay and at our local second-hand auction centre (OK we didn’t have to drive that far…I don’t want to sound like we were racking up the fuel miles). They added instant character and charm to the garden. And now when I wander around outside or open a gate I remember walking along the footpath to school, looking in to front yards and admiring the lovely country gardens.
We also have lots of chairs outside and around the garden. I have a thing for chairs. Not that I get the chance to sit on one very often. But when I count how many old chairs there are at my place I realise I’m a bit of a chair collector. They are very useful at least. And all are carefully placed. So if you ever happen to visit, you can be sure you’ll find somewhere to sit, inside or out. You’ll notice with these old cast iron chairs that they have lost a bit of paint. That is the state that I bought them in. And that is how I like them. Otherwise they might look too new.
Despite appearances, this one is still going strong and is actually very comfortable.
And on the verandah (the lovely antique wicker chair was a thoughtful birthday gift from my mum)…
Tables are useful, too. This is my favourite. I wouldn’t dare paint it.
My vintage pot plant stands remind me of my grandma’s back door steps. Hers was likewise laden with succulents. And the miniature jade (Portulacaria afra) on the centre shelf originated in her mum’s wonderful garden.
Note the rust. Rust is good.
I just liked the look of this one – a vintage bird cage holder. I prefer to keep plants in the bird cage (which is actually not that vintage but I did buy it second-hand and it looks the part I think).
It is just as well I have a large garden to house all this old furniture. As my garden grows and changes, my collection of old stuff evolves with it. And more memories are created.
Two Striped Cats 