The second Summer (2020) in our home, my Wife and I began removing very old Spirea bushes along our backyard fence. Tucked in the corner behind the bushes was a wooden box, completely out of sight. After further inspection, I figured out it was an old planter box. It was in fairly good condition for it's age, but definitely in need of some repair. I thought that, one day, I could bring it back to life. I carried it to the shed and set it inside against the wall where it would remain until about a month ago. I was certain it was from a bygone era and was probably built by Henry Zirkel, himself, considering he was a carpenter by trade.
Since I haven't had much on my active to-do list, lately, I decided to begin a project to bring the planter box back to life. I had noticed it was, originally, a dusty, brick red, based on just a small patch of paint still remaining on the very weathered box.
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| Before sanding but after tightening up the joints |
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| A hint of past color on the left side |
I spent more time than probably necessary tightening up loose joints, sanding, filling in the major holes and gaps, sanding again, priming, painting, and adding a coat of urethane. I didn't want to make it look new, but, instead, thought it would be appropriate to keep some of the aged character that had occurred over the years.
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| Finished with holes drilled for drainage |
This past Friday, I visited a local nursery and purchased some Violas and Gazania. Now, the planter sits proudly on the railing of our front porch. It it satisfying to have rejuvenated a piece of the house history, instead of just mindlessly throwing out on trash day.
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| Done! |
