When I decided to make custom lattice for our DIY A/C surround, I measured and counted out how many 1 x 2s I thought we would need for the project. I estimated that we would need 85 1 x 2s and figured I should round it up to 100 to have some extras in case some were warped or in bad condition. I was confident in my math, so Jeff and I primed and painted all 100 pieces, even though he pointed out that we wouldn’t be able to return extras.
Well, it turns out that math still isn’t my strong suit, and I dramatically overestimated how many 1 x 2s we would need. Since I have a big pile of primed and painted, unreturnable 1 x 2s sitting on our newly-organized garage floor, I decided I should get building! We’re going to make a surround for our propane tank, which should use up most of the extras, but I have some smaller scraps that are still a useful size. I wanted to replace the somewhat wonky willow support I made for a clematis vine last year, so that was the perfect project.
It’s even better because the pieces are already primed and painted, so putting it together only took me about 30 minutes. I built an obelisk last year (you can read about that HERE), so I know how to assemble one. I needed to make this one smaller, though. I didn’t use any plans, but just set the pieces out to determine the right measurements for this space.
I liked the charm of the wonky willow one, but this one looks more substantial and fits with the style of the house and garden a bit better. It was a bit tricky getting the clematis vine off of the old obelisk and onto the new one, but I managed to do it without breaking off too many leaves. This is a Henryi clematis I planted last year, and it’s still pretty quiet this year. It doesn’t look like it will bloom this year, but we’ll see. Maybe it’ll bloom later in the summer.
In the book I’ve been reading about Jefferson’s garden at Monticello, Jefferson observes that Americans dig holes while the English plant borders. In his own garden, he departed from the more formal traditional English gardening that focused on aesthetics, symmetry, borders, and structures. He didn’t make herb knots and focal points, but planted his vegetables in rows with practical pathways. I must say that I prefer the English garden approach! I want to faff about with the structures, cloches, designs, and aesthetics. That, to me, is far more enjoyable than the watering, weeding, and even the harvesting.
This obelisk is a practical upgrade, though. The three-legged willow version kept falling over in the wind, but I’m guessing this four-legged version with a wider base will be a bit more stable. I also like how the paint (Card Room Green) ties in with the shutters and front door.
While I was looking through photos a few days ago, I found this photo of the front of our house after we had the overgrown bushes and a large holly removed. Even though I know we’ve done a lot of work, it still amazes me how much this house has changed.
We had a couple of downpours, so I need to sweep up a bit of displaced mulch, but otherwise, it’s looking so good! In previous homes, I preferred focusing on the inside of the house because I was too overwhelmed by the scale and expense of working on the exterior. This house desperately needed attention on the exterior, including a new roof and windows, a fresh coat of paint, and landscaping. It’s been a lot of work and a big investment, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the transformation so far.
The new obelisk does fit the aesthetic more. I also like that you still see the willow weaving as a fun experience and not a waste of time because you’re now changing. I’ve always seen you as good at that mindset.
Have you considered painting the front door sidelights the same green? I did that on mine and it made for a more welcoming looking entrance. The previous darker door and white sidelights on my house made the door look mean and narrow.
It really looks good! I love everything you have done to the front of your home. I did love the willow obelisk but the new piece is definitely more substantial, even in the overall appearance of the yard. To me it’s amazing what you have accomplished in a relatively short time, much more than most. I bet your neighbors are thrilled too. You have brought life back into this house and I’m sure the family of the previous owners are pleased to see it happening. I think it honors the past.
Clemetis:
First year sleeps
Second year creeps
Third year leaps
When it finally happens, it is joyful!
You and your husband and the boys too, have done a wonderful job and the outside looks amazing. The AC enclosure came out great and I love the way everything ties together. I have enjoyed this journey and I live in a townhome, so I am living vicariously through you.
Pam
All I can say is WOW!
You should enjoy every minute you spend out there. You have done a magnificent job. What a transformation!
I love all you’ve done! It’s beautiful! Your birdhouse is gorgeous!
You guys made this house come to life! My compliments and more!
Your house looks lovely! Amazing transformation.
I think you have under estimated how much support your Henri clematis will need. Mine is on an antique iron gate that is 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It completely covers it and is curling over the top and reaching out to the sides.
It has beautiful white blooms that are as large as my husbands hands with the fingers spread out. It is probably 6 years old.
Yours could be a different variety. Good luck with it.
i have loved every single thing you have done to your home, inside and out! I would love to know where I can find a birdhouse that is mounted on the house above the clematis…love it….thanks so much
Love the different shades of green (plants) against the “card room” green shutters and obelisk. The purple flowers really pop against the green. Very well put together! I can’t find the name of your (white) house color. Is it creamed white?
It’s Creamy by Sherwin Williams.
Oh, that’s a coincidence! I recently had the “public” areas of my house painted and I chose SW Creamy! Living room, dining room, kitchen and hallway are now lighter and brighter! It’s so hard to choose a white. I had narrowed it down from 5 colors.
You probably already know this about Clematis but they like their feet in the shade, and head in the sun. I planted low growing succulents at the base of mine to provide the shade for the roots. The expert at the garden center also told me they like lots of water.
I love how you take pride in ownership of your house inside and out!
I absolutely love the way you have reimagined your yard. It looks fantastic! It definitely has that cottage feel that I would love to wander about in. And the fencing around your a/c is just perfect. If you continue having issues with the displaced mulch, you might want to try pine straw when it is time to replace it. It definitely stays in place better than bark-type mulches.
Beautiful transformation of your home!