I doubt this one would last too long in the open as it is more decorative but I can find a nice sheltered spot. The others are more utilitarian. The wrens will have quite a choice next year.
Among the other things I brought home was a nice glass hummingbird feeder. I have never put out food for the birds. The hummingbirds seem to find plenty of nectar from the Salvias and the goldfinches seem happy with the seeds on the coneflowers but next year they will have some easier-to-get food.
There was a roll of greenhouse shade cloth, two tomato cages, bags of vermiculite, potting soil, peat moss, cactus soil and worm castings, a box containing 2 portable sprinklers, trowels, forks and various garden necessities. I was a happy gardener. Then later in the day I went over to my friend's house to pick up some bamboo that they had been cutting down.
These are for my new bee houses. All mine are filled up and every hole in my four patio umbrellas is filled too. Clearly there is a shortage of rental accommodation. I think it will make a good winter project.
The rock bird house is so pretty and the other two look similar to ones I've picked up the same way. I enjoy finding a big box of old clay pots for $3 or a nearly full container of Medina for 50 cents at garage sales in my area.
ReplyDeleteClay pots are my favorite. I did get one yesterday but am finding I really want larger pots as the others dry out so quickly. Like you I just love a bargain and a useful bargain at that.
DeleteBee houses with bamboo sounds like a good use of the cuttings. Have you seen insect hotels? They look like fun, too. See for some examples: http://www.inspirationgreen.com/insect-habitats.html
ReplyDeleteJane, thanks for the fabulous link. I just have a small one but am planning to make more now I have the bamboo. I have used a mixture of bamboo and drilled holes before and they fill up overnight. I'd better get busy.
DeleteI keep planning to make a hotel for the solitary bees but somehow it ends up at the bottom of my list, in part because I questioned whether it would get any use. With your testimonial as to the level of interest, I'll have to move it up the list. I do put our food for the resident - and visiting - hummingbirds. It doesn't seem to stop them from feeding from natural sources and, with the feeder immediately outside my kitchen window, it provides me tremendous enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great haul! I'll be looking forward to seeing the houses and feeder in play once you've figured out where to put everything. I have multiple bird houses out that I've picked up in thrift stores, mostly. I get more paper wasp nests than bird nests but I keep them well away from the house so whoever (or whatever) wants to use them? Fine by me. I do need to find a new spot for a bamboo bench that we'd been keeping on our back deck. There are bees in both ends of every pole used in the bench and I think we'd all feel easier with that traffic moved further from the door.
ReplyDeleteThe birdhouse made of rocks and bark and branches is fabulous, but will definitely need a protected spot. Here in the PNW, it would rot in no time. What a great haul you got! Last spring I thought about getting some mason bee houses, but never did get around to it. Next season for sure!
ReplyDeleteYou always seem to find the best garden stuff at garage sales.
ReplyDeleteGood job.
Love that decorative birdhouse.