the bird cage
detail during clean up
door detail
three nice doors that function!
While minding my own business Friday, running errands, I rounded the corner near a”junk-tique” shop. On an endless quest for a footstool, I decided to stop and browse. There it sat on the sidewalk. NOT a footstool—a giant bird cage—and the price was right—the perfect sense of whimsy for the garden. The universe was in alignment for the impulse—buy!
A bit extravagant for a garden ornament, yet this piece spoke to me loudly. Impulse purchases for me are rare, yet this time I did not hesitate—not knowing how I would transport this bulk home, I claimed it anyway.
Upon returning home, I made a few phone calls and found one neighbor who was willing to take his truck to work the following day and bring my treasure home.
It now temporarily resides at the rear of the garden shed, awaiting a facial scrub and fresh coat of paint.
Today was the perfect day to begin. Sunny, dry, and mild I began the restoration with various tools and freed the cage of numerous dangling chains. Overall it is in great shape, having been clearly ignored for decades. Only one solder failed over time, leaving a slight gap between two lower bars. Since I envision placing small pots of wandering sedum in the former feed/water rings and perhaps planting a romantic, fragrant vine to climb throughout its structure, this charm is on her way to making a new statement. Wonder where P Allen Smith would use this?
tools for the task
free the bird ceremony
Sage ceremonies are highly important for spaces and acquisitions. I began by blessing the cage, freeing the bird spirit, then proceeded around the entire yard and finished up inside the house. As I completed my turn, I noticed a sparrow hopping about the cage, investigating the new arrival. This time the bird was free to fly. A good omen, indeed.
Have you ever made an impulse buy of this nature? Do tell.
Copyright © 2013 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
home, garden, life 
Paint your cage a color compatible to the location where you are placing it. Mine was black, but it came that way. I try to find a great garden color and role with it. As per the Crepe Myrtle, go to here to ask. http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/
Grumpy is the all time king of crepe myrtle. You will find no better advice, but he might be a little on the sarcastic side, take no offense, he is a great guy. I met him last year.
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I used my Cockatoo’s old cage in the garden one year and filled it with all kinds of plants. The photo was before the vines climbed the willow. http://orchardparkway.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/birdcage.jpg
You will have a great time putting together the bird cage. It is a pretty garden feature.
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Once I do the grunt work of its restoration, perhaps it will be a joy. Right now it is a chore with wire brushes and rust primer. Cannot decide on a final color, as all the iron outdoor furniture needs fresh paint/color too. Any suggestions followers?
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So THAT’s the mysterious purchase! So many possibilities! I wonder if birds might like to nest there in the spring … I, too, like to clear spaces with white sage, though I may not have thought of it with the birdcage. Good thinking, Diane!
jeanne
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Impulse, at least for me is guided by my heart! My last major “heart purchase” was my naughty standard poodle Pearl. If it gives back and makes you smile then the impulse was worth it! I’m sure that cage will bring a smile to your face every time you stroll through your garden!
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😉 Your wife is lucky to have such a willing, helpful hubby!
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Well, let’s see. My spouse is really into inanimate chickens of various kinds. Once in St. Paul we saw a large concrete chicken that must have weighed about 100 lb. It’s sitting in our backyard right now.
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