I was recently inspired to try a special project. I had it in my mind since springtime and decided to tackle it as a surprise for my sister. Now, we all know that what appeals to one person doesn't necessarily strike the interest of another and it's true for garden art, which is the category in which this falls. Some don't care for any ornamentation in their yard. Others find the more the merrier. Most, I suspect, fall in the middle. I knew this was something that would be right up my sister's alley, so I proceeded. If an occasional whimsical piece makes you smile, you may find this post worth reading.
This is my sister's 10 speed bike that she had growing up. My husband and I wrestled it down from the garage attic at my parents' house so that I could use it for this undertaking.
My husband and I clipped and removed the bicycle's ten-speed cables to "clean up" the looks. He tightened a few things. I took off the reflectors and we thoroughly cleaned every inch from the handlebars to the wheel spokes. I then spray painted it with several lighter coats of Rust-oleum 2X.
Since shades of aqua are favorites of hers, I chose oasis blue.
I fashioned the planters using two Dollar Tree wire mesh baskets (available in their container aisle) and painted those to match before adding cocoa liners. We strategically attached them with zip ties. To keep the bike anchored in place, we bought two 3 foot rebars and I painted those. My husband wove them between the spokes of each wheel and sunk the ends deeply into the soil.
Remember the simpler days of youth when you could just jump on your bike and pedal away with your friends? Wind in your face and not a care in the world, the journey was an adventure!
Have a great day. Keep calm and pedal on! 🚲