The Building of the Leekin Lena

 It always starts with and Idea. The past two years we have not used the hot tub that sit on the back deck. I want to turn it into a fish pond. I have been looking at stones and all of the normal kind of ponds but juat could not come up with the energy to get out there and work on it. that usually means it is not the RIGHT idea.

 I moved the tub to one area of the yard and then Cydne said she thought it should go next to the arbor. So here she sits. I was walking by and the thought hit me, she looks like a boat. Well that was it I LOVE Tug boats and have been looking at the mini tug sites. I am not in the market for a real one but I can build a mock one.

 Gathering up some of the items to be used. The plastic barrels cut up easy and make a great source of moldable plastic. I use only food grade. these came from a resturant  and hade fruit juice in them.

 Pieces of plywood that were once used to board up the windows for hurricane season, Leftover molding from a chair rail and screen given to me form a friend.

 With the helping hand of Cydne the job moves right along.

 This PVC frame has steel rods in side of it and the 2x6 is notched to fit over the pipe. so the Wheel housc can be lifted off of the hot tub in case of bad storms of cleaning of the pond. Yes I will clean out the dirty water and the bottom of the hot tub as I go.

 Fitting the blue barrel plastic on the front. with some sunny days and the help of a hair dryer I will shape it before it is hooked down. smoke stack ready for placement. 5 gal. bucket lids used for port holes.

With a clear fiberglass roof and pool noodles around the front and back she is starting to take shape.

The finished "Leekin Lena"

 Her she is from a distance, we have added fish and some rocks.

 I just loved this project except for the pond pump she is 100% recycled materials.The waterfall and spillway will support the herb garden planted in the arbor. The boat is done but now we will be adding lights and a Wharf in front of her with a mock pier. anyone know where to find dock post???

List of recycled Items.
Most of them picked up on the side of the road.

1. Hot tub from a friends yard
2. Blue barrel from the rubble that was once the Kingfish restaraunt.
3. Port holes made out of 5 gallon bucket lids
4. Tires from 2 big wheels thrown out after Christmas.
5. Screen from Pat
6. pvc pipes
7. molding scrapes
8. roof is fiberglass
9. Swimming noodles on the front and back of the roof.
10. fishing rod from dumpster.
11. Paint from Cindy's when she was moving.
12. Rubber ducks from a thrift shop.
13. Coffee and Imagination.

Putting myself in the scene this past Christmas.

 With all of the people arriving for the census and tax collection I have decided to set up a small pot selling shed. I rented this small shed. The location is great it is right in between the Inn and the stable.

 I bought some bread from a local woman and her son.

 Everyone is coming into town the shepherds and some of the flocks are also here. There was alot so singing going on. It was so beautiful and the light here is so good that I was able to stay of and paint all night long the music seemed to come right down from the heavens.

Ok so some rich guys are coming into town and they will surely buy some of my pots.

herb gardens

 Coffee and Tea pots are great gifts, Put a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Herbs like mint in the top with some spanish moss to cover the dirt. Or sit them around your porch, out side your front door. When the wind blows the sweet smells on the breeze will remind you of the country.

 Pallets... They are everywhere. Look for the ones that are not pressure treated. Plastic bags between the layers keep the dirt in place. Herbs that like more water go down towards the bottom.

 Now these make Great gifts. Not really practical but very cute. The spoons are flattened out and names are added. Scribbles fabric paint works the best.

 This works with the large plastic bottles but if you have a glass cutter the big belly wine bottles really make a much nicer display.

Now the gloves are strange, I know this is not for everyone. White wire from coat hangers Loop around the glove cuff and then two loops to hold it on the line. A cable is used, not a clothesline.

Worm Farm

You might say Why? Well without the worm there would be no fertile soil. The worms also keep the soil form getting hard packed. To farm your own worm is really fun. 
                            Ten Steps To Worm Farming

1. Get a plastic storage bin with removable lid. (not under 2 gal.)
2. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage.
3. Drill plenty of holes in the top for air.
4. Line the bottom with very fine fiberglass mesh screening (worms are escape artist)
5. Add leaves, shredded news paper and bills, top soil or well composted manure for a bed, fill container half way.
6. Toss in a handful or two of "red wiggly" earth worms.
7. Feed worms at least twice a week by throwing in light kitchen waste. Coffee grounds, egg shells, corn meal. (never add meat or dairy) Bury the food slightly. Replace the lid. Happy well-fed worms look plump
8. Worms like wet beds, Keep the farm moist but not soggy. Store in the shaded, outdoor area. (up off the ground)
9. In about 2 months, Remove half of the mixture and put it in your garden. (worms and all)
10. Add new bedding and repeat the process.

                                                        HAPPY FARMING

Who hates dirt under your nails?

Oh I know I do. I hate the bay the dirt gets under my nails. Well I found a neat little trick. Keep a bar of soap with your gardening tools. Before you start your gardening run your finger nails across the bar of soap. The soap will coat your nails and keep the dirt out. When your wash your hands any dirt that might be under your nails will be slippery and wash right out of there.

Strawberry season is coming

Plant City Fl will be having the annual Strawberry Fest next month and the little green baskets will be everywhere. Take small paper bags coat with cooking oil. put bags in baskets or on there own they are great for starting seeds for plants that don't like to be transplanted. When it comes time to move the plants to the garden plant them bags and all. Here is another case that you can use coffee filters with the little green baskets.

Coffee Filters

Use the coffee filters for the bottom of your pots. They will keep in the dirt and let the water drain out. I save my coffee grounds for my Roses and then put the used filter in the empty flower pots for use later. New ones or used they both work Great.

Christmas Cactus puts on a show.

She really put on a show this year. The rest of the year the pot sits under the cover of some big ferns in the back yard. When the buds start to show some color she is moved to center stage by the front door. People ask what kind of fertilizer  do you use. None. My Grandmother always used tea on hers so that is what I do. Red Rose Tea. after we use the tea bag I cut them open and sprinkle the leaves on the plant. I will be transplanting her to a new pot the one she is in is broken. I like plastic for the Cactus, Grandma had hers in a wash tub That would be fun. Happy New Year Yall.