It seems like it's been forever since I showed you the new wooden fence panels that we placed in the garden. We put them up in March with the intention of creating an outdoor dining area, I'm happy to say that we've finished with that project.
Before we could create this outdoor dining area, we had to move some large pavers that we had put in front of the potting bench last year over to the corner in front of the panels. Then Leo created a grass pathway from the entrance to the garden to the corner by tilling the path, sprigging some centipede grass, and edging it with landscaping timbers.
I stained the fence panels at the same time that we spruced up the potting bench and put an outdoor fabric skirt on it. That's because the new wood of the fence panels didn't match the old wood of the bench, and I wanted all of it to look the same. After we moved our round teak table and chairs to the corner, I got busy spray painting some pots and old frames to decorate the panels.
I decided to go with a blue and green color scheme because we had already painted these plastic pots earlier in the spring and I liked that mix of colors (and I already had the spray paint!)
So I painted some terracotta pots and...
a little wooden tool box and this plastic container along with a few other things that I was planning to use to decorate this corner.
The tool box ended up on the shelves of the bench.
I used some of our terracotta pot holders to hang the pots inside some painted frames.
And can you guess what I used to make these G R O W letters?
I had originally thought I'd paint the letters on some terracotta saucers, but I decided against that idea because they are so heavy.
Did you guess burner covers? If so, you were right! I picked these up at the local dollar store and spray painted them as well.
Then I traced around some letters and then hand painted them. Remember, I'm all about saving money and doing things on the cheap.
At the same time that I was having the skirt made for the potting bench, I had my friend Brenda make a tablecloth and some small lumbar pillows to coordinate with the skirt.
And remember the plastic container you saw in an previous photo? Well, here you can see what I did with it. After cutting a round hole in the bottom of it, the umbrella pole slid down through it, giving me a container for flowers. I did cut a hole in the tablecloth so the pole would pass through it as well.
I covered the tablecloth with newspaper while I was putting the flowers in the container, and isn't it pretty? This is not an original idea of mine. I saw it on another blog earlier this spring. (If this is your idea, I'd be more than happy to link to it.) It's a great way to have flowers on an umbrella table!
I even found some melamine plates at HomeGoods to coordinate with everything!
I am so happy with how everything turned out.
My sisters-in-law Jean and Jean came over to check it all out. And yes, they both share the same name and no, I didn't tell them to wear outfits that coordinated with the colors that I used!
So excited to have this little corner in our garden so we can enjoy some meals al fresco. The potting bench sink can hold some cold beverages and the top can be used as a serving table.
And we can look out on the garden and enjoy its bounty at the same time.
We're going out tomorrow to have breakfast in our little corner and listen to the birds welcome the new day!
Tonita
You are so creative. I just love your outdoor area. What wonderful and charming details that ooze from your sweet outdoor space. LOVE It.
Janice
It looks just wonderful and refreshing a perfect place for Spring and Summer.. I just found your blog today surfing from other pages.. Going to take a look around.. with love Janice
Janelle
What an absolutely charming little spot! Such creativity! Especially love the burner covers. Love when inspiration strikes like that - fantastic job! And I have to confess, I'm a wee bit jealous of your potting bench/sink. (bitter lament coming - brace yourself) When my mom remodeled her kitchen the contractor was supposed to save the huge single bowl sink for me and when I went to go get it, they'd smashed it in the dumpster. So nice to buzz in and visit for a bit! I always enjoy my visits to Cottage at the Crossroads!
Mary
I love your dining area in your garden Jane! SO clever of you to paint the burner covers for your grow letters! Your HomeGoods plates coordinate with everything beautifully! Wishing you a Happy 4th at the Crossroads!
Theresa
I really enjoy reading your blog with all the creative projects. You have many of us wanting to come over, sit under the umbrella with a big glass of tea. This is a great project, love how you did everything. Thanks for sharing all this ideas with us, we get so many ideas to use at our homes. Also, like viewing your garden area, you have even make this a neat area with colored flower pots. Keep the new ideas coming for your faithful readers.
Cindy
What a super fun little space you have created! Love the colors too! Enjoy your outdoor dining area! Blessings, Cindy
Stacey
Looks so pretty out there! Reminds me of an outdoor cafe. 🙂
Cristin @ Eve of Reduction
You did an amazing job! BTW#, my guess was the G R O W circles were made from frisbees. My favorite detail has to be the green pot around the umbrella base!!
Ann
This is the perfect spot for you and Leo. It absolutely is amazing! My favorite part is the sink with that skirt. I hope you enjoy many lovely meals out here!
sarah @ {Home-ology} modern vintage
Jane, I love what you've done here. What a perfect spot to relax after a long day in the garden!
Jennifer @ Town and Country Living
Omigosh Jane!! This is just adorable and exactly how I want my outdoor dining area in the backyard to look like if I ever get it together. 🙂 Shared this on both Pinterest and Facebook. Too cute!!
Pat @ LifeAtLydiasHouse
Wow! What a great outdoor dining spot. Talk about farm to table!!!
Jean WindhamJeanwindham
Jane the colors look so good together. The area is charming and yes I will come down and have brunch one Sunday. I cannot wait to get down there. Hope to see you soon. The garden has become the focal point of The Crossroads thanks to you.
tonia conner
Your place is always so brite and cheery. Do you work 24/7. I'm selling my shop and looking forward to make our farm look more like yours. I want my friends who have kids or still work in the city to have a peaceful and cheery place to escape for a while. We are only about 20 minuets from the city. You all are an inspiration.
Dolores
I absolutely love this outdoor room! The colors are fantastic! Well done!
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
I would love to visit and enjoy a cup of tea in your lovely eating area. I love all the colours.
peggy baker
I always view your site for ideal, recipes and your garden...If I were there it would be like heaven to me....here in Houston we could not have some of your creations for the outside...so I guess I had better move...the humidity plays a factor here for out door eating unless we are in the spring or late fall time...enjoy you site and your ideals inspire....thank you for your posts...
Debbie
It looks so cozy! Nice job....I am going to have to work on my backyard dining nook!
Kathleen G
Like the comments above, a colorful corner to sit and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I love your blog, looking at the pictures and reading what you and your husband working on to make your home a wonderful place to live.
Peggy Neer
Love it, so neat, comfy and cozy.
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles
What a sweet little corner of your garden! So welcoming and pretty. I'm sure you'll enjoy many moments there. 🙂
Dawn
Love your area, it is beautiful and I noticed right away the outfits that matched the decor. What a great coincidence. Pinning!
[email protected] Designs
Such a great place to enjoy your beautiful garden Jane and Leo!....I love those great colors!...Fabulous job!!!...Have a great weekend enjoying the fruits of your labor!!!
Marylyn
You both did a Wonderful job, I love everything the pot on the table is a great idea and the colors too.
Thank you for sharing!!!
Cheryle ATwater
I love you beautiful outdoor space. You and your husband work so well as a creative team.
Joani
It looks so inviting. Love the colors. So peaceful. Thanks for sharing.
Moni ~ Zu Haus at Home
I love how fresh and cheerful everything looks, I know you will enjoy this little corner!
Yvonne @ StoneGable
I love this outdoor room! You have such a green thumb and I bet your view of your garden is amazing!!! So creative and pretty!