Inspiration for this series

We recently helped by mom downsize and in that process I received several piece of her silver. I brought it home and tucked it away in a few places…reminded that I also had a few silver bowls and trays that were wedding gifts (42 years ago) hiding in the cupboards…and I do mean hiding….because…who wants to polish that stuff?! Our lifestyle does not exactly include serving tea from a silver teapot. Can you relate?

During the holiday break, we organized a girls day out to shop some of our favorite thrift stores and explore a few new ones.

One of the stores we explored had an entire aisle of silverplate items…it struck me as a sad situation…knowing that every piece had once belonged to someone’s mother, grandmother, or honored family member.

Some pieces were engraved with initials and others engraved with recognitions for a job well done or to commemorate a life event long forgotten.

I wrestled with that thought for several days…wondering how these beautiful items could be used in a new way.

A few ideas popped into my head….so…Hattie and Otto and I went back to the store and collected a few pieces for a new project. One idea lead to another and soon I had a series of ideas! Winter Garden is part 1 of 5!

The Winter Garden

What you need

Choose bowls and other small items that can be turned upside down and stacked to create interest and different heights. Don’t worry about tarnish…the patina adds character and for this project…NO POLISH REQUIRED!

Pricing will depend on the store and item. I find that non-profit thrift stores have the best pricing and proceeds go to a worthy cause. I found prices as low as $1.99 for a silver bowl or a tray!

You will pay more at established thrift stores…like Goodwill…but they may have more variety. The same bowl at Goodwill was $6.99…still a bargain for a beautiful garden planter!

Planting

I used clay pellets (found at IKEA) in the bottom of all the silver containers for drainage but this is optional and I would skip this step in the future.

Fill each container will soil

Arrange your containers and decide which plants you will use.

Select Plants

Choose plants that have been acclimated to your winter climate. I dug several of these out of our garden that had recently been covered with snow. The one above is a hollyhock.

You can also use twigs, tree branches, and cuttings from evergreens that do not have roots.

Winter vegetables like these beets are a good option. I pulled them out of our compost bin!

Sedum is another great plant for this type of garden and adds interests when draped over the side of the silver container.

Check your patio planters…I found this ornamental cabbage wintering in one of our pots.

When you are finished planting, cover each container with moss…gently tuck it around the plants.

Moss thrives in our rainy climate so I harvested some from the garden beds and driveway.

If you don’t have access to “free range moss”, you can purchase sheet moss at hobby and garden supply stores. Simply open the bag and spray it with water to make it flexible. Then tear it into pieces to fit your container.

When you have your base containers planted, you can add additional elements to your silver garden…

…pinecones, evergreen branches, antique tools, and birch logs are just a few ideas. Let your imagination run wild!

Silver trays can be used to add vertical interest or to contain several small planters.

Beauty is in the details and silver containers have ornamental details that we can enjoy in the garden as well as indoors.

Are you inspired to plant a silver garden? Remember…No polish required!

Watch for part 2 of the Repurpose Thrifted Silver Series in our next newsletter! I will talk about my favorite polish and how to incorporate silver pieces in your sewing room!