I’ve been counting down the minutes until I could show you guys my farmhouse style potting bench. Seriously, I’m not exaggerating. Well, maybe a little. But I actually had this planned to go up Tuesday and I just couldn’t wait any longer. So today it is! You probably remember me mentioning a few times here and there that I’ve been working on putting my potting bench together on the back patio. We have a huge garden area, but unfortunately it needs some serious work in order to be deer-proof, which is a must in our area. Since we don’t really have time to get that done this summer before baby comes, this potting bench is my alternative. And you guys, I seriously LOOOOOOVE it. I can’t even tell you how much I’ve enjoyed having this little table set up on the back patio. And it’s perfect for a newbie gardener like me. I’ve moved all the plants from my DIY herb garden here and I’ve been slowly piecing it together for the past few weeks now. It’s finally complete and I am tickled pink to show you today. Come see!
Eeekk! Isn’t it cute?! I actually found that old chippy table at an antique shop about a month ago. I got a killer deal on it and I just knew it would work perfectly for my potting bench. And that white wooden cubby is from my dad. He’s had it for years and was kind enough to give it to me. It’s super old and if you look closely you can see handwriting on it here and there. The two pieces fit together just right!
You saw that herb sign in this post a while back. I still haven’t got around to sharing the DIY tutorial for it yet. It was honestly so easy I hesitate to even share it. But let me know if you’re dying to see it, I’m always happy to share. I sure do love it in this spot!
You’re probably wondering about that vintage milk strainer hanging there. You guys, that was so darn easy to do. I just put a piece of wood in the center, put a screw in the wood and tied a wire from it to hang from our upper deck right over the bench. It’s definitely not a real light fixture, but you know I had to style this spot up as much as possible. It took maybe 10 minutes to hang and I love what it adds to this table.
I confessed to you all recently that I desperately want to be a plant lady. The kind who spends all her extra time in her vintage greenhouse, tending to her plants and growing the most gorgeous garden ever. Well, since I’m no where near that I figure this is a good place to start. Maybe later in life I’ll be the plant lady. But for now this potting bench will do. And you guys will be proud to know all my herbs are still alive and well. I have basil, thyme, lavender, and mint. I’m only a few weeks in, but I’m thinking luck is on my side this time. And thankfully those annoying deer never get on the back patio, so it’s looking good right now. Fingers crossed!
Thanks so much for dropping by today. If you need me I’ll be in this spot, pretending to be the plant lady!
A few other posts you might enjoy:
Please share your DIY for the Herb sign!!! I love your blog!
Will do, thank you Nancy!
Hi ! Loving the outdoor projects, so beautiful. I have an oval tin basin like your red and white one, also the round matching basin trimmed with red and a random round lid in the same, any ideas for the lid ? I hung the two wash basins in the bathroom. I also found an old wicker rocking crib I am using to keep the wind diffused as I put seedlings in it on the porch, you’ve inspired me to “purdy it up”. Thank-you so much !
It would have been just as easy to make the milk strainer into a light fixture. You buy a kit at a hardware store. Of course, then you need a supply of electricity to the site, but I’m just talking bout making a light fixture not making it usable!
Yes! I’ve seen those light kits before Zoe. I need to do that with this strainer, I think it would be pretty simple.
Are you kidding me?!?! Give me a minute while I wipe the drool from my face. LOOOOOOOOVE this!! This just might be my favorite DIY of yours yet! Enjoy – it’s BEAUTIFUL!!!
haha! You crack me up Jenn. Thanks girl!
I love it……absolutely perfect!!
Thanks Nikki!!
Lover the potting bench!! Keep doing what you’re doing! You are definitely on the right track!
Aw thank you Karen, I appreciate that!
I absolutely love this Sarah!! It’s so stinking cute ???? I had a table really close to that and got rid of it a few years ago (kicking self in butt) Wish I had a patio!
Everything just goes together perfectly!!
Thanks you Sherri! And what a bummer you got rid of your table. But no worries, I’m sure you can find another one on Craigslist for cheap. This one was a pretty good deal. I found it for only $40!
Love the potting bench and I love the way you styled it. I also found an old desk that I turned into a potting bench, but I haven’t “styled” it yet. After seeing yours, I’m inspired to “put mine together”.
Awesome Sandy, definitely put it together! I have been really surprised at how much I’ve enjoyed this little potting bench. It’s become my happy place for sure. I’ll definitely be adding to it as the summer goes on!
Love it, love it, love it, Sarah! I want one now, too! Bonnie
Thanks Bonnie, I can’t wait to add more goodies to it over the summer!
So adorable, so perfect, so you and so me. I absolutely love it. I have been on the hunt for a potting table, but not crazy about the pre made ones. I love your table and your cubbie shelf. It’s exactly what I had in mind. Guess I have my work cut out for me. Thanks for the inspiration. Enjoy playing in the dirt, Angela
Thanks Angela, I’m so happy with how it turned out. Good luck finding a table, search Craigslist! I bet you could find one for cheap. This was only cost me $40.
Wow, you did an amazing job!!!ā¤ļøā¤ļø I love the milk strainer too! I have one outside with flowers in it, it has built in drainage!
That’s a great idea to use a milk strainer as a planter Heather. I need to try that!
I love the whole plant garden area. Everything about it. Please share the DIY herb sign. ????????happy planting.
Thanks Doreen, I’ll share that herb sign soon!
Thats amazing I love it and would love to see the sign tutorial …
Looks awesome!
Thank you so much Teresa! Seems a few others want to see the sign too, so I’ll share that soon!
Very nice would like to see the tutorial on herb sign love the bench and the faux light š
Thanks Ruth, I’ll have that herb sign up soon!
It is soooooo adorable. You’re definitely on your way to plant lady status š
haha fingers crossed! I feel lucky to have made it this long without killing them.
What a sweet spot. Please ask your Dad if he has another set of cubbies. LOL
*Smiles*
ha! I scored on that one, right?! Thankfully my parents keep EVERYTHING so it comes in handy sometimes.
Your planting bench is absolutely perfect! You’ve inspired me to finally do something with one that I’ve been holding on to for years. It won’t be as put together as yours, but at least I can put it to use – and I would love to see the tutorial for your sign! Now for some antique shopping …
Heck yes Darcy, get that baby out and use it. It’s so fun and I’ve really enjoyed having this. I’m just praying I keep all the things alive–that’s not my strong suit. A few others have requested the sign tutorial too, so I’ll share it soon!
You did it again —–and the styling is well…… magazine worthy . Please share the herb sign tutorial . Oh I can I even say enough about the “faux” light fixture , brilliant !
Isn’t the faux light fixture cool? I might go ahead and get one of those light kits and turn it into a real light. But in the meantime this is pretty snazzy too. Thanks for dropping by Marilyn! And I’ll share the herb sign soon, I’ve had several others request it as well!
Love it Sarah, great job!!
Thank you Mary!
YOU ARE AMAZING!! That is Beautiful!!
Aw thank you so much Mary!!
Turned out so cute! BTW if you like to make sun tea add some mint to the jar with your tea bags. It will add a light, refreshing, flavor.
That’s a great idea, thank you Rachel! I’ll definitely do that.
Great start! And so cute!
Maybe you can attach some battery powered twinkle lights inside your faux light fixture. It won’t shed lot of light but it will look pretty at night.
Jane x
**Picking up my jaw from the floor** OMG! That is gorgeous! I need to know how you made the herbs sign for sure! Quick question…does that area of your patio get a lot of sunlight? I have a screened in back porch I was thinking of putting a potting bench on, but not sure it would get enough sunlight.
Sincerely,
Wish I was a plant lady too š
Aw you’re so sweet Kristen, thank you! This spot gets late afternoon sun for about 3-5 hours or so. They seem to be doing well so far with that amount, so fingers crossed! It’s really a Christmas miracle that they’re all still alive at this point.
Love it! Lots!
I love this! I have an eye sore of a gas meter about eye level beside my entry door. I’ve been trying to search for ideas on how to make it look a little less hidious. I think a custom shelf like this rested on a table to house the meter might just be the answer, unless you have another idea š I Love your stuff! You have some really fantastic taste! Good luck to you:)
Oh that’s a great idea Melanie, good thinking! And thank you for your sweet comment. I’m so glad to have you here!
Is your patio under cover or open to weather? I would like to do a potting table, but am afraid rain will ruin my wood pieces.
it’s under cover! A table like this will definitely wear out if it’s exposed to water
I love this bench and everything on it. Please share how you made the herb sign and where you found the little basil signs in the wooden boxes. What an inspiration you are. So CREATIVE
Love it! Iām looking for something similar to use as a coffee/tea area in my kitchen. The sun floods this kitchen all year long. Thinking of growing herbs, succulents in the cubby sections. Thanks for the inspiration!