Thursday 15 September 2011

More than just a Planter

I'm very fortunate to still have both of my parents. They are getting on in years now - mum is 86 and dad is 93. They still look after themselves very well and only need me to drop in on them a couple of times a week. They celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary yesterday and I arranged another card from the Queen, which made them very happy.

My Dad has always enjoyed woodwork. He doesn't do the proper stuff ... joints, mortice and tenons, etc ... and tends to 'knock' things together with a hammer and nails. But his leaky shed at the bottom of his garden is his sanctuary and he spends hours and hours knocking out bird tables and nesting boxes. A while ago he was saying he wished he could do something else, but didn't know what.

I was pruning a tree shortly after and had an idea. I took him some branches of varying thicknesses and asked him to make me a Planter that I could put a few of my fuchsia's into. He looked puzzled but said he'd give it some thought. A week later, this is what he presented me with. It is about 18" long and 5" wide, and the 'coal tender' behind the 'drivers cab' is the perfect size for a plant pot. It has sat proudly on my patio since that day. It is looking weathered now, which adds to it's character, and many of the twigs are losing their bark. But it is a treasured possession and will always be so much more than just a Planter.

11 comments:

  1. Oh it's lovely what an original planter your father made and terrific drawing of it.

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  2. Hi John, your dad is very talented and creative - that's a super planter. I love your drawing too. Very realistically rendered, especially the bark.

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  3. Thank you Michael. The 'old boy' doesn't do bad for his age.

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  4. Wow! This is AMAZING!!! Both the actual creation that your Dad made you and your wonderful drawing of it! How amazing that they are still going strong and still busy doing things at such a grand age :0)

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  5. Thank you Sandra for your lovely comment. Yes, I'm very lucky to still have them with me.

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  6. Love your drawing! When the real one gradually wears away, you'll have this wonderful work to forever remind you of the love and work expended on the planter xx

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  7. John I had already commented on the drawing in the forum, your pencil work is outstanding to say the least .
    The planter? .. Yes, it will always be more than that for you.
    BJ

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  8. Pat, that's a very good point. I hadn't thought of that. Thank you.

    Thank you BJ. My pencil work will never be as good as yours, but I do enjoy it.

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  9. delightful drawing sure you will treasure your father's planter..your thumbnail drawing caught my eye on sandra's blogroll john ..

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  10. Jane, thank you so much for popping over from Sandra's blog and leaving your lovely comment.

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Your comments are very much appreciated and I value every one. Thank you