The Garden Gate..the sequel!

A while back, Michael relented to his mom's whims and built a garden gate for me.  At the time, the rabbits were devouring the garden patch as quickly as we could plant the seeds so the need for a fence was on top order.  A fence also calls for a gate so, hence, the building project could not be delayed.  I was proud of the little gate!  Michael had never built anything before and to build something that met my specifications had to be a difficult task.  You see, I wanted it made of all recycled materials..nothing new..nothing bought.  There was also the requirement that it have a certain amount of whimsy to it. My gate needed interest and I requested that all sorts of odd pieces be included in its building.  He did just that and although he shook his head at my oohs and aahs, I could tell he was a mite pleased with the outcome of his efforts.  I love that gate!   This year the rabbits left the garden for "greener pastures" since we rotated crops by planting squash in the fenced garden.  Obviously, squash are not on a rabbits menu! This whole season, the gate sat propped open.  When he added a dog pen to the yard, there was a need for another gate.  Instead of building a new one, he just repositioned the old one.  I was just as happy with it there as I use it every day when I put Sunny, the pup, out for playtime! I really do love that little gate!

The first Garden Gate built by Michael!

Now, Sunny has placed new requirements upon our yard.  She needs a larger area to run that is still secure.  She, unlike Ms. Ez, bolts to the neighbor's yard and beyond if allowed to run free.  This and the fact that she defies all efforts to call her back make it necessary to keep her pent.  I decided that the rose garden would be the quickest and easiest area to let her roam a bit.  No need to fence the entire yard since Sunny is my temporary charge.  Robbie and Elizabeth, (son-in-law and daughter) will be giving her a forever home in August. Since the rose garden is already fenced,  all that would be needed is a gate under each arbor. The project started today.  Again, the specifications included that the gates be made from recycled material and have a touch of whimsy..again, he met those desires!  The new gate is made from boards that washed in on the tidal surge of Hurricane Katrina years ago.  This salvaged lumber is ideal for small projects like this as it is of all sizes and types.   Each board has been "distressed" from being ripped from wherever it came from and bounced around on the waves.  Each board has character!  The second gate is just as adorable to my eyes as the first!  Of course, I will have to do a bit of painting but the structure is perfect for what I had in mind!  Tomorrow, Son will add hinges and a latch.  The gate will then be hung to cordon off the east side of the rose garden.  One more gate will be made for the south arbor and then Sunny will have a nice play area with lots of room to run!  Another added plus to having these gates is this should keep the armadillos from digging holes around the roses.  At night, the armadillos search the mulch for bugs and grubs which does not bother me in the least except for those holes!  Their sharp claws tear up the roots of the bushes and cause a lot of damage.

Garden Gate number two built by Michael!

I am quite curious to see just what the south gate will look like. Each gate he builds is unique and has a certain amount of rustic charm.  This adds much to the appeal of the garden!  Ha!  Michael has now been appointed to "Master Gate-builder" status here on the Bayou!  Now...where can I put another gate????? Hmmmmm.....