Constance McAlpin and ‘her farmer’ live on a farm near Franklin, Indiana, raise corn and soybeans and live in the house that was built for her husband’s great grandparents in 1895. Their home has never been owned by anyone outside of their family. Her large formal sun garden is her personal playground and this picture story will relate how she and her husband designed and built a new garden gate for one of Constance’s many arbors. Here we go!
There’s nothing at all wrong with this view out the McAlpin’s door. A wonderfully romantic arbor, looking out into her parterred garden, full of roses, iris, daylilies and other colorful perennials. A circle motif of stepping stones surround a obelisk in line with the door. But Constance had an idea….
Constance tells us, “My farmer just rolled in with a tiny little load of steel for the next project. It’s been on the back burner since last summer. Oh boy!”
“The gate pieces are bent and ready…my farmer duplicated and made these pieces by looking at actual vintage fence sections we have in other areas of the gardens”
“The gate is now attached to the fence posts”
“Digging the post holes for the fence posts. He will set them in concrete”
“My farmer is working to hang the gate. One of the fence sections is in place . Everything has to be just right”
“Vintage finials with old paint that I found at our daughter’s Johnson County Antique Market”
“The old vintage gate is still wearing some of its old paint”
Constance says, “Finished gate,..I love how it looks!”
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This is a terrific addition to an already beautiful garden!! What a great vintage find too. Isn't it funny how our gardens are never quite complete and always a work in progress? Sure wish I could stroll your garden and do a two-way plant exchange!
Donna at the
http//Small House BIg Sky Homestead.wordpress.com (blog)
White Oak Studio Designs (Facebook page)
Oh my, this is just beautiful, and fits perfect with your garden, it looks like it has been there for a hundred years.
Love this garden...the gate is the finishing touch. It would be fun to walk through the garden and see everything close up. There are some pretty farms around Franklin. We have purchased produce and meat from Vogels who live in that area.
Constance and her hubby create so many wonderful projects together for their home place. The gate is the finishing touch ... for sure! Love it!
It all is lovely, what a great place to spend outdoors. It's a wonderful gate.
Wow what an amazing way to refurbish a gate! Looks great. We have some scrap railing and an old window that's been sitting around forever...getting lots of ideas over here :)
Thank you!