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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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July 12, 2011

A Potting Bench Love Story

Follow the stone path…

Past the Agapanthus just begining to bloom..

And you’ll find yourself at…
BigLots.com - Home
Ok…so, not actually AT Big Lots!
 But, you will find this Potting Bench. And I did buy it at Big Lots!
Who would have thunk it?
I’ve dreamed of owning a potting bench for a long time.
I had the perfect spot all ready for it.
I had scoured every thrift store in town. I had been several times to our local ReStore.
I was determined I was going to have to “rig” something up or build it myself.
And then I popped into Big Lots one day looking for something else entirely when I spotted it!
It was like that moment in a love story…from across the room I saw it.
Even all boxed up I knew it was the one!
And then it just had to go and show off by being only $35 on sale!
But even a love story needs a little bit of embellishment now and then.
So, I decided to give this “built from a kit” potting bench a little extra charm!
One of my favorite pots filled with delicate white flowers.

Mason Jars filled with lavender all in a row.

 This set of 4 Smith & Hawken boxes which came inside a larger box all for only $8 at my favorite consignment store. Don’t they look so perfectly weathered?
A vintage bucket filled with soil for smaller potting projects.
I LOVE the visible wear and tear on this and the $5 price tag didn’t hurt either!

Another vintage find was this “water dipper” which is perfect for scooping soil.
My father-in-law says he remembers drinking water out of one just like it when he was a little boy.
And…it was only $3!!

Ahhh….a Potting Bench dream come true!
Thanks for joining me today at the Fence,

And don’t forget about what’s coming soon!
behind the blog graphic lettering
To make this even more fun we would love to have you help us with our interviews! Yep, you read that right you get to help ask the questions! If you have a question you’ve always wanted to ask another blogger, now’s your opportunity! It can be fun, silly or maybe it’s a serious one, if so all you need to do is leave it below in the comments today on this post and your question might be one of those chosen to ask our Behind the Blog Bloggers!

This post is partying at the following places:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday Treasures
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednsday
DIY By Design: Sizzle Into Summer
Elements Interiors: Whassup Wednesday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday

*I was not compensated for the review of this product and/or the promotion of this company*

50 Comments Filed Under: Gardening, Good Ideas

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Next Post: A Frugal Summer Recipe…Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    July 12, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Vanessa, I have always wanted a nice potting bench, too. I love that and what a deal. I may have to see if we have those at our Big Lots.

    Reply
  2. Erin of HomeSavvyAtoZ.com says

    July 12, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    This is beautiful and what a bargain! II would LOVE to pot plants there… or just hang out with a cup of coffee! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    July 12, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    What a great find! I love how you dressed it up with all your other cool finds!

    Reply
  4. Debra @ Common Ground says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    What a super deal, it looks wonderful all decked out. Those S&H boxes are gorgesous!!! xoxo Debra

    Reply
  5. Katie says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Oh I love it! What an excellent find. I can’t believe that was at Big Lots! I love all the little goodies on it too!

    Reply
  6. Maggie @ Midwestern {Sewing} Girl says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    Just beautiful! I’m not a gardener, but I’m seriously considering it after seeing your gorgeous potting bench…I’m in love!

    Reply
  7. Susan @ homeroad.net says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    Aghhhh! I want one! I love this bench! I have a very weathered one that I’m using inside.. I need a new one! Love it!
    Susan

    Reply
  8. Brooke @ Inside-Out Design says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:38 PM

    It’s so pretty! And I love all of your finds that dressed it up!

    Reply
  9. Marcia (One Heart) says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Ooh, now you’ve done it again. You’ve inspired me. 😉 This is gorgeous. I absolutely LOVE the way you set it up with all your perfect finds. Enjoy it, my dear.

    As far as my question for bloggers…During your blogging journey this far, what gain or lesson stands out the most?

    XOXO

    Reply
  10. Sue says

    July 12, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    heading out to BL as soon as I finish gardening. I have a great potting bench in my laundry room that is used as a purely decorative piece. I don’t want to put it outside because it is too nice~ so the one you found would be perfect! Good idea…. I wonder if MY garden path will lead to Big Lots, as well?! LOL
    xo Sue

    Reply
  11. elizabeth says

    July 12, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    I LOVE it…and love what you did with it! Fabulous deal!

    Reply
  12. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    July 12, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    girl you scored big time! Can’t beat that price and it’s just gorgeous! Love how you dressed it up and the stone leading up to it, so pretty! Thanks for linking up!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  13. Cozy Little House says

    July 12, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    Ah, instant love and it was obviously meant to be! One thing you might do is see if it should be sprayed in some sort of sealant to keep it good as long as possible. I had trouble leaving one out over time. Wondered if I should have done that…
    Brenda

    Reply
  14. Traci says

    July 12, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    What a bargain!!! I just love it. You did a good job!!

    Reply
  15. Honey at 2805 says

    July 12, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    Great deal and so much better with your special touch!

    Reply
  16. Katie says

    July 12, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    What a super deal on a great potting bench! Beautiful photos of your garden.

    Reply
  17. Jeri says

    July 12, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    ooo I’m in love!! I saw this last week and I hemmed and hawed!! I’m going today to get one! I love how you accessorized it!!

    Reply
  18. Judy says

    July 12, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    I love your potting bench and I love how you introduced the whole thing. You did a great job. Who would have thought that Big Lots could come through like that.

    Reply
  19. Elizabeth says

    July 12, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Love this bench! What a great idea, and who doesn’t love Big Lots! They always have something cool!

    Reply
  20. Carol says

    July 12, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Great job, Vanessa. Love it!

    Mom

    Reply
  21. Kristin says

    July 12, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Can I share in your little love fest, too?
    So cute, Vanessa!
    I love it!

    And those little white flowers…I have those too. They have the cutest little nick name…”Breathless”.

    Just perfect!
    Love, Kristin

    Reply
  22. Ashley says

    July 12, 2011 at 7:47 PM

    o i love it! and i just die over your pictures/ they are so pretty!
    thanks for sharing

    Reply
  23. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    July 12, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    Looks great, Vanessa! If I weren’t sitting in an airport, I’d be heading to Big Lots right now… Your new potting bench looks great! Renaissance Man would really love it. I’m doing a tablescape with more of his beautiful flowers this week. I’m glad some of you lucky people have green thumbs!

    Reply
  24. Dayle says

    July 12, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    Love the potting bench! I’m holding out for an old hutch that has cabinets on the bottom. I’ve found a few, but the price isn’t right. (sigh)

    Reply
  25. Pamela says

    July 12, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    What a fabulous find Vanessa and a steal of a deal!

    Reply
  26. Anita says

    July 12, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    What a pretty little place to help make things nice for all your plants! Love it!

    Reply
  27. Brandi says

    July 13, 2011 at 1:14 AM

    i love it! such a great find!

    Reply
  28. Janette@the2seasons says

    July 13, 2011 at 1:36 AM

    Hello from your neighbor at Wow Us Wednesday. We’ve participated in some of your parties, too. Your potting bench is really cute. Good job. I always forget about Big Lots.

    Reply
  29. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    July 13, 2011 at 1:44 AM

    Vanessa, you have turned your Big Lot buy into an upscale area to pot, design and just show off your organic and garden elements. It is really beautiful!
    Yvonne

    Reply
  30. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    July 13, 2011 at 4:13 AM

    What a great find! If it wasn’t so hot I think I’d be inspired to go find one for myself! LOL!

    Reply
  31. Evie @ Brown Paper Packages says

    July 13, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    Wow! What a find…love it and love the way you decorated it!!

    Reply
  32. Anonymous says

    July 13, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Its perfectly charming and just what I need to make me (um get me) potty…potting! I have always wanted one but not sure mine wil be that neat:)

    Veronica
    http://www.tasselsandwigs.blogspot.com

    Reply
  33. Susan says

    July 13, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    Oh, yippee!! I have been longing for a potting bench. This is perfect! I am headed to Big Lots today. 🙂 Love what you’ve done to decorate it too!

    Reply
  34. Crystal @ Ordinary Days says

    July 13, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    I have been wanting a potting bench for-ever!! Must go check out Big Lots. I also love all your pretty things on your bench. 🙂

    Reply
  35. Debbie@https://refreshrestyle.com/ says

    July 13, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    I want a potting bench to fall in love with! You lucky girl, I love everything about it!
    Debbie

    Reply
  36. Christine @ Stonehouse Living says

    July 13, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Hi Vanessa,

    The potting bench, now your garden is complete. Just think of all that will be planted there…Endless possibilities!!

    Your first picture with the cut flowers is so old fashioned looking, like a postcard or an ad for a seed catalogue, LOVE it!!

    All the Best,
    Christine

    Reply
  37. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    July 13, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Well, I am going to hit the local Big Lots store just as soon as I can. What a deal! What a great place to display all your gorgeous pots and accessories.

    Reply
  38. Mimi says

    July 13, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Well, now I am officially jealous!!! I’ve been wanting/needing one for years! I sure hope they have them here (I have 2 Big Lots to check out)
    And at that price I just might have to buy several. Thanks so much for sharing at Savvy Southern Style.

    Reply
  39. Kim says

    July 13, 2011 at 11:59 PM

    Love it and I’m SO jealous! I’ve been wanting one of those too. We have a Big Lots opening up right around the corner any day now – you know I’m gonna scour every inch for that bench!!
    xoxo,
    Kim

    Reply
  40. Jeri says

    July 14, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    Got mine today! I’m such a copycat lol Are you putting a sealant on yours? You think it’s ok to use the wipe on poly I have?

    Reply
  41. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    July 14, 2011 at 3:54 AM

    Your potting bench is darling~ I love how you have it all styled and pretty too~ what a great piece!

    Reply
  42. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    July 14, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    What a great price, Vanessa! Even having to put it together yourself that’s a great price. I love the way you’ve fixed it up – pretty and functional! I need to visit Big Lots more often!

    Reply
  43. Sylvia says

    July 14, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    $35.00!!! I think you found a great deal. Love it!!

    Sylvia

    Reply
  44. Brittany says

    July 14, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    Very cool! Great idea.

    P.S. I am having a giveaway on my blog. There are awesome organizational tools for moms and kids. I hope you will enter.

    Reply
  45. Amy Kinser says

    July 14, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    Great find! I love your potting bench and everything you have done with it.

    Reply
  46. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    July 15, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Hi there! Just became your newest follower! Found you on Savvy Southern Style. Love the potting bench! I must admit, I’m a little green with envy, but happy you found one so brillantly priced that looks good to boot! If you have time, pop over for a visit https://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2011/07/continuation-of-story-goodwill-and.html

    Reply
  47. Heaven's Walk says

    July 16, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    Ok, Vanessa – you just put my old potting bench to shame! lol! I need to get my tookus out there and dress her up a bit! 🙂 Your bench is just adorable, and I’m loving the vintage treasures you’re using out there! 🙂 And what an incredible deal, too! Woo hoo!

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  48. SavannahGranny says

    July 16, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Great deal. Love Big Lots and your new potting bench. It looks awesome. Kudos, Ginger 🙂

    Reply
  49. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    July 16, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Hi Vanessa, Love your new potting bench and what a great price. You have dressed it up so pretty with the plants and the cute boxes. Thanks for joining my party this week.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  50. Kristal says

    July 16, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Hi, this is my first time participating in ‘Feathered Nest Friday’ and I am slowly making my way to all the parties.

    Wow, I would have never believe you found this beautiful bench at Big Lots! I am going to have to check out my local store today because I think I have a 20% coupon good for Saturday only!

    Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!!

    Reply

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I’m slightly obsessed with lavender and have pla I’m slightly obsessed with lavender and have planted it all around our home. Seeing it waving in the breeze, using it to make simple syrup and just breathing it in as I walk past fills my soul!
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