Purple Garden Bowling ball/Gazing ball

[skankamaggot]

I have been in love with this idea since I first saw it on here.  My fiance and I bought our first house this past fall and I CAN'T WAIT to have a garden this year!  (On a side note, any recommendations on what to grow?).  Since our backyard is virtually empty, basically, we have a hose, and that's it, lol, I thought this idea would be great to "pretty it up".  I finally found bowling balls at my local ReSale for $2 and the perfect holders for $1.  I finished the first one and I am very proud of it, so here it is!  It was originally swirly purple and covered with small clear half-marbles.

By the way, my fiance thought I was absolutely nuts the entire process.  Men. 




You can see the other holder in the back that I am going to use for the next one


In-Progress - I had to work in sections because they kept sliding around

[eye.heart.art]

This is totally rad! I might have to copy your genius! 

[skankamaggot]

Thanks!  I can't take credit for the idea though, many craftsters have beat me to this project 

[Jinjeet Phoenix]

Fantastic job.  I love the colors.  It will be a great addition to any garden.  Gosh,  you sure do have patience to glue all those glass things on.lol.  Turned out great. That stand\holder looks great.

[Vampberry]

It's very pretty

I don't know where you live so I don't have any plant recommendations. I suggest you check out lasagna gardening if your yard is totally empty. It would make it easier to establish a garden using this method. I used it on my garden plot last summer and I've never even thought a garden could be so low maintenance. This works for flower beds as well.

[skankamaggot]

It's very pretty

I don't know where you live so I don't have any plant recommendations. I suggest you check out lasagna gardening if your yard is totally empty. It would make it easier to establish a garden using this method. I used it on my garden plot last summer and I've never even thought a garden could be so low maintenance. This works for flower beds as well.

I live in TX near Dallas so we have very hot summers.  I was thinking about maybe peas, mint, and tomatoes.

There is a space behind my house that is already sectioned off just waiting for a garden!  It gets lots of sun but it's pretty small so I'm not sure about it but I can always expand    You can kindof see it below, to the right of the door.

[craftyredhead]

This is beautiful, the word 'magical' comes to mind    and the color is just stunning    what kinda adhesive did u use?

[skankamaggot]

This is beautiful, the word 'magical' comes to mind    and the color is just stunning    what kinda adhesive did u use?

Thanks!  I used E6000 because it's what I had and it's waterproof, but there is plenty of silicone adhesives/landscaping adhesives that I'm sure would have worked better.

[princesskikaru]

This looks amazing! Now I have an idea of something to make my mom since she lives in the garden XD

[Cealy]

I absolutely love this idea!
I have a black bowling ball I was given (my daughter bowls on a league and when you talk nicely to the owners! lol) to make a water feature out of. I think it would look cool if I had a few of these glittery gems hidden amongst my blossoms too!

Garden- Start VERY SMALL! You can always make it bigger the following year, but if you start big, you may be over done with weeding and tending. One thing to make sure of is, leave a boarder around the garden so you can reach it from all sides and for proper air flow.  Space the rows out so you can lay straw between them to keep easy access, weeds reduced and cleanish shoes while in the garden.
My suggestion is to talk to neighbours around who have gardens and ask them what they find successful in their gardens or even ask at the local garden supply store. Im in Canada so what we have up here wont likely do well down there. I like the idea of a lasagna garden, peppers, tomatoes and herbs would do well in your area.
C