Curb Appeal: The Final Touches

Do you ever think of a plan for something, search high and low for what you need to complete your project, and turn up empty?  Yeah, me to.  

When I started the porch project, I whipped up a quick idea board so that I could see that my ideas would work together.  And one of those ideas was to add galvanized flower boxes to our porch railing.  I have no idea how the idea came to me, but I wanted to add color without going the pot route.  It's a little overdone in our neighborhood.  So, I woke up one night and thought - galvanized flower boxes - it's different but still classic - the galvanized tin would work well with our gray house paint and stonework, and bonus, it hasn't been done in our neighborhood yet.  

So, B and I went on a hunt to find my vision.  And we came up empty.  The options I found via google were either too ornate - with gross scrolls all over them - or available only in Europe.  So I figured we had failed, and prepared to roll out last year's pots.  

While packing for my trip to San Fran last week, I realized that I'd be staying near IKEA.  And we all know how that goes.  So, I consulted the IKEA website to look at everything online that I'd be seeing in the stores the next day, and, while I was surfing, I came across the plant section.  And saw GALVANIZED FLOWER BOXES.  I went crazy.  I woke B up.  I packed the tiniest clothes I could find into the biggest suit case I own in preparation for my return trip.

And on my first trip to IKEA, they were out.  The website had told me they had 32.  The website lied.  I was furious.  I even asked the worker and he said "We'll get some in next week".  And I said, "Well, I don't live here, and I came here specifically for my job these".  He said "Well, you can just come back then".  And I said "I live in Colorado." And he said "Oh, that's a long drive, you're crazy".  IKEA needs some customer relations work.

But, on my mom's advice, I made one final trip down the street to the Emeryville IKEA before leaving.  And I saw an employee putting out 3 planter boxes.  I grabbed them out of his hands and ran at full speed to the checkout before anyone could stop me.  I only needed 2, but I wasn't taking any chances.  Whew, that was a long story to say: I finally found what I was looking for!!!

Mr. B got them up immediately upon my return.  And because I'm flower challenged, and he was raised by the flower lady and would probably have 30 pots in our yard if he could, I told him "As long as you don't bring home Impatiens you can pick the flowers".

And now for the grand reveal of our little porch - porch swing, rocking chair and some galvanized flower boxes.  Happy Hour's on our front porch tomorrow - swing on by, I'll pour you a glass of Fish Eye.