Even if you do not have a garden yet, garden "props" can provide color, interest, and, above all, motivation. They can INVITE a garden! Until your garden merits a swan-based birdbath or an angel statue, you can make your own collection of props.
Start with a simple bench. Make it by using a couple of large rocks of equal height (or partially bury one of them to compensate). Place the rocks so that they are under the ends of a plank, which is, for our purpose, a board three feet to five feet long, one to two inches thick, and at least twelve inches wide. If you have no rocks for your bench base, use concrete blocks or bricks set into small square columns, or heavy milk crates, or even a pair of sturdy old milk pails placed upside down under your plant.
Place your bench in an early-spring sun-pocket corner where you can view your yard. This is the perfect place to envision more props and your future garden. Sit there often.
June T. Parker, Smith County Master Gardener
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