Tag Archives: home improvement

Hints For Black Wrought Iron Rooster Weathervanes Placed In Your Lawn

Have you been looking for the perfect artistic home decorating item, one that is functional and complimentary? A wrought iron weather vane is just that item. Their rustic appeal was born by necessity. Long ago, the wrought iron wind vane was an essential aid to determining the winds direction. However, today they are a charming accent for any home or yard, no matter what the theme of your home may display.

Originally farmers needed a weather vane to determine the wind. For years farmers relied on such devices to understand the weather patterns. You may have noticed a wrought iron wind vane mounted to the top of a barn. This is where weather vanes were initially placed to more easily see wind direction. Correctly understanding weather patterns was part of a farmer’s livelihood. Weather vanes are no longer depended on as they once were, but their important contribution is not soon forgotten.

There functionality and eye pleasing characteristics make them versatile when it comes to placement around your home. The wrought iron weathervanes are most often given a nice black finish and are often designed to look like they are antiques. Wrought iron is much more durable; they do not corrode and are still very pleasing to the eye.

Wrought iron weather vanes and wrought iron wind vanes are complimentary home decor whether you prefer vintage or modern furnishings. Finding the perfect wrought iron wind vane adds just the right touch of whimsy to your home or yard.

Not interested in putting a weathervane in your yard or atop your house? Try placing it on your outside deck or on top of your patio table. They make wonderful centerpieces and are always in vogue. Don’t feel obligated to go “whole hog” and invest in the largest weathervane you can find. There are smaller wrought iron windvanes that fit perfectly on fences and even inside the home. Keep looking until you find the perfect windvane for your home.

The weather cocks or roof cockerels are the most infamous of weather vane designs. There are other options if a rooster doesn’t appeal to you. But give it a chance first. You may be surprised at the variety of wrought iron weather cocks. Some are quite elaborate where others lean more toward the whimsical.

Ever wonder how the rooster became the weathervane spokesman? Centuries ago, the residing Pope commented that every church should have a rooster placed on their rooftop. This was in honor of the apostle Peter and to remind Catholic believers to live a life for Christ and to never deny him.

Even in today’s world of high technology the artist that creates the beautiful wrought iron pieces are still enjoying being able to create new forms in addition to recreating the popular antique ones. There are some wrought iron weathervane artists that can fetch a five figure price for a piece of their work. Edited by Glinda Zuladra

This summer is the perfect time for ornamental iron. Metal rooster weather vane s are without a doubt a must have for your rooftop or back lawn.

Enjoying Window Garden With A Year Round Color

Like hundreds of other plant lovers, spend many happy days in their flower garden. But, always when the last chrysanthemum had been cut down by killing frost there was the dreary time, between late fall and spring, when all growing things were withered and no flower bloomed.

After one of these ruthless frosts, which snuffed all color from the world and made it sad, Mrs. Preston decided to build a winter window garden in her home.

Since then she has had twelve months of color. A scarlet amaryllis, almost hidden by the foliage of an Easter lily, glows in the window. A novelty in gloxinias, called Lady Slipper, blooms year after year in the same pot with only a short rest period between flowering. Several potted geraniums bloom in their sea son and two of them (Nutmeg and Rose) have fragrant, spicy leaves which add greatly to their desirability and lend an interest even when the plants are no longer in bloom.

A Gloriosa lily, with strange flowers, has climbed 6 feet to the top of the window to crown it with its gold and crimson beauty. There are orchids, some of which bloom during the winter holidays to furnish corsages for friends.

“I used to grow gardenias in my window,” says Mrs. Preston. “Now I have something new. It’s called Fleur d’Amour. It looks like a gardenia, doesn’t it?” she said, pointing to a plant with shining leaves and white gardenia-like flowers. “It has a gardenia-like fragrance, too, that I find captivating.”

The most prized plants in Mrs. Preston’s winter garden, however, are her African violets. It would be difficult for anyone to find a more colorful collection. Some are the usual ones bought at nurseries but quite a number are those Mrs. Preston has raised from seed.

One of her seedlings, grown-up, was mentioned in a magazine that gave the plant special mention for being outstanding in foliage and bicolored blossoms. Many of the other violets were also grown from seed. On the second shelf, near the curtain, is one of several doubles. There are also a number of singles, red, pink and white.

The window garden faces the east and south. It affords abundant light all day. The rack on which the violet plants on the right are seen was constructed so as to give perfect drainage. Underneath the rack is a galvanized iron, water-tight pan filled with cinders. It absorbs any surplus water accidentally spilled in watering. This pan is always moist and so acts as a humidifier to offset the too dry atmosphere frequently found in our modern homes.