We kept all our old windows when we had new ones put in several years ago (also kept old storm/screen doors). I always thought that I’d upcycle the old windows and make a greenhouse out of them. But since that hasn’t happened we’re starting to use them in other projects.
I showed you a solar dehydrator that my husband made for me that used one. Now he’s made me this very cool yard conservatory!
Isn’t it great! I just love it. It was really easy to make. He just screwed four windows together for the sides and two for the top (which comes off). Then he made a little platform for it from scrap lumber that we had lying around.
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It’s going to be the focal point of my cottage garden.
I’m extending that border since we extended the vegetable garden fencing. I’m doing it a little at a time since I have to dig up the “grass” that’s there since it’s the kind that spreads by runners. So there’s no smothering that!
The pretty fork chandelier came from my friend Linda who makes THE most amazing yard conservatories. She decks them out with mosaics and architectural pieces. This is hers
Gorgeous isn’t it! I’ll bling mine up a bit more when I have time. Have to find one of those fabulous topper pieces that she uses!
Here are a few more photos from that border. The Nicotiana was a surprise!
I had some planted there several years ago and it never came back. All of a sudden this year one very happy plant is there! That’s why I love gardening. It’s always full of surprises!
The Hibiscus is always amazing. It comes back every year.
Here’s my little cherub that I got on clearance at Hobby Lobby (do you know they have Christmas stuff up now!!).
I really like these mosaic concrete edgers that I did a long time ago. 
I’m little at a loss as to what to do for edging on this border since I removed my plate border. I don’t know if I’m up to doing mosaic on all those other concrete edgers. I think I might paint them instead if I can’t come up with some other cute edging material.
A teacup birdfeeder I made a few years ago. Although I don’t put any bird seed in it anymore since we have plenty of feeders all over the yard.
I think I’ll either put a statue in my yard conservatory or maybe do a fairy garden. I’ve always wanted to do one of those! Although I’m a bit more partial to gnomes than fairies.
What would you put in it or would you leave it empty? It will eventually be surrounded by old fashioned cottage garden flowers!
The Working Home Keeper says
July 19, 2011 at 12:58 amHow beautiful! Your husband did a great job!
Mary Ellen
The Working Home Keeper
Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita says
July 19, 2011 at 12:58 amFull or empty, I love it and am definitely pinning it!!
Green Bean says
July 19, 2011 at 1:37 amI love it! How ingenious. Can you stick a few sun loving plants in there in pots and use it as a mini greenhouse? So cute!
Glenda/MidSouth says
July 19, 2011 at 1:43 amThanks for sharing more of your pretty garden. Great job on the conservatory.
Tiff says
July 19, 2011 at 1:45 amLoving it!!! I can see a vintage miniature iron chair sitting in it. You know the real fancy ones that almost look like wicker. Or maybe a small statue. But like Stephanie said, full or empty, love it!!!
Pamela Gordon says
July 19, 2011 at 1:55 amI love your new garden structure! It’s a great use of old windows and looks beautiful. The old fork with the crystals is pretty. Wait, I have some old crystals! Hmmmm. 😉
Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
July 19, 2011 at 1:57 amIt’s wonderful, Manuela! I love it! Love that little chandelier inside it, too. I’m not sure what I’d put inside it; Amy at Maison Decor blog has one of these in her yard as well, and I can’t remember if she put something inside it {now I’ll have to go look!}. I love the idea of a miniature garden – gnome, fairy, whatever – it’s miniature, right!
Pat says
July 19, 2011 at 2:14 amyour garden is so pretty!
I love all the little surprises strewn through out… waiting to make you smile!
That little conservatory is cool…can’t wait to see what you put inside there.
Pat
Kathleen Grace says
July 19, 2011 at 2:43 amWhat a cool focal point for your garden! I think a statue would be beautiful inside it:>)
Debbie says
July 19, 2011 at 3:35 amGood morning…afternoon. Love your post today! It is wonderful and I love what you did with the windows! I can’t seem to get enough of decorating with windows and shutters especially outside. Great ideas…love your summerized kitchen post too. Love that look. I’m redoing my laundry room and I think I’m going to use those french country colors. Looks wonderful!
blessings,
Debbie
Vee says
July 19, 2011 at 3:44 amYou hubby did a great job! It looks wonderful empty right now, perhaps a party of gnomes? Really? You like gnomes better than fairies? I don’t think that I’ve actually analyzed my preferences. I miss my little plate border a la Manuela, but it just wasn’t practical after the neighbor kept mowing too close and breaking my plates. I have them tucked inside the garden here and there now.
Pam Schroeder says
July 19, 2011 at 4:09 amManuela – Please check out my blog for my project with windows – our projects are very similar. I still have 6 windows left and am thinking about the conservatory to place in my sunroom. I love reading your blog and am always getting ideas from you! PAM
admin says
July 19, 2011 at 4:25 amPam,
The cupola is just adorable! Now you’ve give ME an idea!
Manuela
cotehele says
July 19, 2011 at 4:42 amManuela, the window houses are sweet. I love something beautiful is so simple and recycles old windows. I saved windows that were removed during rehab of our house a couple of years ago hoping to use them is a cold frame or little greenhouse. But, your idea is more likely to get done in our house-since I am doing it, ha! Love your casual garden and tea cup, too.
Diana says
July 19, 2011 at 5:24 amManuela, that is fabulous! Some bit of statuary might be nice in there, or a little table and chairs and tea set (for the fairies or gnomes), or if it isn’t super hot in it maybe an easy care plant like a lantana.
I have little clay flowerpots upside down that line my border (most bought at 4 for $1 at Michaels or Hobby Lobby) — but I do have to take them up in the winter lest they crack. They let me have a curvy edge easily.
Diana
Deanna says
July 19, 2011 at 6:09 amI LOVE it!
I don’t know what I’d put in it, but would lean more toward a fairy garden than a gnome party! 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration!
Deanna
Kat says
July 19, 2011 at 7:25 amHi Manuela,
It is beautiful. Oh the things I would do if I had the space!! What about some beautiful bright flowers that do best with lots of sun and sheltered from the wind?
On a practical note it would grow seedlings wonderfully
Kat
Gumbo Lily says
July 19, 2011 at 8:20 amI like the little conservatory. I especially like the simplicity of it. I know this is bad since it’s July, but I’m imagining it with twinkle lights on (and in) it and snow over the roof.
Jody
Beth says
July 19, 2011 at 8:38 amlove the gnomes idea also….love all your beautiful flowers…your yards are always so pretty each year you share them
Cindy says
July 19, 2011 at 9:35 amThat is absolutely gorgeous, Mauela, I’m not sure what I would put in it, though…I’ll just wait to see what you do with it.
Hugs, Cindy
Linda says
July 19, 2011 at 9:44 amI know people make things out of old windows…but yours is really neat! It looks wonderful empty…but I think it would look good with things inside too…I’m just not sure what yet! (:>)
I am sure you will think of something though…because you are very creative!
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
jennifer says
July 19, 2011 at 9:59 amHow cute! I love it!
Donna, The Decorated House says
July 19, 2011 at 11:16 amThis is so darn cute! I love these recycled window garden structures. It is the perfect focal point for your garden, which looks beautiful right now!
Marcia says
July 19, 2011 at 11:44 amI love it Manuela! It just wouldn’t look the same with my aluminum windows. I love the old wooden ones.
Great idea!
Blessings,
Marcia
Linda says
July 19, 2011 at 12:51 pmBeautiful, Manuela! I love your charming garden and the conservatory is so sweet!
Tammy says
July 19, 2011 at 1:45 pmWhat a great use of old supplies. The conservatory is fabulous and I love that fork chandelier. So cute! It looks great the way it is now, but I am sure you will find some way, like you said, to bling it up. Your garden is gorgeous. Have a great week. Tammy
Theresa Roach says
July 19, 2011 at 7:50 pmGorgeous! I love it just like it is or filled with some statues:) Your flowers are so pretty! I love hibiscus and sunflowers are my favorite! Have a blessed day Manuela, HUGS!
Jennifer says
July 19, 2011 at 9:29 pmOh I just love it! When the flowers fill in around your conservatory, it will be perfect. I kind of like it empty, but some just green would look good in it as well.
Have a wonderful day!
Jen
AmyW says
July 19, 2011 at 9:36 pmSweet project…..we will be replacing our windows in the next month or so. I’ve added the solar dehydrator to my husband’s to-do list. If I have enough windows left over from this project – http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-Cold-Frame-Using-Old-Windows/ -I’ll add the conservatory to the list.
Linda Smith says
July 19, 2011 at 10:48 pmOh Yeah….. You have a Yard Conservatory in your most lovely garden. How sweet your hubby made it for you. I looks perfect…… you will have fun decorating it..
You are such a sweetie to mention me… alas ….. not much building around here these days…
Think of you often..
Hugs
Linda
Comeca Jones says
July 20, 2011 at 5:45 amIts a beautiful addition to your garden.
Mimi Sue says
July 20, 2011 at 12:34 pmLove your cute conservatory. I’ve been wanting to do a fairy garden too. Mimi
jean says
July 21, 2011 at 12:04 amYour old window structure is beautiful! Love it. A small fern plant would look nice in it, or some small figure statue.
hillbillywoman says
July 21, 2011 at 12:39 amI would put one gorgeous plant inside each of the conservatories.
You are so talented, as well as your husband. Great idea!
hillbillywoman says
July 21, 2011 at 12:42 amI’ve just started my own home decorating blog called “My Hillbilly Home”
Check it out.
http://myhillbillyhome.blogspot.com
Kerrie says
July 21, 2011 at 7:10 amI adore the window house!! And your yard is very beautiful!
Susan says
July 21, 2011 at 11:15 pmLove your conservatory!
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Mindy says
July 21, 2011 at 11:25 pmOh, I love anything with old windows and that is soooo stinkin’ cute!!!!
ronda w. says
July 22, 2011 at 8:59 amToday is the first time I’ve visited your blog. I love it.
I will definately be back. Luv your ideas.
Love & Prayers
Ronda
clarice says
July 26, 2011 at 12:07 amWell I am just jealous, I want one. It is prefect just the way it is xoxo Clarice
Oma Garcia says
August 2, 2011 at 9:00 pmDear Manuela,
I love love love your blog!!! It keeps me motivated!!!…. There have been quite a few of my favorite blogs that have changed their style… Thankfully you have not!….I love everything about home and family and I appreciate all your creative ideas!!!!…
SHerree says
September 3, 2011 at 11:16 amI just found your blog and I have browsed and I love it. The use of the windows are great. I can’t wailt to find some and make one. I am going to enjoy coming back and visiting.