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Upcycling Old Windows Into A Pretty Yard Structure

By Manuela Williams

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.

upcycled windows into garden conservatory
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!

garden conservatory with fork chandelier

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.

upcycle windows into garden sructure

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to Amazon and/or Etsy, which means that I may earn a small commission from some of the links in this post. Please see our Disclosure Page for more information.

 It’s going to be the focal point of my cottage garden.

cottage garden border with red hibiscus

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!

Fork chandelierThe 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

mosaic garden conservatory

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!

nocitiana

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.

red hibiscus flower

Here’s my little cherub that I got on clearance at Hobby Lobby (do you know they have Christmas stuff up now!!).

garden cherub in a cottage garden border

garden cherub in a flower border

I really like these mosaic concrete edgers that I did a long time ago. mosaic concrete edgers

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.

diy teacup birdfeeder

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.

 black eyed susan plant

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.

diy window conservatory for the garden

What would you put in it or would you leave it empty? It will eventually be surrounded by old fashioned cottage garden flowers!

 

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Filed Under: DIY Projects, In the garden Tagged With: cottage gardens, DIY projects, garden, upcycling

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Comments

  1. The Working Home Keeper says

    July 19, 2011 at 12:58 am

    How beautiful! Your husband did a great job!

    Mary Ellen
    The Working Home Keeper

  2. Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita says

    July 19, 2011 at 12:58 am

    Full or empty, I love it and am definitely pinning it!!

  3. Green Bean says

    July 19, 2011 at 1:37 am

    I 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!

  4. Glenda/MidSouth says

    July 19, 2011 at 1:43 am

    Thanks for sharing more of your pretty garden. Great job on the conservatory.

  5. Tiff says

    July 19, 2011 at 1:45 am

    Loving 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!!!

  6. Pamela Gordon says

    July 19, 2011 at 1:55 am

    I 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. 😉

  7. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    July 19, 2011 at 1:57 am

    It’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!

  8. Pat says

    July 19, 2011 at 2:14 am

    your 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

  9. Kathleen Grace says

    July 19, 2011 at 2:43 am

    What a cool focal point for your garden! I think a statue would be beautiful inside it:>)

  10. Debbie says

    July 19, 2011 at 3:35 am

    Good 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

  11. Vee says

    July 19, 2011 at 3:44 am

    You 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.

  12. Pam Schroeder says

    July 19, 2011 at 4:09 am

    Manuela – 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 am

      Pam,

      The cupola is just adorable! Now you’ve give ME an idea!

      Manuela

  13. cotehele says

    July 19, 2011 at 4:42 am

    Manuela, 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.

  14. Diana says

    July 19, 2011 at 5:24 am

    Manuela, 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

  15. Deanna says

    July 19, 2011 at 6:09 am

    I 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

  16. Kat says

    July 19, 2011 at 7:25 am

    Hi 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

  17. Gumbo Lily says

    July 19, 2011 at 8:20 am

    I 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

  18. Beth says

    July 19, 2011 at 8:38 am

    love the gnomes idea also….love all your beautiful flowers…your yards are always so pretty each year you share them

  19. Cindy says

    July 19, 2011 at 9:35 am

    That 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

  20. Linda says

    July 19, 2011 at 9:44 am

    I 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

  21. jennifer says

    July 19, 2011 at 9:59 am

    How cute! I love it!

  22. Donna, The Decorated House says

    July 19, 2011 at 11:16 am

    This 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!

  23. Marcia says

    July 19, 2011 at 11:44 am

    I love it Manuela! It just wouldn’t look the same with my aluminum windows. I love the old wooden ones.
    Great idea!
    Blessings,
    Marcia

  24. Linda says

    July 19, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Beautiful, Manuela! I love your charming garden and the conservatory is so sweet!

  25. Tammy says

    July 19, 2011 at 1:45 pm

    What 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

  26. Theresa Roach says

    July 19, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    Gorgeous! 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!

  27. Jennifer says

    July 19, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    Oh 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

  28. AmyW says

    July 19, 2011 at 9:36 pm

    Sweet 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.

  29. Linda Smith says

    July 19, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    Oh 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

  30. Comeca Jones says

    July 20, 2011 at 5:45 am

    Its a beautiful addition to your garden.

  31. Mimi Sue says

    July 20, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    Love your cute conservatory. I’ve been wanting to do a fairy garden too. Mimi

  32. jean says

    July 21, 2011 at 12:04 am

    Your old window structure is beautiful! Love it. A small fern plant would look nice in it, or some small figure statue.

  33. hillbillywoman says

    July 21, 2011 at 12:39 am

    I would put one gorgeous plant inside each of the conservatories.
    You are so talented, as well as your husband. Great idea!

  34. hillbillywoman says

    July 21, 2011 at 12:42 am

    I’ve just started my own home decorating blog called “My Hillbilly Home”
    Check it out.

    http://myhillbillyhome.blogspot.com

  35. Kerrie says

    July 21, 2011 at 7:10 am

    I adore the window house!! And your yard is very beautiful!

  36. Susan says

    July 21, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    Love your conservatory!

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

  37. Mindy says

    July 21, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    Oh, I love anything with old windows and that is soooo stinkin’ cute!!!!

  38. ronda w. says

    July 22, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Today is the first time I’ve visited your blog. I love it.
    I will definately be back. Luv your ideas.

    Love & Prayers
    Ronda

  39. clarice says

    July 26, 2011 at 12:07 am

    Well I am just jealous, I want one. It is prefect just the way it is xoxo Clarice

  40. Oma Garcia says

    August 2, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    Dear 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!!!!…

  41. SHerree says

    September 3, 2011 at 11:16 am

    I 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.

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A Cultivated Nest makes no claims of “expert status” and the owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the use of the information found on this website. Posts may contain affiliate links. A Cultivated Nest is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A Cultivated Nest is also a participant in the Etsy affiliate program via Awin. This means that I may earn a small commission from some of the links in my posts. Please see our Disclosure Page for more information.

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