On my previous visit, I bought a handful of old garden tools for 1 each.

We made a gate from them using a hoe and spade to form the cross braces and other implements for the verticals. This time I had hoped to buy a lot more to form a decorative fence to go around a small vegetable garden next to an old mill, but sadly there were none.

For a unique garden a trip to an antique fair is just the ticket

If you want to put a fresh stamp on the garden, or are starting a garden, a day at an antiques fair is usually productive and enjoyable.

You will be sure to go home with something, although possibly not what you had in mind. There is an air of conviviality among the stallholders and, although it is a trade show, the public are welcome and benefit from trade prices.

During our visit, several theatre prop companies were on the hunt, a couple of camera crews were busy filming and I saw more Jack Russells than at Crufts.

Tempting offers

Many things whetted my appetite. The first items to catch my eye were on the Country Collectables stand. A sturdy set of metal and wood bistro chairs with curving wooden arms and a table; the chairs were 35 and the table 55. Add a lick of paint and they would be far superior to modern equivalents. A harlequin set using two or more colours would lift a terrace.

Jacqui from Country Collectables also had lots of pots, planters, jugs and baths, all in galvanised metal.

On a stand nearby, Lynda North (01442 833808) had several good-sized riveted coppers (2ft diameter, from 150), and some fabulous iron deckchairs (380 for the pair).

Read more from the original source:
Garden bargains to be found at antique fairs

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February 23, 2015 at 4:09 am by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Gazebos