{"id":4635,"date":"2020-01-05T23:07:01","date_gmt":"2020-01-06T08:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/?p=4635"},"modified":"2023-02-18T18:56:00","modified_gmt":"2023-02-19T03:56:00","slug":"why-a-bicycle-in-a-garden-looks-so-charming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/why-a-bicycle-in-a-garden-looks-so-charming\/","title":{"rendered":"Why a bicycle in a garden looks so charming"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Bicycle in a Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t you just love the way a bicycle looks in the garden? There’s just–I dunno– ‘something’, that makes an old bicycle look right at home. A certain nostalgia we associate with simpler times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But a bicycle in the garden also brings a touch of romance, don’t you think? Yes, romance! In the old song “Daisy, Daisy”<\/em>, the humble suitor proposes to his sweetheart by confessing that he’s not rich. “I can’t afford a carriage”, he says. “but you’ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This summer, I’m hoping to–finally– add a bicycle to my garden decor. And I have just the place for it. I’m going to prop it up against the backside of my little garden shed, where it’s visible to passersby. Great! Now I’ll have even MORE baskets to fill with flowers! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to use a bicycle in a garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before spending a lot of time looking around for just the “right” bicycle, my advice is to make sure you’ve got a good spot picked out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of its size, a bicycle will stand out as a ‘focal point’ in the yard or garden. Generally speaking, it will display the best as stand-alone decor. In other words, turn it into a little “vignette”. But go easy! Don’t pile too much yard art around it. Then, it will really make a statement with some power and pizazz. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, where in your yard is there a spot that makes sense for a bicycle? Someplace where it might look natural as if the rider had just left it there. Propped up against the front porch, or near an entry gate? Wherever you put it, you want to be able to see it and enjoy it, and water the flowers you have in the baskets. (which we’ll get to!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You might also consider a barren spot where nothing is growing. You’ve probably made a mental note of it over the years, but hadn’t thought of anything to put there. You may have said to yourself: “That spot needs ‘something’. Well, maybe a bicycle would work there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, hang the bicycle up to decorate the backside of your garden or storage shed. A boring fence could use a touch of whimsey, too. Perhaps that’s why bikes are often placed along fences, especially if it draws attention to a flower bed there. Used as yard art, a bicycle should compliment the scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free-standing or leaning?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, if you want the bicycle to be free-standing, you’ll need to figure out a way to anchor it with supports. You don’t want it to fall over and damage the flowers. A mere kickstand might not be enough when the wind blows. This may be another reason why bikes are commonly leaning up against something. Then you can use a strap or zip tie as the gardener did with the yellow bicycle above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to find a bicycle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While a vintage bike has its charm, antiques tend to cost a bit, if<\/em> you can find them. There’s nothing that says you can’t use any modern bike or even a child’s trike from a thrift store or garage sale. The effect is just as sweet! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Painting the bike:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You do not have to paint the bike if you like the way it looks “as is”. That decision should be based on the “theme” or style of your garden. In some gardens, rusty fits quite well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But many people love to spray paint them for the big pop of color it creates. Some people paint the tires too, though personally, I like the tires left natural. Another good reason to consider spray-painting the bike is this: it provides a bright, cheerful splash of color in the Spring and later into Fall when few things are blooming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cool thing about spray painting is that you can then color-coordinate the flowers. Monochromatic plantings (all the same color) are a great look with a bicycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flower arrangements with contrasting colors are wonderful, too, because the flowers really stand out. Like the hot pink flowers paired with the blue bike in the top photo. It’s your garden, so let your style shine through!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baskets and Flowers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Baskets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practically anything that holds flowers can be used as a basket. But keep in mind that it will be outside in the elements. Some baskets made for inside use may start to come apart by the end of summer. However, if you like the look, pick up a cheap one from the thrift store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A better choice would be using one of these: <\/p>\n\n\n\n