Years ago, we shared how we built our whimsical glass bottle trees —a project that quickly became one of our favorite garden features. But time and weather took their toll. Last year, we noticed the posts had begun to rot at the base, and unfortunately, they became unstable—posing a real risk of toppling over.
It was hard to take them down, but safety comes first. We carefully disassembled the trees, pulled out the rotted posts, and got to work prepping the area for a fresh start. Sometimes, a little maintenance leads to a whole new opportunity to refresh a beloved space—and we’re excited to bring them back even better than before.
First step was to find a replacement post.
We were fortunate to have a few close areas with plenty of deadfall trees. From there, we selected two that were in good shape and cut them to a manageable size.
And hauled back home to start the rebuild.
Here are some pictures from the reconstruction process of tree #1.
We dug out dirt and rocks from the original hole to create an area big enough for a new base.
After digging out the old dirt and rocks, the new post was put into the hole and stabilized with a 2x4 screwed to the tree and our nearby deck. (L) We then mixed the concrete by hand and poured it around the base. (R)
The cement was tamped in place.
And left to set up for a few days.
We added more gravel on top of the cement (L) that was now dry, building it up to ground level and slightly higher. Then, they used a tamper to pack the gravel down, making sure they had a firm, solid, strong base. (R)
We waited for the harsh conditions of winter to pass. And then, in the early spring, we returned to our big tree project.
My husband took out his electric drill and drilled 1/2" holes in the trunk of the tree. He focused on making the holes downard-angling and randomly spaced all around the trunk. (L) The original rebar pieces we used for the tree's "branches" were then inserted into the holes. This was our starting point for the project's second phase. (R)
The blue wine bottles were put back on the rebar and the bottle tree is back in action.
Early April in Alberta is pretty drab.
But come May the perennials grow and things look lovely.
Fresh wood chips were put around the base of the tree and the flowers and this tree is complete.
Other garden related tutorials
Now to redo our bottle tree in our roundabout island. Above it looking pretty even in the winter adding color to the dreary landscape.
But it too was taken down due to a rotted base. I will update with a photo when we get it back up too.
Featured on
Shared up at these fun link up parties
That is a huge undertaking!! Glad it’s coming together again!! Len definitely does not see the end result and would not be as determined as Sheldon!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit of a challenge for sure Ina but they are so pretty when done :)
DeleteVery unique and lovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan, I appreciate your kind words :)
DeleteI'm getting closer but not home run on this blog yet
ReplyDeletethis seemed to work just fine :)
DeleteThat glass trees are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words, they are appreciated
DeleteI've seen those in gardens before but I had no idea how much work they are. They are so beautiful and add so much interest and color to the garden.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy, they are allot of work but so worth it :)
DeleteWhat an outstanding garden art feature Lee Ann! I'd bet the bottles look stunning with the sunshine peeking through them!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna, they do look amazing in the sunshine indeed :), thanks for featuring them on your link up party
DeleteOh wow, so beautiful! Featuring on Sundays on Silverado this weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank y ou for featuring, I will see you at your fun link up party!
Delete