Adorn Your Garden with Hose Guards!

It’s hot.   Your plants need water.  Sleepily, you go outside with your first cup of coffee and turn the garden hose on.  You know the drill- the first plants to water are the containers on the patio.  Next, you drag the hose around to the front to water your window boxes.  Great…you did it again. 

You have been meaning to buy some hose guards to prevent the hose from running into the flowerbed and ripping out yet another zinnia.  But, you keep forgetting.  Go ahead.  Have that conniption fit.   Finished?  Good.  I’ve got a project that will adorn your garden and be fun as well.  

In fact, why not invite some gardening friends over for a craft day!  Have kids or grandkids?  They’ll love this project as well!

You’ll need to hit your favorite hardware or home improvement store.  You’re looking for a set of hose guards.  They’re dark green plastic and pretty utilitarian looking.  They’re packed two to a set and under $5 for the pair. You’ll be looking for reasons to make lots of these; they’re so much fun to decorate! 

You’ll need some glue in addition to your hose guards; I prefer  “G-6000.”  I use it for absolutely everything.  From bedazzling my flip-flops with Swarovski crystals, to gluing mosaics to a birdbath and fixing broken china- it does it all!  You can purchase “G-6000” at Hobby Lobby, Michaels and most home improvement stores.

You will also need items to decorate the top of your hose guard.   I purchased a huge bag of shells for about $10.  The bag had all different sizes of shells.  Perhaps you are going to the beach for summer vacation; why not bring some shells back so you can remember the trip every time you get the hose out of the garage? 

I also used a cute resin chickadee that previously sat in my garden.  Ditto for the clay turtle I got from artist Jim Rice while in Naples last year.  Use anything your heart desires; just be sure it can withstand the elements of heat and sun.

The process from start to finish is a snap.  Gather up some sturdy glass bottles.  Luckily I have a 24-year-old son that is into making his own beer so, I am never at a loss for glass bottles.  They need to be heavy and sturdy since they hold the hose guard during gluing and drying. 

Dry test your items first to be sure you like the way it looks.  I used 4 to 5 seashells per hose guard.  The clay turtle filled out the top of the guard nicely, as did the resin chickadee.  Place a reasonable amount of your glue on the bottom of the item you wish to decorate your hose guard.  “G-6000” is great because it doesn’t set up immediately.  You’ll appreciate the fact that you have a sufficient amount of time to fiddle with your items. 

Once you’re satisfied with your work of art, head onto your next guard.  Place the finished product out of the way, allowing it to dry overnight.  The next morning, go back to the spot where the zinnia suffered a premature death and place your hose guard where the flower once stood.  Know that it didn’t die in vain; it was replaced by a one of a kind work of art.  It’s a beautiful addition to your garden and one that will make your gardening friends and neighbors pea-green with envy!