A simple but beautiful way to add some color to your outdoor garden is, my favorite, Bottle Trees as Garden Art. These beauties can range from the simple to the elaborate; adding complete light installations even. And, if you’re like me, and belong to a Fine Wine Club you have quite a few bottles empty at the end of the month.
First, I thought about saving these bottles, as I love the artwork on the labels. But, this fabulous Fine Wine Club keeps coming out with new varietals with incredible labels. There would be too many to keep and how to choose which ones are my favorites.
Next, I thought instead to remove the wine labels and decoupage them on canvas. I knew this would take up way less space and be beautiful wall art. One big problem came; for the life of me, trying everything to remove these labels was not working. Obviously, I had misplaced my ability to remove these labels, which seemingly to be embedded in the glass itself?
Finally, my last plan is to use these to add to my already started garden of bottle trees as garden art. And now, after a year for most of the bottles in my garden and living in the Midwest, the labels on the bottles look like the day I put them out there. Go figure? Though, they do look really good in the garden!
When did Bottle Trees as Garden Art Come About?
Well, I need to let you know the history and the true nature and meaning of these amazing wonders first. Funny thing is, some may say it dates back to the Old Testament Slaves and Crepe Myrtle Trees. Unable to find definitive information regarding this, though it is true that myrtles did and still do grow in that area of the region. It is not out of the realm of possibility though. And here I thought it was a Southern Thing?
Many years back, while living and traveling through the south, I came across these on many homesteads and properties. The colors caught my fancy, especially in the sunlight. So, I finally asked what the deal was and why they were so widespread across the south. Well, I was told that it was something brought over with the slaves as a way to keep evil spirits away.
The spirits would fly in the bottle at night and then couldn’t get out. When the sun shined through the colored glass (mostly blue) at daybreak they would die. Which is pretty much how the folklore goes from early times. However, there is more to it than that for others.
Are they evil spirits or ancestors?
Some communities thought this was a way to capture the energy of their ancestors; as well as their spirit and memories. And all of those who have gone on before them. And, those in the Southeast part of the USA would use a real tree, traditionally the Crepe Myrtle. Many also used dead Cedar Trees too.
Oh, and, don’t forget the beautiful blue glass bottles or jars. The color was used to confuse the spirits by thinking it is water. Also too, is the way they were hung. Always upside down with the mouth of the bottle facing or touching the trunk of the tree or pole. Whatever was being used at the time.
And nowadays, you can find bottle trees as garden art all around the world at many flower garden shows. These are truly unique beauties! Best of all they are easy to create and easy to care for.
Make Your Own Bottle Tree as Garden Art
Getting started is usually done by first finding a dead tree in your garden. If you have one or two, great, you’re ahead of the project. But if not, you’ll have to buy one. If you’re buying one, there are so many options from many different sites, like etsy. Or, you can create your own.
Now creating your own will take some supplies;
- Round wooden fence post
- 1 bag of concrete mix
- Drill & bit (size of your rods)
- Metal rods
- ½ dozen or more glass bottles.
Bury the fence post approximately 2 feet deep in the ground. Next, mix concrete (according to bag directions) and pour around the base of the fence post to sturdy the base. Let set according to mix directions. Once concrete is set up, drill holes at a downward angle. Be sure to leave enough room between each hole for a bottle. Now, insert rods in each hole. Last but not least is to place your bottles on the rods.
Hey, what about the bottles?
Oh yah! The most important part. This is where the beauty starts. Pick your bottles. You get to choose if you want all blue, all old, all wine or various other combinations. And, like the option you pick for your stand, you can find all types of glass bottles almost anywhere.
For my own bottle trees, I started with bottles I found at the local antique mall. I put a $5.00 limit per glass. Also, I had a few already in my collection. Once I received my stand via mail, I put it together, put it in the ground and placed my glass bottles on each branch. After this one broke and fell over, I purchased two more. One was way taller than the first one and the other was a bush shape.
No worries about the first mishap, as no bottles were broken. However, I cannot say the same about the post, as the bottom broke off. My terrific other half was able to weld it to fix it. Though, somewhat shorter than before, is now working perfectly.
Just in case you’re ever in the Southwestern desert on route 66 in Oro Grande, California, you may want to make a stop. People say that Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch turned a passion into a beautiful Bottle Tree Forest. (over a thousand bottles) Its admission is free and donations are appreciated. Sounds like a road trip!
Fine Wine Bottles
Although I did purchase two more, I was able to utilize all those fine wine bottles. I do know many want to remove labels from their bottles. And, to do so, just soak in equal parts vinegar and water. However, just note that this method most likely will not save the graphics on the labels.
Oh, I almost forgot. You may have friends and family asking you questions about your new bottle tree. Even some will want to take pictures, be flattered by it. As well as others will start giving you bottles. Just remember, let them know about your Fine Wine Club.
NOW Enjoy having your own Bottle Tree as Garden Art! It’s like having your own little oasis of color. I love looking at mine and I smile each and every time.
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