Post-Modern Art: Elevating Your Garden Game with Handcrafted Art Posts

Hey gardeners! I’ve got some exciting news to share with you. My wife and I have been busy whipping up some seriously cool garden posts to sell at Gardens Buffalo Niagara‘s upcoming Garden Art Sale in partnership with the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.

This two-day extravaganza is happening on June 29 & 30, starting at 10 a.m. each day on the beautiful Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens front lawn. It’s going to be the 11th year of this awesome event, and with about 30 new vendors this year! View the list of vendors here.

How much?

I know the first thing on everyone’s mind is “How much are these bad boys gonna set me back?” Let me break it down:

• Small Post (5’6″ tall): $150 + tax
• Medium Post (6’6″ tall): $250 + tax
• Large Post (8’6″ tall): $350 + tax

We’ve got 27 small, 16 medium, and 8 large posts up for grabs. The small and medium sizes can easily fit inside most SUVs, but the large ones might need to hitch a ride on your roof rack.

What they are.

So, what makes these posts so special, you ask? Well, for starters, each one is hand-painted by yours truly. Each has a primer coat at least two coats of acrylic-based exterior house paint, painted by lovely Leslie. And that’s not all! I’ve added some flair by hand-routing bands into the poles and attaching wood ornaments.

These posts aren’t just a pretty face. They’re built to last. We add a UV-protecting polyurethane varnish to prevent fading and ensure they stick around for years to come. Plus, each one comes with a spike base for easy installation.

How best to use them in your garden.

I think they look best when used in threes.

Now, let’s talk about how to make the most of these in your garden. They look fabulous on their own, but if you really want to make a statement, go for a trio in different heights. Trust me; it’s a showstopper!

You can also use them to flank a garden path or entrance for a colorful and whimsy welcome.

And if you’ve got a larger garden, placing them at the far end will draw the eye and create a destination point.

Another consideration is placing them so you can see them from an inside window—so they can be enjoyed whether inside or out.

Installation & Care

Just grab a sledgehammer and a scrap of 4×4 (I’ll have some scarp 4x4s on hand you can take with you), and you’re good to go. Pound that spike base into the ground, plumb it up, and voila! You’ve got yourself a brand-new garden centerpiece.

As for care, these totems are low-maintenance. The exterior-grade paints and varnish will keep them looking good for years. However, if you want to preserve their vivid colors for as long as possible, I recommend placing them in a shaded or dappled-shade area and storing them indoors during the winter months.

I’ll be selling these blank note cards (with envelopes) I designed. They’re great for thank you notes and even sympathy cards.

But wait, there’s more!

I’ll also be selling signed copies of my book, Harry Potter: Herbology Magic: Botanical Projects, Terrariums, and Gardens Inspired by the Wizarding World ($28), as well as some nifty note cards I designed that are perfect for any occasion. (Price TBD)

And if you haven’t gotten your hands on my book Buffalo Style Gardens, Create a Quirky, One-of-a-Kind Private Garden with Eye-Catching Designs yet, you can snag a copy at the Gardens Buffalo Niagara booth and have me (and my co-author Sally Cunningham) sign it for you! Sally will be roaming around pretty much all weekend. She helps organize the Sale.

Mark your calendars!

The Garden Art Sale is the place to be on June 29th and 30th. And if you’re feeling extra generous, why not volunteer to help set up or tear down the vendor tents? You can sign up right here. I’ll be there helping everyone set up and tear down too.

Below are just some ways past post-buyers have used their posts.

See you there! Let’s make some garden magic together!