This weathered garden trug has been with me 24 years. I remember this because my oldest daughter was two when I loaded her up and went to go find a greenhouse tucked out on a gravel road, that long ago.
We wandered around hoop houses of plants for as long as possible that day. Near the entrance of each hoop house were stacks of these wooden trugs for shoppers to carry their selections. They were all grey and weathered and I loved them. I picked out that day, three scented geraniums, because you see –I had read about them in a garden magazine and needed to have scented geraniums…really needed them.
When we carried our plants to the check– out in one of the beautifully aged trugs, I inquired if I might be able to buy the garden trug. I was so happy when the owner said “yes”, but my heart dropped when she went over to a small pile of new trugs.
She explained that her grandfather made the trugs for the greenhouse.
Now, I was interested in the story of how Grandpa made the trugs from Cedar scraps, and carefully screwed them together (because nails would allow the wood to twist), but I didn’t want a “new” trug. I wanted the weathered, silver grey. Though I tried, she insisted I leave with a “new” trug, and said “you just use it and it will weather just like you want it too.”
I remember so many things about that day, I spent a little over $28.00 for a “new” garden trug and three plants…there was no extra money in the checkbook for this luxury…I felt guilty every time I looked at my new treasures.
Through countless moves, this wood garden trug has survived. It has hauled plants from the garden center, held all my garden tools, even decorated my table in Spring with rabbits and eggs.
It has aged quite nicely.
down to earth digs 
And spawned a whole bunch more, made by your talented husband, if memory serves 🙂
Lovely memory, and great trug!
Yes, it was the pattern for my greenhouse trugs. We used scrap Cedar and used screws, so the wood doesn’t twist! 🙂
When you break down the cost over 24 years, what is it.. around a dollar a year! It was a great splurge and a fun memory!
Yes, it was a good splurge! So good to see you yesterday, friend!
As beautiful as the trug is the story behind it.
Thank you Audrey. 🙂
Lovely post.
:), I think of that day nearly every time I touch that trug!
Love this story! And it did age beautifully 🙂
Thank you, it has served the garden and me well!
What a wonderful tool, but also part of the family. 🙂 It must have been very well made–and loved.
🙂 This simple items holds many years of memories.
Its amazing what memories we hold when our passion and love of things touch our hearts. This Trug is beautiful in that it holds not only your beloved plants. But it carries your memories 🙂
Blessings – Sue
Thank you for your beautiful words.
You are most welcome… Enjoy your weekend in the Garden!:-)
What a nice story Stacey. Look you are making future treasures for your daughter by doing what you love daily…that’s really special.
Thank you 🙂 I wonder if my kids will garden some day? I think a couple of them will!
I love stories like this 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
So glad you enjoyed it! Such a simple object with tons of memories attached!
Thank you!