Building a Trellis (Part 2), Orioles Cussing, and Our Newsletter
Time to continue the work begun earlier in, Building a Garden Trellis (Part 1)... The basic idea was to create something like the CAD image below.
- was roughly 6' by 32" by 24" deep
- takes its footing from pressure-treated 2 x 4s sunk into the ground apx. 18"
- wasn't going to break the bank
- would only take a few weekends to construct
- was modular in form such that parts could be easily replaced as time and tide dictated
- feared no wind or weather
- didn't make the eyes bleed from sheer ugliness
Not bad, but let's see what we can build! After creating the arches, the first step was to make some measurements and dig some well-aligned holes... Once those were dug, I temporarily tossed in a few extra-long 2 x 4s, leaning the trellises and the arches just to give the team a clue. (Note oriole flying away.)
Alright, so truth be told... Between the orioles and the catbirds, building this thing ain't been easy...
Below, we've cut away the excess 2 x 4s, and stainless-steel bolted the trellis to the weatherproof stubs making sure that it's clear of the ground. And as always, the secret to construction lies in getting all things level, plumb and square...
Threats of rain stopped our final assembly... But all that's needed now is to align and anchor the arches, secure the arch cross members, seal, and plant creepers... (Mrs. CCA and I will keep you updated on the final progress...)
A couple of side notes...
Did you know that orioles could cuss? As we worked on the trellis, (close to the oriole feeder) the wife and I got chewed out! I mean, in your face, eye-contact, "fly-by your head cussing" nasty... Hmmm... Me thinks they know not who givith the Holy Grape Jelly...
Finally (and on a completely different note), if you're interested in receiving our newsletter (complete with sale items and tips), just use the "Comment" button below and let me know. Or, you can email me directly at: capecodalan@ebirdseed.com. And there's no need to worry about us handing off your contact info to others... We don't work that way.
See you by the feeders,
CapeCodAlan
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