| Author | Content |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 18, 2009
10:07 PM Post #7079682
| We've had these old wooden ladders hanging around for years.
Way too old to be safe but couldn't get rid of them.
So we slapped a coat of paint on one and had it open in one of the beds w/ vines growing over it.
I've seen them used as plant shelves before so we leaned them up against our big maple tree and put potted plants on the steps.
Mainly Oxalis, Dwarf Hostas and some cast iron lanterns we had in the yard.
Worked great! Looked Good... then the cats decided to climb the ladders.
You guessed it... crash boom... 3 pots shattered... luckily the plants we OK.
We kicked around several designs to stop them knocking off the plants.
Including screwing pots down to steps and then potting. WAY too much work if we wanted to rearrange or re-pot.
Finally an easy solution occurred.
I extended the steps out from the backside and added a stop above it.
Then drilled holes on each side of the front and added a wire across to keep them from tumbling forward.
(the wires were added after they were in place)
They will be wired to the tree eventually but we're still testing the placement.
Here's how I extended the steps and did the backstop.
It's some recycled scrap cedar we had left from another project.
They were gun nailed w/ 16 gauge 2 1/2" nails.
The step at the top of the photo is nailed all the way thru so the ladder will no longer open.
Ric
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 18, 2009
10:09 PM Post #7079692
| Here it is ready to be painted. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 18, 2009
10:14 PM Post #7079704
| After my Partner put a base coat and started her faux painting we called it a day.
After drying overnight I tested the wire front stop.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 18, 2009
10:21 PM Post #7079731
| My Partner is very good at painting and decided to break out her cans.
Over the years we have bought dozens of Exterior and Interior cans from the Clearance Bins at Lowe's and HD.
Usually it's colors NO ONE in their right mind would actually paint w/.
(But as we are not necessarily in our right minds... lol!)
They work great for Faux work, Home and Garden Art Projects and the like.
Usually a Buck a can for Pints up to maybe 5 bucks for Gallons.
Buy some tints and you can really go to town.
So she got started.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 18, 2009
10:25 PM Post #7079746
| She still has some work to do on the designs she's doing but we decided to go ahead and try them out.
So here's Ladder Plant Steps.
(BTW the cat has been up and down a few times and so far... lol!)
Ric
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 19, 2009
01:43 AM Post #7080207
| Those look great! I've been watching Craiglist and Freecycle for old ladders to use as trellises. No luck yet, but I'm still hoping. ;) |
Dirt_Road
Janice~ Gulf Coast, MS
(Zone 9a)
September 19, 2009
03:16 AM Post #7080305
| Love the ladder,, Like Pony, I have been watching for a folding ladder myself.. Here is an idea I found on the net.. (so this isn't my picture) Maybe this is an idea you can use if you have more ladders standing around... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 19, 2009
03:20 AM Post #7080306
| That's a really nifty idea too! :) |
Dirt_Road
Janice~ Gulf Coast, MS
(Zone 9a)
September 19, 2009
03:27 AM Post #7080308
| LOL... Pony.. you and I are DG night owls for sure.. lol... Yea I thought it was a really neat idea especially if you have a craft/work table and it would keep all your books close at hand.. I really like it, maybe paint it in a color that pops or keep it ahhh natural.. :-) |
the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 19, 2009
03:44 AM Post #7080315
| Sleep is for the weak! Haha!
The ladder shelf would be great for the manuals and home repair books in the garage, too! |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 19, 2009
09:52 AM Post #7080772
| What a neat bookshelf idea! Thanks!
One ladder we had.
We replaced it w/ a Fiberglass/Aluminum one.
The second came from a neighbor as he was cleaning out his garage.
We also got a 16' Aluminum Slider...
You 'might' find them on Craig's List.
If still usable they go fast there and at Garage Sales and Flea Markets.
Odds are though you will find them on the curb on trash day.
Ask around...
many people have them hanging out in their garages... just haven't removed (tossed) them.
Thanks for the comments.
Ric |
Dirt_Road
Janice~ Gulf Coast, MS
(Zone 9a)
September 19, 2009
02:09 PM Post #7081457
| lol.. Pony, I finally hit the pillow at 3am and then had to wake up at 7am... lots of coffee.. lol..
|
the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 19, 2009
02:11 PM Post #7081468
| Ouch! I crashed at 3 AM too, but had the luxury of sleeping in til 9:30. ;) |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
September 19, 2009
06:45 PM Post #7082158
| Now I have to add an old wooden ladder to my "to do" list. What a great idea, I haven't seen a wooden ladde around in years. |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 19, 2009
08:49 PM Post #7082537
| Our neighbor came over this afternoon.
He saw the Blue Ladder... wants it back... LOL!
Ric |
the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 19, 2009
09:01 PM Post #7082564
| Bahaha! Offer to sell it to him for a hundred bucks... :D |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 19, 2009
09:19 PM Post #7082604
| Actually I said 125... lol!
We found a little 3' ladder I forgot we had.
We may do a horizonal shelf like the one in D_R's shot.
But hang it outside on a blank wall we have on the sewing room we built... w/ plants of course...
This is last fall but the blue section is still open for design...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 19, 2009
09:26 PM Post #7082625
| ROFL! Didn't mean to underprice ya! :D
I'm jealous of all your ladder-getting mojo! I just haven't had a bit of luck finding any. |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 19, 2009
10:37 PM Post #7082832
| Most of the ladders we find are just garage junk.
We threw away a 20' slider a few years ago.
(Man I wish I had it back...lol!)
Still have one section from an 18' one.
It's holding hanging plants over the gazebo.
It will be painted in a few weeks.
This is from when we were just starting the whole backyard remodel.
BTW the gazebo was found in someone's trash near us.
The wind had blown it across their yard and destroyed the canvas and broken the top.
We straightened it out, did some minor repairs and "Hammered" painted it.
That was 4 years ago.
This message was edited Sep 19, 2009 10:40 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 19, 2009
10:40 PM Post #7082838
| Ooh more jealousy. I've been trying to get one of those gazebo frames all summer. (a broken one) I want to make an arbor or two out of the corner pieces. |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 19, 2009
10:44 PM Post #7082850
| Here's the almost finished backyard.
I'm getting ready to start a thread in the Decks Forum.
Ric
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 19, 2009
11:18 PM Post #7082941
| That looks great! :D |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
September 20, 2009
02:55 AM Post #7083330
| I'm green with envy. Maybe some day I'll find a neat frame like that. I just love the corners of it. What a great back yard! |
Dirt_Road
Janice~ Gulf Coast, MS
(Zone 9a)
September 20, 2009
03:35 AM Post #7083350
| Henery~ LOL... He wants it back.. That was funny.. Oh and very nice pathway!!
Pony~ I think I found one.. Naaa I know I found one.. I didn't have time today but will ask about it next week if not sooner.. :-) It was long and tall and all wood.. and SCREAMED SHELF!!! lol.. Pony plz post the idea for the arbrr Using the framework.. |
the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 20, 2009
05:46 AM Post #7083418
| Janice, I'd have to find one first... LOL! I just have a picture in my head of using two of those corner pieces with something attached to the tops to form an arbor. Part of an old extension ladder would work... if I could FIND one! Gaaaaaah. Maybe it's time to hit the junkyard. It's just kind of a long drive to the nearest good one. And it seems I don't usually find what I went there looking for, but come back with a load of other junk instead. *snicker* |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
September 20, 2009
09:41 AM Post #7083840
| That would be the treasureyard you are going to Pony... lol!
How about posting on Craigs List or one of those sites asking for ladders?
I found this by Googling
want old wooden ladders
http://allentown.craigslist.org/zip/1370722191.html |
the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 20, 2009
03:51 PM Post #7084822
| Yeah, I've posted on CL and Freecycle but got no replies. I guess there are too many people who consider old ladders and busted gazebos treasure around here. ;)
I loooove going to the junk... er, treasureyard. hehe. And lucky for me, my hubby does too. We make a day of it. LOL!
|
Dirt_Road
Janice~ Gulf Coast, MS
(Zone 9a)
September 21, 2009
12:34 AM Post #7086437
| pony you are very lucky indeed.. :-) No way would my hubby let me there (in fear of me draggin home so many things) but no way would he join me.. That is if I even knew where to go around here.. lol... But I do remember going with my grandmother from time to time.. Fingers crossed you will find that ladder.. |
the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 21, 2009
01:49 AM Post #7086517
| I am lucky... hubby puts up with all my grand T2T ideas... hehe.
Scored an old wooden crib today, going to put plants in it, and vines in the ground around it to climb the rails. Hubby says I'm starting my own "nursery"... LOL |
dillansnana
Hemet, CA
September 21, 2009
02:26 AM Post #7086543
| Dirt_Road...Love, love the idea of using an old ladder for books. I'm obsessed with books and have them in piles around the house. I've always been attracted to old ladders, so much character and history. Now I know what to do with them seeing all the great ideas, especially for books. Thanks so much for posting that photo.
God Bless,
Sylvia |
Dirt_Road
Janice~ Gulf Coast, MS
(Zone 9a)
September 21, 2009
03:37 AM Post #7086593
| Oh WTG Pony!!! I use to have a old wooden playpen and I kept that thing forever.. My daughter use to keep her stuffed animals in it and it finally just gave out to old age.. :-(
Oh Sylvia you are very welcome.. Yea there is something about old ladders.. They have history.. and if only they could talk.. :) Once again you are very welcome and I am dying to see any ladder book shelf pictures!!! I'm sure it will be at least a week before I can get my hand on the one I found.. lol.. I am going to give them a call tomorrow and tell them to mark it sold and put my name on it.. .. Hmmmmm now what color and which wall that is the question.. lol.. Of course DH will think I have lost my mind.. PONY YOU ARE A LUCKY GIRL!! :-) KUdos to Henry too!!!
Pictures pictures pictures plz... :) |
the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
September 21, 2009
03:58 AM Post #7086610
| I'll start a new thread once I have a chance to snap some pics of the crib. Stay tuned. ;) |
boopers
October 03, 2009
03:39 AM Post #7129762
| I love old ladders, here is what I did with one. I currently also have a large one inside an unused aviary and my cat climbs to the top and sits and watches the birds outside the aviary. I lock her in.
This message was edited Oct 3, 2009 3:40 AM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 03, 2009
08:45 AM Post #7130067
| What a GREAT idea!
I have just the ladder!
Thanks for another idea I can 'borrow'. LOL!
Ric |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
October 03, 2009
12:46 PM Post #7130668
| I love the idea of hanging plants from ladder. I'm on the lookout for sure for an old ladder. |
stormyla
Norristown, PA
(Zone 6b)
October 05, 2009
12:43 PM Post #7137416
| Henryr, You all did a fabulous job with these ladders. I had considered using a few this year for trellises, but I like your pot shelf idea much better. Verticle pot displays are always so visually appealing and space saving. I'm envisioning my tender Begonia collection on them next summer. Thanks for the great idea and methodology instructions! |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 05, 2009
09:10 PM Post #7139218
| Samigal they do make great hangers.
They are made to take hundreds of pounds of weight on the rungs and generally weatherproof.
Assuming the ladder is still sound that is... lol!
Stormyla Thanks! I'll pass the compliment on to my S/O.
As we have only 1/8 acre and hundreds of plants vertical is a must here.
We tried the trellis route. OK but not as visually appealing.
As for the methodology.
I learned the basic techniques from others... now I pass my twist on that on to my Friends...
Hopefully it's appealing to them and they'll add their own twists.
Can't wait to see your begonias!
Ric
This message was edited Oct 12, 2009 8:46 PM |
sampeter
Junction City, OR
October 12, 2009
12:20 PM Post #7161325
| I am new here but was interested in the old ladder talk, I have at least 6 in my gardens and they all have bird houses on the top. They are from 10' to as tall as they go. I put a platform in top to match the base size of the birdhouse, then screw it to the top of the ladder. Once my ladder is where I want it I secure it with 4' lengths of rebar so they won't blow over in the wind. Birds love them. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
October 12, 2009
01:24 PM Post #7161562
| Welcome to the "ladder talk" sampeter. Oh how lucky to have all those ladders, they are very hard to come by around here. Every one is looking for one now.  |
the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
October 12, 2009
03:16 PM Post #7161904
| Another nifty idea, sampeter- and I agree with Pegi- what luck to have so many of them!
Be sure and come on over to the Pacific Northwest Gardening forum and say hello... :)
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/region_pnw/all/ |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 12, 2009
08:53 PM Post #7163017
| Excellent idea sampeter!
Do you do the Birdhouses?
Found 2 more ladders this weekend.
little bittie ones...
we're busy on a new project so it will be a while before we get around to decorating them.
But we are using ladders on the Project... lol!
Ric
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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stormyla
Norristown, PA
(Zone 6b)
October 12, 2009
10:35 PM Post #7163400
| Sweet project, Henryr! |
the1pony
Pony in Lakewood, WA
(Zone 8a)
October 12, 2009
10:37 PM Post #7163410
| *dies of envy* Okay, when you're done with yours, come build me one, too? Pretty please? |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 12, 2009
10:54 PM Post #7163474
| Thanks we had to go up as we have no yard space left.
We've had a hoophouse up on the roof for years.
Decided to do it right this year.
We'll be glazing it w/ Polycarbonite panels come next fall.
6MIL Plastic doubled will do just fine for this Winter.
The open side will be covered in plastic after we get the plants in.
Entrance will be thru a door replacing that window.
When we built the room below (her sewing room) we made it strong enough to hold a second story.
The GH is about a 1/10th of that weight.
We end up w/ 10 x 11 of usable plant space. 7' peak.
The chase to the right will be storage and have the heat ducts for both it and the sewing room.
Ric
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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curvesarein
Kingman, AZ
October 19, 2009
02:40 AM Post #7185108
| Here's a close up of what I have done, I spotted one in my neighborhood just like mine, you think they might be on this forum. LOL 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 19, 2009
08:12 AM Post #7185432
| NIce!
Watering cans too eh?
They are even harder to find than the ladders around here...
Ric |
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN
(Zone 5b)
October 19, 2009
08:38 AM Post #7185483
| Great Ideas,thanks !! We have this old really heavy,did I say heavy 8ft stepladder,so heavy that its hard to muscle it around,I think it will go right smack in the middle of the garden as a trellis for gourds.ahh thanks a million !! I really dont like old wooden ladders when I was 4 , I was laying in the yard ,sister was sitting on a wood extension ladder that was resting lenghtwise against the house and when she got up she pulled it away from the house landing on my lower left leg ,fracturing the big bone,I was casted from the hip to toes,for 3 mos,that was back in the day of longer was much better in a cast, oh memories |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 19, 2009
09:38 AM Post #7185659
| OUCH!
Maybe after you get it set up you could invite your Sis over to see it... OOPS... lol!
Ric
|
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN
(Zone 5b)
October 19, 2009
01:32 PM Post #7186564
| And i will have to have my oldest brother over too,he would take me out of my wheelchair and do burn outs on the linolieum floors leaving black marks,not to worry, I was affraid of my crutches for a bit,thats why I had a chair,he also would give me warm water to drink,cause i couldnt reach the sink ,i remember thinking i couldnt wait till i was big enough to get a drink my self !!! LOL and to think he has been the executive director of the colorado state board of examiners for the last 28 yrs and he still is onry as ever !!! |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
October 19, 2009
08:23 PM Post #7188120
| Old memories are so much fun to share, love hearing them. Using a ladder to let gourds climb up sounds like a project I would love to do. DH said he has a small wooden ladder that belonged to his mother, wonder if he would consider loaning it out for plants, etc. No sense in letting it sit just gathering dirt where ever he has it stashed. I also have a wooden baby cradle that swings, neighbor put it out to curb and my idea was to put my dolls and stuffed animals in it when I had the room. |
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN
(Zone 5b)
October 20, 2009
06:39 AM Post #7189274
| curves,I love your ladder also the table made out of willow or grapevine,did you make the table ? |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 20, 2009
09:21 AM Post #7189567
| Hmmm.. we have a bunch of grapevine attached to the garage we are using for a MG Trellis...
Today we are making a leaf netting to go over our new pond.
W/ the PVC Hoops from our old GH...
Ric |
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN
(Zone 5b)
October 22, 2009
08:25 AM Post #7196547
| Ric,ahh recycling,now ladders umm,gotcha thinkin. I scored a ladder !!! YES .DH almost put his moms not so safe step ladder in the spring pick-up,lucky me.He didnt like the idea of me using the really heavy one !!! LOL As it is a very good ladder ,just weighs a ton.And Iam going out to harvest some vine from the woods,not sure what Iam going to make yet. Hey hows the project going,looks great so far.We too do everything our selves. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 22, 2009
09:13 AM Post #7196673
| Looks Great!
Love the Broom Rides Flag.
Here's the newest ladder getting ready for paint.
We're doing Fall cleanup and changing the look and design of a few beds so it may be a bit...
Ric
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
October 22, 2009
01:08 PM Post #7197282
| Huggergirl I love your little display garden.
Henryr10, I see the pooch is checking out the small ladder too. Great one! |
Meickle2003
Chillicothe, IL
(Zone 6a)
October 22, 2009
01:10 PM Post #7197290
| What a great use for an old ladder, I will have to use that next spring to bring some hight to my small potted garden at my front entrance.
Thanks for the great idea. |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 22, 2009
09:06 PM Post #7198813
| You're Welcome!
We have a big garage cleaning due.
I'll have to see what new uses we can find for old junk... lol!
Ric |
mjsponies
Deland, FL
(Zone 9a)
October 23, 2009
06:58 AM Post #7199738
| here's what we did w/ one of our old ladders...
I have my one of my pipevines on it.
Took it apart and mounted it on two pvc pipes in the ground.
the other half we buried in concrete part way and it stands straight up in the air with my other pipevine on it.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Meickle2003
Chillicothe, IL
(Zone 6a)
October 23, 2009
07:55 AM Post #7199823
| Very neat idea, I love the idea of recycling old ladders. |
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN
(Zone 5b)
October 23, 2009
08:22 AM Post #7199876
| Thats another great idea,THANKS,I just remembered I have a 12 ft alum. ext. ladder,I use 1/2 of it for birdhouse duty,the other 1/2 a NEW TRELLIS !!! Now where to put it !!! LOL |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
October 23, 2009
01:34 PM Post #7200681
| I love that idea with the old ladder & PVC pipe, now I think I need one for my yard. Have a small yard but will try to fit this in it. My neighbor isn't using his yard for anything but a gazebo so would love to have part of it for my projects. Just wishful thinking on my part. |
stormyla
Norristown, PA
(Zone 6b)
October 23, 2009
01:42 PM Post #7200710
| mjsponies, That makes a very nice looking arbor. Now that's using your noggin'! |
mjsponies
Deland, FL
(Zone 9a)
October 23, 2009
03:47 PM Post #7201021
| And it was all w/ "stuff" that was laying around.
We also used the blue pvc to make poles for platform bird feeders. |
stormyla
Norristown, PA
(Zone 6b)
October 23, 2009
04:01 PM Post #7201062
| Good for you! I usually always find a use for that "Laying around Stuff".DSO throws nothing away. Lately though, I've asked him to put some of that stuff in HIS garage. LOL |
mjsponies
Deland, FL
(Zone 9a)
October 23, 2009
05:32 PM Post #7201314
| With 11 acres, horses, the gardens, well there's ALWAYS, some sort of "extra" "stuff' laying around. Somewhere there's a thread where I used an old pto driven fertilizer spreader as a planter for my tomatoes. And an old wheel barrow (big one!) for a planter for maypops. Just makes sense too me, and it cool looking too! win/win...;-) |
henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 23, 2009
09:07 PM Post #7202007
| OK ANOTHER new idea for the Ladders...
http://www.nd.edu/~akolaczy/catladder.html
Ric |
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN
(Zone 5b)
October 24, 2009
07:32 AM Post #7202960
| ric,funny thing ,while we were talking about ladders I was thinking how my cats always climb up any ladder thats out,the dog did too if you were on it hammering he hated loud noise !!! Here under all the flowers is my really worn out wheellbarrow,it helped me move 32 ton of field stone,and a few ton of dirt too 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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henryr10
Cincinnati, OH
(Zone 6b)
October 24, 2009
08:53 AM Post #7203046
| Our cat Emmit is a ladder cat.
She's climbing up our aluminum extension ladder to the new GH and hanging out in there overnight.
Most cats just love to climb.
Ours use the 7' fence as a Hwy, sleep on the Hot Tub cover, roam around on the Pergola...
Ric |
huggergirl
Columbia City, IN
(Zone 5b)
October 24, 2009
09:44 AM Post #7203188
| AHH ,cat heaven !!!!! Lucky kitties |
prettymess
San Jose, CA
November 07, 2009
11:31 PM Post #7252037
| I really want a ladder bookshelf!! |
