Shabby Farmer

An ordinary harrow...some might think it is only used for farming...

Shabby Farmer - A complete vintage harrow

I found this description of a harrow at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_harrow In agriculture, a set of harrows is an implement for cultivating the surface of the soil. In this way it is distinct in its effect from the plough, which is used for deeper cultivation. Harrowing is often carried out on fields to follow the rough finish left by ploughing operations. The purpose of this harrowing is generally to break up clods and lumps of soil and to provide a finer finish, a good tilth or soil structure that is suitable for seeding and planting operations. Such coarser harrowing may also be used to remove weeds and to cover seed after sowing. Tools for harrowing are commonly called harrows (plural) as they are used as a set. There are nominally three types of harrows: disc harrow, tine harrow and chain harrow. Harrows were originally horse-drawn. In modern practice they are almost always tractor-mounted implements, either trailed after the tractor or mounted on the three-point hitch.

Did you already know that? Since I am a "Farmer" in name only I did not really know what a harrow was. I did however, know I loved them the minute Rick showed me one. A vintage harrow...an antique...a collectible?

The first two harrows, I (I meaning Rick :) ) put on the side of the garage in an area with plants.

Shabby Farmer - Two vintage harrows by garage

Barbed wire and all...

Shabby Farmer - Vintage harrow with barbed wire

Look at how great the wood is that they are made from...

Shabby Farmer - Vintage harrow spike

Now the spikes can possibly be a concern as they are heavy and somewhat sharp, I guess after all they do have a purpose other than a decoration!

You might be asking yourself, so what else can you do with a harrow?

Porch on right...

Shabby Farmer - Vintage Harrow on right of porch

Porch on left...

Shabby Farmer - Vintage Harrow on left of porch

Inside...How about the kitchen window?

Vintage harrow on window ledge

Look at this awesome red nail in the one at the kitchen window.

Shabby Farmer - Harrow with red nail

How about above the fireplace?

Shabby Farmer - Vintage harrow above fireplace

And my favorite, possibly a bit risky if there was an earthquake? We sleep directly under these harrows and if they fell just right...Rick put them up with extra long screws. They look so great, then I placed just a long torn strip of white cotton fabric across them about 8" wide with some great lace that is about 2 1/2 in wide. I had some long flowers I placed on the harrows above the bed also. Love it!