Great Outdoors

Treasures N Junk Antiques, in nearby Ontario, is one of my fave resources for interesting garden elements. Recently they expanded their outdoor space and I’m happy to say they’re putting it to good use. TNJ has always offered a variety of larger and industrial pieces in their yard, but now they’ve really pulled out all the stops, bringing in tons of furniture, architectural salvage and even more industrial elements. We stopped in last weekend for a what I thought would be a quick minute (I was under the weather), then ended up staying longer to take these photos. Above is the entrance into the new outdoor area …

I was really excited by these aged fluted metal columns. Cut down from what probably used to be light posts, these awesome fragments could easily enjoy a new life as pedestals, plant stands, sculptural bases, so many things. I loved the rust and overall patina; I wanted them in every size and diameter! And, check out those cast iron cuffs in the top photo. Although they look delicate, with those petal-like scallops, they’re amazingly hefty. Speaking of patina …

… It was everywhere! And, because I love it so, it was not easy not bringing literal tons of this stuff home with me. I mean, get into the rugged good looks of all this stuff.  I was dazzled by all the corrosion, rust, layers of chipped paint, scratches and gouges everywhere … Sweet dreams are made of these.

I loved these big chunks of wood, too. The faceted ones could be stacked as low tables and the hollowed ones would easily make nice rustic planters. Again, I surprised myself by not dragging some of these home with me.

I was fond of these colorful tile-topped metal tables and chairs, too. Orange and green, in circles and jazzy diagonals, these would add verve to a small patio space.

This amazing vintage chicken coop was also speaking to me. The galvanized metal, the repeated circle openings, the side vents, the built-in wooden perches; this, for me, is industrial design perfection!

Treasure, junk, and lots more is everywhere here. All of it is raw material for the intrepid, creative and clever DIY gardener/designer.

Whether you’re interested in restoration, or enjoying them as-is, TNJ’s got some really nice vintage kiddie cars. In search of something bigger? How about a full-size vintage taxi. Vickie, Tom, you out there?

Of course, no antiques emporium worth its title is not without its oddities. We both loved the giant fly welded to a car door/surfboard; I loved Our Lady’s matching glitter bowling ball.

This is the view of the original outdoor area from the main building’s inner hallway … it now extends well beyond all sides of the TNJ compound of buildings. It’s safe to say I only shot a fraction of what they’ve got available right now. I can’t wait to return; here’s hoping that some of my fave items are still available then!

TREASURES N JUNK: 215 S San Antonio Ave, Ontario, CA 91762
(909) 983-3300

Click here for their blog.