What to do with an unwanted and unsightly conifer tree stump

I thought somebody might want ideas on how to deal with tree trunks and stumps in the garden.  So I have described below how I dealt with the problem and hope it will provide inspiration for others.

At the back of the rose border on the north side of the garden, there had been for many years a massive conifer.  Its only redeeming feature was - well it didn't have one - so one day my husband started up the chainsaw and down it came.  Ah yes, it did have a redeeming feature - firewood for our open fires in the winter.

Then what to do with the trunk which was sticking out of the ground? I had an idea - a pedestal for a focal point.  My husband left the remaining trunk standing but cut it down till it was a three foot high stump sticking out of the ground.



Have you ever noticed how column-like tree trunks are?


I made a trip to my local TK Maxx which has a HomeSense section and found an armillary for £39.99.  I gave it makeover using one can of silver spray paint which brightened it up. 

My husband then fixed it to the top of the conifer stump using screws and hey presto as the pictures below illustrate, an attractive solution to an unsightly tree stump - plus a focal point without spending too much money.