The History of Bottle Trees

What is a bottle tree?

The bottle tree's origins can be traced back to Africa.  It was believed that bottles suspended in the trees would attract evil spirits when the sun glimmered through the bottles.  The evil spirits would then be trapped in the bottles.

We don't believe bottles could in any way "trap" evil spirits.  However, the bottle tree has evolved to become a very unique Southern gardening tradition. 

Everyone wants their yard or garden to be unique in some way.  Landscaping has become so predictable, that without spending an enormous amount of time and money in your yard or garden, it is becoming difficult to be different.  UNLESS YOU GET CREATIVE!  Bottle trees give you the chance to be creative!  They allow you to put your own twist on your yard or garden.  The bottle tree can be placed almost anywhere and it can be moved at your whim.  Some of our bottle trees can even be shaped by you, so you really own your design.

Best of all, bottle trees don't die!  They never need water or fertilizer.  Your bottle tree will always be in full bloom, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year!

We have a beautiful selection of wine bottles you can choose from, or you can use your own.  All of our bottle trees are constructed from smooth, hot rolled round rods.  They are shipped unpainted. Most people feel like the rusted look is a more organic appearance.  However, you can certainly paint yours any color that makes you happy!

Why do we build them?

My father and I own a steel fabricating business.  The main part of our business has historically been big equipment.  About two years ago, my wife asked me to build her a bottle tree.  Like many husbands, I said okay, but I couldn't seem to get around to it.  I finally decided one day to fulfill my obligation.  I began to design it in my mind while driving down the road.  But, I started thinking, "What if someone wanted a bottle tree and their husband didn't have a welding shop?"  "How could I make bottle trees available to anyone that wanted one?"  The obvious problem was shipping.  With a little thought and a little work with the welder I came up with four designs that could be shipped and still allow the gardener to put their own flare to them.  And here we are!

Remember, our bottle trees are not made in Mexico like many decorative iron products are these days.  They are made right in our own shop in small-town Sunflower, MS.  We are in the heart of the South, the Mississippi Delta.

It is my hope that this website will give anyone, anywhere, the opportunity to personalize their yard or garden with this intriguing Southern tradition. 

Bill Lipsey