No Planter? No Problem
It happens. We’re browsing at the hardware store or even the grocery store and find just the right seasonal flowers that we Cannot. Live. Without. But oh, to have to buy yet another ceramic planter or just leave it in its ugly nursery pot?
Fortunately, there are many, many great options for providing those new bloomers an attractive container that can hold the right amount of soil and water. While some are easily bought, whether at a big box store or your neighbor’s garage sale, many others can be produced from stuff you already have.
But first, a couple universal tips for making planters:
- Adequate volume. Be sure to at least match the size of the container your plant was purchased in. And understand, especially if it’s not just an annual or seasonal plant, that it might get bigger over time and need more space for root growth.
- The container should at least have some holes at the bottom to let excess water pass through. If this is impossible, try a layer of gravel to create voids for holding that water.
- How will your container be set up? If it’s going to sit on a surface, it should have a sturdy construction and a flat bottom that will prevent tipping over in the wind. If it’s to be hung up, be sure the attachments and method for doing so is secure. Take into account the weight of the planter after it’s filled with soil, water, and, of course, the plant.
- Weathering. Be sure the object’s material can stand up to temperature extremes and will resist rusting, especially if it will be used outside.
What is a landscape maintenance program?
The natural environment is ever changing, always growing and regularly impacted by weather and climactic conditions. Regular maintenance under the eyes and care of a professional will keep your landscape looking trim and neat no matter what …
Now, the fun part is using your creativity to find items that make unique and interesting planters! Here are some examples, to start:
- Length of gutter. If you buy new, you can usually find accessories for hanging it off a railing or a window sill and capping the ends. These typically have an opening at the bottom on one end that is ideal for drainage, too. Gutters are great for small plantings.
- An old crate. Line the inside with a piece of landscape fabric to contain the soil. These can accommodate different types of plants, depending on the size.
- A barrel. This probably comes as no surprise, but barrels lend a neat old-timey aesthetic for the historically-inspired landscape. Upright or on their side- “spilling” into the garden bed—these planters go great with brightly colored flowers.
- Rain boots. Once the tread is worn, why not repurpose some old boots into little planters for herbs and smaller annuals? Fun, colored boots are great, but if your boots are sort of boring, liven them up with paint or choose plants with vibrant colors.
- An old set of Michelins can hit the pavement once again if they’re reused as a planter. Try painting all four different colors for an especially vibrant display.
- Easily salvaged from the kitchen, aluminum cans are a nearly no-cost solution for adding some greenery to your living spaces, both indoors and out. Screw them to a fence or wooden panel in groupings for a whimsical look.
- Ceramic bowl. Put your great yard sale find front and center by planting that colorful bowl with small succulents or even making a fairy garden. Or turn it into a bird bath! Cracked or chipped bowls are perfect for that “shabby chic” style.
The list goes on. Look around your home or check out antique sales and let your imagination run wild.
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