I have a container garden with plain pots but I want to use recycled pots instead.
I plan on using:
-wire wastebaskets lined with moss
-paint cans
-metal coffee cans
-wicker baskets lined with moss
-an antique toolbox (looks like this http://woodworking.about.com/od/woodworkingplansdesigns/ig/Free-Woodworking-Plans-Gallery/Wooden-Toolbox.htm )
-watering can
How do I have all these unique containers but not make it seem like a have a bunch of random junk around my yard?
6. September 2010 at 12:36 am
Well a paint can will look like junk until the plant inside is big, then the focus will be on the plant. Maybe a quick fix would be to put the container with other established and larger plants.
6. September 2010 at 12:36 am
Paint them beautiful colors that will match /or complement the color of the flowers planted in them
This will make it obvious that you INTENDED to use the particular container–and did not just stick the plant in the first available thing you came across !!! Bright red geraniums would look great in a school-bus yellow container, for instance.
Be sure to punch holes ( with a big nail and a hammer) in the bottom of the paint cans, coffee cans, etc.. that have no opening on the bottom. ALSO, be sure to line the wooden toolbox with a piece of heavy plastic ( or paint the inside with 2 coats of oil-based paint) BEFORE you
drill holes in the bottom of this wooden receptacle –otherwise it will rot from you watering the plants.The holes should be about 1/2 inch in diameter, and spaced about 2 inches apart.Be sure the paint is COMPLETELY dry before you plant anything in this wooden box.
6. September 2010 at 12:36 am
Half the beauty of what your doing is it will look like a bunch of stuff laying around. You need to love it for what it is ( and makes holes for drainage).
One thought would be to mount the tool box under a window. Another thought is to make a lattice wall and suspend the cans on the wall. I would even go as far as to paint the cans then cover the paint with polyurethane ( on the outside ) so it will weather better. The only issue with the cans is they will rust and release the rust into your plants. The galvanized watering can will look great anywhere ( and will not rust).
Another suggestion is to hit the thrift stores and grab old enamel cook wear the kind with the funky flowers on it. This looks great in a garden. http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.114983672.jpg http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/sf/7109enamelbowls1.jpg Use an epoxy paint on any chips. And again remember drainage. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WbKaHAKo2yw/RolszrQrmwI/AAAAAAAAACU/X16zXF-cgcs/s400/petunias.jpg
With a little imagination you can make a fantastic shabby chic garden. Get an old door from the trash or the salvagers and place it on some cinder blocks for a plant table. http://remodelista.com/img/sub/uimg/Julies%20Images/concrete-block-table-breuer.jpg If the door is solid core you can cut it in half and use as shelves on tiered cinderblocks.
6. September 2010 at 12:36 am
If you can give them all a unifying theme, such as colors or decorations, that would help. Give the metal a coating of spray primer and then use a selection of colors that will match the color scheme of your house or garden. Hand-paint designs over the base color, or add trim. The wicker, by the way, won’t last long unless you protect it with polyurethane or some other waterproofing agent after you paint or stain it..