Here’s a glimpse at some of the planters I made using regular plastics for the outside mold.  For the inside mold, I used the plastic container that housed my plant from the nursery.

A fern planter for my master bath:

For my outdoor patio table:

A striped version for a guest room windowsill:

How to Make Cement Planters:

Supplies :

1. Plastics in various sizes for outside mold.  They can be storage containers, deli containers, or juice jugs
2. Plastic container from your plant for the inside mold
3. Non-stick cooking spray
4. Plastic straws
5. Plastic sheeting
6. Rapid set cement mix from home improvement store (I recommend the 55 lb. bag over the 10 lb. box if you want to do more than just a few small tea light candleholders.)
7. Plastic bucket for mixing
8. Stir stick (pick up a free one in the paint department)
9. Measuring cup
10. Sanding pad
11. Latex gloves
12. Outdoor ‘Patio Paint’ in colors of choice

Step One: Clean and dry your plastic molds.  Spray the inside of your plastic mold with a thin coat of cooking spray.  The cooking spray isn’t absolutely essential, but it does help ease your plastic away from the cement when you pop it out of the molds.

To allow for drainage, use a knife to make small holes in the bottom of your outside mold and slide your straws up through the outside mold and through the drainage holes in your inside mold.

Like this:

Step Two:  Lay down plastic sheeting on your workspace, and put on your latex gloves – cement is irritating and very drying to your hands.

Step Three: Mix your cement with 4 parts cement powder and 1 part water as directed on the bag.  It should be similar to the consistency of cake mix.

Step Four:  Working quickly, pour your cement into your plastic mold, and set the inside mold on top, over your straws.  Use some pebbles or small rocks to weigh your inside plastic mold down, because it tends to want to rise up out of the cement. The easiest way to get into small crevices between your molds is by stealing a baker’s trick and clipping the corner off of your own ‘pastry bag’ filled with the cement mixture.

Note:  A small amount of your cement will creep up through the other drainage holes.  You could use plastic wrap to cover the holes.  I just scooped it out with my gloved hands and put it back into the outside mold.  If you leave it in the bottom of the inside of your planter, it will solidify and make the removal of your inside mold very difficult.  Be sure to twist your straws every five minutes.

Make sure your plastic mold is on a level surface.  Gently tap your planter mold about a dozen times to bring any bubbles to the surface.  At this point, you can also add pebbles, marbles, shells or other decorative items to the top of your planter mold like I did with this candleholder from my last post.

Step Five:  If your rapid set mix will solidify in 15 minutes, then let your mold sit for approximately 10 minutes, and gently pull your inside mold out.  After the full 15 minutes, when you can feel the outside cement is very warm inside its plastic mold, and when it starts to form some condensation, remove the straws and pop it out of the mold.  Do this just before it is permanently set.  It’s about a 2 minute window, so stay by your project. Note:  Your plastic storage containers are reusable after this project – be sure to rinse any cement residue out of your mold right away.  But don’t rinse it down your indoor plumbing, only outdoors.

Step Six:  Take your sanding pad and gently rub away any rough edges on the surface and sides.

Step Seven:  Let your finished planters cure for 12 to 24 hours.  For a painted surface, add your choice of outdoor Patio Paint available at most craft stores.

And that’s how to make a planter out of a lemonade jug or other plastic container!

I hope you’ll look twice at the next plastic container in your kitchen.  It could become something lovely, with your own creative and personal touch!

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David happens to have a very green thumb, and yesterday I had the pleasure of touring his culinary garden, and also watching him and his assistant build a redwood planter box.  

Here is David and Robyn’s culinary garden, filled with sage, onion, mint, chives, garlic, oregano, chard, and potatoes.  And these are just his some of his herbs.  I took pictures of his budding massive vegetable garden, and will show those in full bloom in a few months.  In addition to his garden skills, David is an avid cook, so he has plans to include basil and cilantro into his culinary garden very soon:

How to build a simple raised planter box out of redwood:

Step One:  Prep soil with amendment and with a rototiller or good rake.

Step Two:  You can cut your lumber yourself, but it is easier to have the wood supplier cut your redwood to your specifications.  In David’s case, he went with a 12 foot length.  He reminded me that you cannot use pressure treated lumber, since those chemicals would leach into your prized vegetables. 

Step Three:  Screw your 4 x 4 posts to your side lengths with 3” deck screws. 

Step Four:  Attach your long lengths of redwood to your finished ends.

Step Five:  (optional)  Attach gopher netting to base of your planter if you have problems with this type of rodent. 

Step Six:  Stake your raised planter to the ground, and fill with good potting soil. 

I forgot to take a picture of the completed version, but you can see part of it in this photo, where David has just started his strawberry patch:

I was also impressed with David’s waist high raised planters that he built for his 80 year old mother, so she doesn’t have to bend down.  Check these out:

He built a platform to support this mega raised bed, and held it all together with galvanized bolts.  I crawled underneath just to marvel at his creation:

Then he created a detachable hot house with PVC pipe, some fittings, clamps, and plastic.  Brilliant !

And he starts all of his plants from seed, and nurtures them right here on this potting bench:

I am so glad to have friends like Robyn and David, not only because they teach me so much, but because I hope to enjoy some of their garden bounty all summer and fall.

This is one of the easiest and most rewarding DIY projects I’ve ever done.  Well except for that one little mishap I had in the middle, but more on that later.  This planter makes a gorgeous statement, on a wedding table, surrounding your orchids, or adding glamour to your outdoor table. 

How to Make a Jeweled Planter:

Supplies:

1. Inexpensive terra cotta planter(s)
2. Outdoor spray paint
3. Glass marbles (with flat side) from craft store
4. Silicone rubber sealant or epoxy glue from hardware store

Step One:  Spray paint your terra cotta planters with some outdoor spray paint and allow to dry.  I use a beautiful shade of cream by Rustoleum called ‘Heirloom White’.

Step Two: Attach your glass marbles with silicone rubber sealant.  This product is waterproof and will withstand outdoor abuse.   

Note:  If you want to plant flowers inside your planter, you cannot use hot glue to adhere your glass marbles.  I tried this, and half of the marbles fell off due to moisture.  Ooooops.  Lesson learned.  Don’t let this happen to you !

Now if you’re not going to plant your blooms directly into the pot, and you are simply using the pot as a decorative cachepot, then you can use hot glue, and the glass marbles will stick very well.  But just remember to water your plant away from your jeweled planter, and don’t get it wet !

But since I planned on watering mine often, and I didn’t want to worry about my ‘jewelry’ falling off, I ran down to the local hardware store and purchased some silicone rubber sealant.  Epoxy glue would also work just as well.  This takes about 24 hours to cure, but after that, your ‘jewels’ will stay on regardless of moisture. 

This DIY project makes your planters look like they’re wearing jewelry:

And I love mine sitting outside on my patio table. 

Notice how you can leave the basin plain, or add additional beading to the bottom dish:

Idea Gallery:

Wedding:  Purchase glass marbles in your wedding’s color theme and make centerpieces for your shower, rehearsal dinner, or the reception itself.  Complete with topiaries for drama. 

Master Bedroom:  Add a ‘string of pearls’ to a planter to compliment your master decor.  Stunning with orchids !

Bath, Kitchen or Laundry:  Choose clear glass marbles to enhance your greenery and make your pattern look like glass mosaic tile. 

Beach:  Attach shells and/or spa glass for your own ocean themed planter.  Add some twine for additional texture. 

The possibilities are endless !

I’m off to the lake with friends this weekend, but I will be back on Tuesday. 

So do you want to come over for some lemonade and make some jeweled planters ? 

I had a bare patch of fence in my rear yard that was in need of attention.  I really didn’t feel like painting it again, which is what it needed, so I thought I’d distract everyone with some whimsical decor.  And this was such an easy and inexpensive way to do it. 

Here is the fence Before and After:

Up close:  

How To Make a Paint Can Planter:

Supplies:

1. Paint cans, recycled or new.  Plain metal paint cans are available at most home improvement stores.
2. Outdoor spray paint
3. Painter’s tape and/or stickers for lettering
4. Hammer and nail
5. Hooks for fence (if you will be hanging your planters)

Step One:  If your cans are recycled, clean off the labels and scrape off any drips from the sides.  Spray paint your cans with your first color of spray paint.  Allow to dry thoroughly, usually at least 2 to 3 hours.   

Spray paint your hooks and screws to complement.

Step Two:  Apply painter’s tape in your design of choice.  In my case, I wanted striped cans so I used the painter’s tape to allow for green stripes underneath.  Apply your second color of spray paint and allow to dry thoroughly.  When dry, gently remove your painter’s tape. 

Step Three (optional):  Add your word of choice with simple stickers.  In my case, I spelled out the word “BLOOM” for my third paint can.   I also applied more painter’s tape to my striped cans so I would end up with a third white stripe, and then spray painted them with a third shade of white.  When dry, gently remove your painter’s tape and/or stickers. 

Step Four:  Use your hammer and a nail to puncture drainage holes in the bottom of your paint can.  Use a towel underneath your can so you don’t cause any damage to your paint. 

Step Five:  If hanging your planters, then screw your hooks into your fence.   Painting your hooks ties the whole look together. 

Step Six:  Add gravel to the bottom of your planter, then some potting soil and your favorite blooms. In my case, I chose Iceland poppies for their color, and I know they will tolerate heat and full sun. 

Using outdoor spray paint will allow your cans to withstand the seasons, and the sun’s rays.  Can you believe such an industrial object could turn out so lovely? 

These painted cans will brighten any fence, deck or balcony.  They would also make an extra special housewarming gift – imagine them with a monogram, or the homeowner’s new street address ! 

So, are you ready to transform your old paint cans?

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