Since we had a tumbled paver patio installed this past fall, we'd like to add some outdoor furniture and planters to beautify our new outdoor space. Originally, we had dreams of buying an outdoor sectional to create a great conversation area for hanging out with family and friends. However, after finding the prices on most outdoor sectionals to be crazy high and striking out in shopping for a cheaper sectional at IKEA, we decided to take a more budget-friendly approach and buy a small outdoor sofa that we can use with the four lounge chairs that we already have. I'm determined to find a good deal on an outdoor sofa at the Ballard Outlet so this part of our "beautify the new patio" plan is on hold while I continually stalk the outlet. In the meantime, I've been checking out planter options and have fallen in love with the idea of using galvanized metal tubs, buckets, and pails as planters:
 |
| Pottery Barn |
 |
| Pottery Barn |
 |
| Better Homes and Gardens |
 |
| Primitive Pond Homestead |
 |
| Pottery Barn |
 |
| Pottery Barn |
 |
| Jeanne d'Arc Living via French Larkspur |
 |
| Gustavian Vintage |
 |
| Pottery Barn |
 |
| Glimpse of Style |
 |
| Dave's Garden |
Linking up to Nesting Place's Planty Party!
Do you drill holes in the bottom of these containers??????
ReplyDeleteYes, I would definitely drill several holes in the bottom and put also put in a layer of gravel before adding your soil and plants.
DeleteOnce you drill holes in the bottom, use fingernail polish around the edges of the holes (inside & out) so the galvanized pots don't rust.
DeleteLove that tip - thanks!
DeleteThrift store, auctions and garage sales are great place to find these too! I have a couple buckets I want to use as hanging buckets.
ReplyDeleteMy mother raised plants in old teapots, dishpans, washpans, coffeepots, kettles, both enamel and aluminum, and old coal buckets, as well as galvanized water buckets and tubs. She also used the speckled blue enamel, the spongeware enamel, etc. Back then, there were pot menders, capable of fixing holes up to a certain size, then you had to buy new ones. The old ones with holes too big to mend became planters. The small ones lined up across the wooden bannisters, with larger ones on the porch or in the front yard. I have used old ones similar to her idea, but now, from having purchased some very cheaply at yard sales, I may drill holes in some that are still good enough to use, for use as planters. I hate messing up good ones, but I love the look of what you have done. I also hung dishpans and washpans on porch support posts, and on my barn and outbuildings--left them good to use, though. Thank you for all the great adaptions you have shared. A similar one is using the decorative tin cans as planters. Their designs are seasonal, and vibrant color touches. I also use them to store seeds in.
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous ideas - your mother sounds like a very creative gardener!
DeleteAnother thought occurred to me to share with you. The old Home Interior sconces and pockets, made of a plastic like material, are great to hang on walls or posts. I find them cheaply at yard sales, spray paint them into matching sets, and hang 2 or 3 up and down a post, and fill with tiny live flowers like impatiens and add stonecrop or creeping jenny to cascade down to the next one. I set small pots on the sconces, or tiny baskets that are lined, with a tiny potted plant in them. On the wall pockets, watch carefully , for some have plastic backs and others are a thick chipboard. You could transfer the same idea inside or on a porch wall, by using fake flowers and greenery. They are delicate and pretty, and unexpected touches.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the pictures, it sounds delightful and creative. Are the posts on a fence or did you set individual posts in the ground?
DeleteWill the grass come back year after year or do you have to replant ever spring?
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of different types of tall ornamental grasses that will come back every year!
DeleteNice, nice! Using galvanized metals is really smart, if you ask me. Well, you don't have to replace them as long as you want to have them. Basically, galvanized is made out of zinc oxide, which protects it from oxidation and corrosion.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas...
ReplyDeleteI am now your #33 follower!
Happy Holidays,
Gisela
I have always wanted to plant bamboo, but have heard horror stories of it taking over an entire yard, and crowding out other plants. This would be a nice way to grow it, without taking over.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that too about bamboo and agree that this would be a great way to grow it!
DeleteOur home has galium siding, l have been thinking of the sheep troughs for planters. So nice to see pictures of what I would like. The troughs I thought were pricy 100, at the farm place. Do you have any ideas for a better price?
ReplyDeleteThe lowest prices that I've seen on them are at tractor supply stores!
DeleteI would fill the bottom of these planters with empty soda cans or plastic water bottles. This allows for drainage and the use of less dirt/potting soil.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea - thanks!
DeleteWhat is this tall grass and where can you buy it?
ReplyDeleteIf you click on the link to Dave's Garden under the picture - it will give you the info you're looking for!
DeleteCan you paint the galvanized planters?
DeletePainting galvanized steel can be done but I've read that it's tricky and often doesn't work well so I'd do some research before going down that road!
DeleteGorgeous post! Just shared on FB. New follower!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christy!
DeleteIs is possible to make a fire pit with a galvanized bucket? I am about to do this but I don't know if it will melt or catch fire or what. Do you know?
ReplyDeleteA great question but I don't know the answer - sorry!
Delete