A hollowed-out log is a statement piece. Drill holes in the bottom of the log for drainage. Treat with insecticide and line with small stones before filling with soil and planting. Tree stumps can also serve as planters or pedestals for planters.
Ceramic containers vary greatly in size, shape, quality and price. Glazed ceramics hold moisture better than unglazed.
Make sure to provide drainage holes if plants are placed directly inside watering cans.
Any shoe or boot can be used as a planter. If the opening is wide enough, place an inexpensive nursery pot inside the boot. Otherwise provide drainage holes.
Plastic and vinyl purses and handbags with holes poked in the bottom can be used as hanging baskets. Avoid leather or suede to reduce the possibility of mold.
Field and drainage tiles are inexpensive and come in a variety of shapes. They stand up to harsh winter weather and last for years. Use tiles in combination with other planters or as stand-alones.
Wooden or metal wheelbarrows make great planters and "garden art." So do bicycles with front baskets, small wagons, and caned chairs with planters replacing the caned seats.
Just like building in the city: If you can't grow out, grow up. Vertical planting is also effective on trellises, fences, pillars, and screens.
Spray paint terra cotta pots with paint designed specifically for ceramics. Pound rebar into the ground to the desired height. Slide pots at angles on the rebar and plant with flowers or herbs.
Green roofs make ecological sense, but require considerable planning and $$. For years Switzerland, Germany, and many other European countries have been enjoying the benefits of cleaner air, reduced storm-water run-off, reduced costs of heating and cooling, and habitats for beneficial insects, birds, bees, and butterflies. Chicago, New York, Seattle, Dearborn, and San Francisco are among the growing number of U.S. cities with expansive green roof development. Pictured is the green roof over Millenium Park Civic Center in Chicago, one of the largest at over 24 acres.
Window boxes add beauty to any home. Liners made of copper, PVC, galvanized metal, or heavy-duty plastic ensure years of durability.
Hypertufa containers add a rustic look to the garden. Recipes for hypertufa usually include a combination of peat moss, Portland cement, perlite or vermiculite, and reinforcing fibers. Sometimes sand is used for a smoother texture. Stones, shells, ceramic pieces, glass marbles, and other decorative pieces can be added to create one-of-a-kind containers. Hypertufa containers can be left outdoors during Ohio winters and will last for years.
People will look twice when they see a shirt with plants coming out of it! Plant the pockets and the collar and hang it all from a child sized clothes hanger (not included). Use a strong hanger as g-Bloom™ Shirts can get big and lush. Made of natural fibers, these Magnimoist planters also come in Christmas tree shapes, kissing balls, and 3 different cube sizes. Can be used indoors, too, with no dripping.
Fairy Gardens are like miniature landscapes. They can be created with any shallow container from kitty litter box to ceramic birdbaths. Succulents, small cacti, and plants with tiny leaves or blooms are perfect choices for these interesting works of art. Use dollhouse-size furniture, stones, birdhouses, and other items to personalize Fairy Gardens. Boys and girls love to assemble these gardens by using their own toys and "found" materials.
Straw bale gardening begins by tying string around a bale at 1/3 and 2/3 the height of the bale.
Carve out planting holes and fill with soil. Add stakes, fencing, or trellises to support climbing vegetables.
Straw bale gardening raises the level of the soil making it easier to reach wayward weeds or thin seedlings without too much bending or kneeling.
Neat as a pin, warm, moist soil, grassy paths between rows, and almost instant gratification! At the end of the growing season, toss straw into the compost heap.
Square foot gardening in a raised bed can be a family activity. Each square foot contains one type of vegetable, so there's no guessing and no wasted space.
A starter 4 x 4 foot garden plan shows approximately how many plants fit in each square foot.
Square foot gardening can be as small or as large as space allows. Consider interspersing a few flowers for color and attractive design.
Garden hoops and row covers protect plants from unexpected frosts and hungry pests while letting in rain. Warmer soil temperatures and a more controlled environment means larger and earlier yields.