|
|
Post by piggingardener on Sept 3, 2007 10:04:22 GMT
I was just wondering what unusual planters people have in their gardens. We have an unsightly raised manhole cover in our front garden and I tried various things to disguise it whilst still maintaining access. In the finish, we had an old builders wheelbarrow which had outlived it's usefullness. I painted it with black hammerite, drilled holes in the bottom, filled it with a mix of compost, perlite and grit, and planted it up with rock plants. It is easy to move when necessary, and covers the manhole well.    We also use an old cast iron barrel barbecue as a planter, this photo was taken in January.  |
|
|
|
Post by Susie Snowdrop on Sept 3, 2007 10:25:21 GMT
How fantastic is that barrow ;D
What a brilliant idea!
S x
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Sept 3, 2007 22:15:02 GMT
That looks fantastic PG now why didn't I think of that, OH a builder he must have a barrow somewhere I could scrounge ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Plocket on Sept 4, 2007 9:25:05 GMT
Oh that is lovely Piggin. We've got a manhole cover in our garden too but it's in the middle of the path so I can't cover it up  I love the old stove thingy too - I've got one of those that I keep meaning to use in the winter as a heater but haven't ever done so. I might have to plant it up!  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2007 20:42:09 GMT
I've got an old cauldron I found on my wanders about the local park a couple of years ago. I tend to grow chillis and herbs in it because I'm literal like that!
I like the idea of a moveable container Piggin' - we've got a manhole cover too but it's in a pretty shady spot so I'm not sure what would grow there (apart form busy lizzies and I'm not a great fan of them!).
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2007 16:55:17 GMT
i would dearly love to have some unusual planters but so far i have nothing. i have thought about planting up a pair of kids wellies but i think i should pass them on to someone else rather than filling them with dirt!!!! any other ideas i can borrow from people would be great. |
|
|
|
Post by Dr Bill on Sept 23, 2007 20:44:53 GMT
I like the idea of a moveable container Piggin' - we've got a manhole cover too but it's in a pretty shady spot so I'm not sure what would grow there (apart form busy lizzies and I'm not a great fan of them!). Ooh there's lots. We had a Phormium growing in a pot outside our front door for ages - did really well in constant shade (North facing) and with very little care. It had to be moved for the building work last year and was thrown on one side, still in its pot, and forgotten about. I replanted it a few weeks ago at the foot of a hedge, where it is still in shade. So far seems to be doing well. If you don't want evergreen, what about Hostas? Make a superb display in a large container. Put some copper tape round it to keep the slugs and snails away. Or how about ferns? There is such a variety. |
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Nov 20, 2007 22:44:09 GMT
Still haven't got OH to give me one of his old wheelbarrows as a planter The only two planters I have that are different from the normal pots are an old galvanised bath and an old galvanised coal bucket. |
|
|
|
Post by dirtyboots on Jan 11, 2008 16:47:40 GMT
It looks really good piggin. I have an old wheelbarrow that's passed it's best so I'll be pinching your idea. When it eventually stops raining I have sooooo many plants in pots the OG complains when I'm away in the summer and he has to do the watering ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Ladygardener on Jan 11, 2008 19:14:43 GMT
what a good idea pg. I've got the basket that my daughters flower girl carried at her wedding planted up too.   |
|
|
|
Post by Shrubrose on Jan 11, 2008 19:14:47 GMT
We dug up an old cast iron corner 'hopper' - collects water from the gutters and acts as funnel to the drain pipe. I'm going to clean it up and use it as a hanging basket.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chuckles on Oct 23, 2008 18:14:02 GMT
Found two wicker type log baskets hidden in the back of the shed today, although they are quite deep I thought they would be good for putting an ugly plastic drum in next year, I can just see them planted up with sweet peas growing up a wigwam cane affair ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Ruthie on Oct 23, 2008 18:37:16 GMT
I guess this is an unusual container. I planted some House Leeks (sempervivums) on this tile, oh, 20 years ago I should think. Used a little JI no2 compost and watered them, with difficulty, when I thought they needed it. Haven't watered them for years now and the only real problem is the D*mn Bl**dy blackbirds who occasionally take it upon themselves to "hoike" some of the houseleeks out! Hence the gap on the LH side.  |
|
I love the old stove thingy too - I've got one of those that I keep meaning to use in the winter as a heater but haven't ever done so. I might have to plant it up! 
