Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Colorful Containers

Our driveway is a big expanse of blacktop (especially since it's been resealed) and there isn't any focal point. I decided we needed a colorful container or planter to jazz up the area. I like planters which don't have to be watered constantly so perhaps I'll get a half wine barrel. I can paint it with the same paint as the lower level of the house. Whenever I put together a planter I always get three types of plants, a focal point for some height, a filler, and a trailer. I think the three planters above definitely fit the bill on height, fillers and trailers.

I also try include plants which have interest even if they aren't blooming. Something tall like a grass or a foliage plant is good for the focal point. At our home in Florida I made a planter with dusty miller and lantana. In winter the dusty miller looked nice and the rest of the year the lantana bloomed. I particularly like the example above; it's all foliage plants, nothing is blooming yet it's very striking.

These three concrete containers are particularly appealing. It looks like a type of verbascum is used as the focal for height. I never would have thought to use that plant. What a good idea.

Too bad I don't still have my old bicycle from my lavender gardens now that was colorful planter. Ha. I don't think a lavender bicycle goes here in the mountains but a wood wagon would be a good fit.

Maybe I'll find an old chair at the trash to treasures sale this week. Might be too rustic a look for our yard though.

Now this is something I've never seen a sewing cabinet as a planter. Ha.

Here's a half barrel with legs for some height. Another good idea. So many ideas so little time. Anyway that's what I've been thinking about. As soon as I get mine planted I'll show you what it looks like. Some of the photos don't have a source to attribute them to; all were found on Pinterest except my bicycle. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.

14 comments:

  1. I really love the bike idea - without the lavender paint that is lol.

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  2. Thanks for sharing these ideas...my container grown tomatoes are just about done, and I need to replace them now...will be looking at the tail gate this weekend for something to do like you've suggested, unless I do more vegies.

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  3. Hi Keith, thanks, it was lavender because I had a lavender garden but any color would do.

    Hi Barb, you could mix some veges and some nasturtiums or marigolds, might as well take advantage of the warm weather growing season. I might put in a vege myself thanks for the idea. Ha.

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  4. What great planter ideas! Now I'm looking at some stuff that was headed for the dumpster! Thanks!

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  5. Hi Suzi, thanks, it's amazing what kind of trash can be turned into a treasure isn't it. Ha. A little paint and voile.

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  6. Hi Suzi, thanks, it's amazing what kind of trash can be turned into a treasure isn't it. Ha. A little paint and voile.

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  7. They are all lovely. I esp. like the color blue on the pots in the first photo, and the concrete planters. The little yellow sewing machine cabinet is cute too. I am really fond of just foliage plants too. Love dusty miller, and the lime green of the sweet potato vine, mixed with anything purple.

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  8. Beautiful plants and containers!

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  9. Such lovely container plantings. It is a good way to play with texture and colors. And re-purpose old items which I love seeing ;)

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  10. I like planters, and your ideas are great.

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  11. I love planters and need to do more with them. Thanks for some inspiration.

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  12. You should make a pottery planter. Why not? Native plants will need less watering but in a pot they still may need some, especially at first.

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  13. Hi Barbara, thanks, that lime green is a winner you're right about the purple and lime green together so appealing.

    Hi Gigi, thanks, they bring the flowers almost up to eye level which I like.

    Hi Charlene, thanks, and the same ideas can be carried over to clay as well, texture and colors.

    Hi Joanne, thanks, perusing pinterest one can find all sorts of ideas.

    Hi Elephant's child, thanks, I even inspired myself. ha.

    Hi Lori, thanks, not sure I could make a planter as large as I want to use.

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I love suggestions, questions, critiques, thanks for your comment