Three Easy Garden Projects You Can Tackle This Year

Ah, spring! A season of growth, of blossoming, of bright colors and sweet scents — and, for some of us, a reminder that we don't have the green thumbs we wish we did. Not to worry! Read on for three garden projects that anyone can tackle for no-fail growing goodness. They can be displayed on decks and patios or in planting beds. Even better? They all involve upcycling materials you probably already have on-hand!

Boot Flower Planters
Make these pretty planters by upcycling old rubber boots. (Don't have a pair? Check local thrift stores or item swaps). First, remove the inserts. Next, drill holes around the bottom edge of the sole and the heel to allow excess water to drain if you overwater your plants, making sure the holes go all the way through the rubber. If you want to paint your boots — and who doesn't? — scuff the finish with sandpaper so the paint will adhere. Depending on the color you want, you might need a first coat of spray paint primer. Then, spray paint or decorate any way you like! Once boots are dry, fill them with loose rocks to just above the ankle. To keep soil from getting packed in and filling in drainage created by the rocks, cut holes in a plastic grocery bag and insert it into the boot. Don't worry if the bag hangs over the edges; you'll take care of that in a minute. Now, pour in potting soil until it’s about an inch and a half from the top then carefully transfer the flower or plant into the boot. Fill the remaining depth with soil and finally trim off the plastic bag so that it can't be seen above the rim of the boot. Quick, cute, and colorful.

Trough Log Planter
Upcycle fallen tree logs for naturally gorgeous herb planters — we especially like them for basil, rosemary, and oregano. Please be sure you have safety goggles and other necessary protective gear before you get to work! The hardest step is the first one: hollowing out the log. Draw out the shape of the area you want to remove, leaving two to four inches of the log along every side. Use a Forstner drill bit to make holes and remove the bulk of the wood, then chip out the remaining wood with a hammer and chisel. Finish with another round of chipping with a chisel for smooth sides. Drill several drainage holes in the bottom of the log so that watering plants doesn't rot the wood. If you wish, add smaller logs crossways as feet for decoration or function. Then simply pour potting mix and plant the herbs or flowers of your choice for an organic and memorable look!

Wine Cork Planters
The best part of these sweet planters is that you get the upcycled corks from finishing a lovely bottle of your favorite vintage! Using a 1/4" drill bit, drill a pilot hole into the top of each cork before using a 1/2" bit to enlarge each hole, about 1" deep. Be careful not to drill too far! Fill the small hole with potting soil and then a tiny clipping of your favorite succulent, which are low-maintenance and will take a while to outgrow the little cork pots. Colorful choices include hen and chick succulents like aeonium, sempervivum, or creeping sedum in dragon's blood or golden moss varieties. Place clipping into the cork, fill with more soil, and add one or two pieces of aquarium gravel to finish. Place on a window sill or hang on your refrigerator by gluing a magnet to the side of the cork. Water every ten days or so — an eye dropper works best!

At Shea Homes®, we believe in beautifully functional houses intentionally built to help you bloom. Let us help you find your perfect home — contact us today at 866.696.7432!