Thursday, August 1, 2013

My Black Thumb Is Turning Green

The other day on my way to my mom's house I saw a garage sale. Just as we were about to pass it, I spotted a wheelbarrow, so I made Mr Wonderful turn in. The wheelbarrow was rusty, had cement inside the tub, weathered wood handles, and a bum wheel, but it was perfect for what I needed and only five dollars!
I've been looking for a wheelbarrow for a while now. I didn't want it new and I didn't want to spend much on it because my plan was to turn it into a planter. Those of you who know me are probably like "Pam? Plants?" Those are 2 words that don't really belong together. I'm not very good with plants. Once I killed this bamboo plant one of my students gave to me. It was bamboo; you'd think that would be simple to care for. Not for me. It was all brown in a matter of months.

I recruited my sister to help me pick out my plants. She is amazing with plants. We tease that she is an old lady because she loves her plants so much. We headed to Lowes (I chose them instead of a nursery because they will replace my plants if I kill them) to find some hardy, drought-tolerant Florida plants. Hardy=hard to kill and drought- tolerant=if I forget to water them, they will be okay for a while. We ended up with 2 crotons, 6 begonias and a green and white leafy plant that I don't know the name of for a total of $20...I also got a few succulents. (I'm obsessed with them)
Before I put the plants in, I drilled holes in the bottom of the tub for drainage. I used a 3/4in bit meant to be used on concrete. It cut through the fiberglass tub beautifully.
I then arranged my plants how my sister advised. She gave me some of her potato vine to transplant. She says it grows fast and is easy to care for. The goal is for it to hang over the sides.  Its that limp purple thing in the front. Not so sure the transplant was successful.
I'm very pleased with how it turned out. Now all I have to do is keep them alive. (fingers crossed) I worry that there isn't enough drainage. We'll see how they do. I am sure to get a few calls from my sister reminding me to water my plants.

Are you good with plants? Do you have any tips or tricks?

9 comments:

  1. I love it! I just finished a colander planter, and I hope to not kill it . . . .

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  2. Good luck with your plants! Thanks for commenting :)

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  3. Really Cute! I have been looking for an old metal one! Found this on the pin hop!

    Shelly
    http://minettesmaze.blogspot.com/

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    1. Keep looking. You'll find one. Since I found mine, I've seen 2 or 3 others. Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

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  4. This is such a clever idea! Try putting a layer of stones/rocks on the bottom and then your dirt. It creates a place for your water to go without sitting in the dirt and the roots of your plants! :) I would love to have you share this at my link party going on!! http://www.madetobeamomma.com/2013/08/homemade-by-you-64.html

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    1. Katie, thanks for the tip and inviting me to your party. I'm all linked up!

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