Upcycled crates - Perennial Planters
For a few years I've had a number of Peras Argentinas crates sitting around so I finally decided to implement Operation Sassy Cottage Planter. I chose to use perennial plants because 1.) it means I don't have to buy anything, 2.) they provide an accent that stands out while remaining cohesive with the landscape, and 3.) I don't have to buy anything.
Let's get planting!
Let's get planting!
With my trusty trowel in hand I crept around digging up bits of plant until I had enough to fill both crates. The variety I've chosen will flower in succession throughout the season, and as one plant begins to fade I can stick it back in the garden and rip up something else for the planter. The vinca will probably be the first out (once its flowers have finished) and my astilbe hasn't opened yet. Though the iris won't flower this year I love their blue-green leaves just as they are. Wild marjoram will have an umbel of dark purple buds which open to reveal a pale pink. The main focus of Aegopodium are its green and white leaves, but larger plants will also grow flowers resembling Queen Anne's Lace. I am most looking forward to the growth of Lysimachia nummularia (creeping jenny); this little creeper will soon be shooting out long strands of bright green foliage which is later covered in yellow flowers.
I used the same plants in each box but mixed up their locations to prevent the crates from looking too matchy-matchy. As much as I cringe hearing the rhyme "Use a Thriller, a Filler and a Spiller!" it is still good advice. This means, regardless of the varieties of plants you may have available to you, use the tallest flowers in the middle and back, medium around the edges and some kind of trailing variety to hang over the front. Knowing these planters would be going out in full, blazing sun I didn't poke any drainage holes in the bottom of the plastic because I don't want to compel the homeowner to run out and water every twenty minutes. I'm confident the combination of moist, woodsy soil and hardy perennials will have everything looking fresh even if it dries out a bit.