34
COUNTRY GARDENS // FA LL 2019
Wire
Cylinder
Pedestal
MATERIALS
- Sturdy wire cylinder
(ours was 22 inches
tall and 10 inches in
diameter) - Assorted 6- to 8-inch
smooth river rocks - Heavy planter or wide
basin to fi t on cylinder
HOW-TO
Select a level spot to
display the pedestal;
stand the cylinder on
one end. Fill the cylinder
with river rocks. Top with
a heavy, shallow planter
that won’t topple in
strong winds. We planted
ours with an assortment
of ornamental peppers.
Chicken
Feeder
Planter
MATERIALS
- Galvanized metal
chicken feeder - Potting soil
- Assorted succulents
- Dried moss
HOW-TO
Fill the feeder trough
with potting soil. Plant a
mix of succulents, fi tting
them securely under the
feeder wires. Tuck dried
moss over any exposed
soil. Set the feeder on
one end and lean against
a wall or fence, securing
with wire if necessary.
NOTE: If displaying the
planter horizontally, drill
several drainage holes in
it before planting.
evolved into clever solar path lights. A rusted
wire cylinder fi lled with stones became a base
for a planter of perky ornamental peppers. And
we added character to a plain terra-cotta pot
with a wrap of vintage wire fencing. For a trendy
succulent art piece, we fi lled a salvaged chicken
feeder with various stonecrops such as trailing
Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ and, of course, hens-
and-chicks (Semper vivum). The resulting planter
leans securely against the shed, proudly guarded
by a vintage concrete rooster.
What a perfect way to savor the end of the
season and transition deliciously into autumn.