We horticulturists and floral designers are some of the craziest, creative people on our green planet. During the winter months when I miss getting my hands into the soil, I trade in my clippers for paint brushes and create colorful plant markers and containers.
While we are still planning our 2014 flower and vegetable gardens, let’s continue our organization with lists, you know how I love lists, of the plants, fruits and vegetables we can’t wait to tend to and harvest. Armed with our “catalogue” we are ready to paint stick plant markers. These markers will not only let us mentally organize our garden spaces, but also be decorative additions to them.
Begin with a simple trip to your cabinet or local hardware for paint sticks (or stirrers that you get free with paint purchases), paint, paint pens and polyurethane (if you like the shiny effect). Paint the sticks one coat at a time after each drying period. Finish with a glossy look - or leave as is for a future “worn” effect. Use the paint pens to not only label, but have fun adding descriptions and notes (Lemon Basil direct sunlight – grilled fish & gin and tonics)
And don’t forget your clay and fiber stone pots can be painted too (I recommend spray paint for pots). Pots will take on a wonderful look for your patio, kitchen or even hang a few on your fence. Of course you can fill your colorful containers with plants, but also consider using them as decorative “bins” for just about anything – grilling utensils, sun block, lotions. The process is fun and easy:
-Lay newspaper or wax paper down on an even surface
-Place the pot upside down on the paper
-Spray the pot approx. 12’’ away in swift spraying motion
-Let dry, turn over and repeat painting the inside of the container
Create the look you desire with many coats, one coat, glossy look or “antique” finish. Consider making a few extra to give to a fellow “plant person” as a thoughtful gift.
Last but not least, my favorite project came to me from my grandpa who used to “borrow” items from grandma’s kitchen and create beautiful “solutions.” One frustration that needed a “solution” was how best to use the umbrella table on grandpa’s patio. Placing pots on the table just didn’t work, so into the kitchen my grandpa went coming out with grandma’s Bundt pan. And Voila! After painting the pan, drilling some drainage holes in the bottom it became the perfect centerpiece of the umbrella table. It looked great each summer whether filled with strawberry plants, herbs, or flowers. Like I said, crazy creative!!
- Barbara