For a few bucks, I snagged a vintage picnic basket at a resale shop; the lid was falling off, so I took it off completely and turned it into a planter…
A vintage picnic basket is lined with a plastic garbage bag and given a few drainage holes to work as a planter now.
We'll keep this out on our deck for the summer.
I'm never light on plants; I like to pack my planters full of annuals - I really cram them in. I feed my potted plants with Miracle Grow and let them explode over the sides of their containers; this one will be bursting in about 3 weeks or so.
To get my basket ready to accept plants, I stapled a heavy-duty garbage bag to the inside rim and pierced the bottom of the basket and liner with drainage holes.
Large planters can be quite pricey at garden centers. This is an inexpensive option.
heidi defaut
April 29, 2012 at 11:11 pm
I have 5 or 6 picnic baskets that i’ve re-purposed. love this idea!! very cute
camilla
April 29, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Thanks Heidi! Hope you’re enjoying the book! Take Care, Camilla
Emily
May 1, 2012 at 4:37 am
I love love love this! I’ve been thinking a lot about container gardens recently, and all the things that can be re-purposed as planters – from old kitchenware to discarded grills and car parts! The only thing I’m stuck on is a cheap alternative to buying bags and bags of potting soil to FILL the containers. (Other than digging a massive hole in my yard, that is!) Any suggestions?
camilla
June 8, 2012 at 2:23 am
Hi Emily! Thanks for stopping by. I know what you’re talking about – it can get expensive. I have a solution- don’t fill the entire container with soil. The plants you’ll fill your vessels with are most likely annuals and won’t live for more than the summer. Nutrients are needed on a short-term basis, so you can use gravel, packing peanuts, garden soil (or any cheaper soil) to fill the bottom 1/3 of your container. Use the good stuff for the top 2/3. Hope this helps! Let me know, Camilla