Zinc Succulent Planters

It was my birthday last week and Brentan knew just what to get me. I woke up to these gorgeous zinc planters (from Crate and Barrel- who should sponsor the blog since I write about them so much!) in our living room, and I knew just what to do with them!

I went out to the garden center, the fabulous Reagan Nursery, and bought some succulents.
I was all set to make some cool graphics with the types of succulents labeled on the pictures, but unfortunately, Brentan threw out the plant labels. And my memory is not good enough to remember what everything is called!!

I had thought about what to put in front of the door to the house for such a long time, I’m so happy that it turned out well, and pretty much exactly as I had hoped.

These are definitely inspired by Sunset magazine. And the larger succulent culture of California, which has transferred by osmosis into my brain.

Do you know what these succulents are?

-Liz

Linked to:

New Plants

New Plants

I went to the local nursery a few days ago (I like to support local nurseries instead of places like Home Depot, when I can! The staff are so helpful and really care about your projects), and bought a few new plants. I was a little bummed with their selection, but I’m told that in a month or two, when spring “officially” arrives (though not in Northern CA–it’s already here!) they’ll have more stuff to choose from. However, that didn’t stop me from finding a few plants and veggies, and spending close to $150!

So this bed in front of the house still is mostly empty (remember my adventures in plant extraction?), and I’m going to wait a bit longer to fill it up completely.

Spinach

A few veggies filled up my filing cabinet planter. Did I ever tell you that I made this last spring? I found a few cheap metal filing cabinets at a garage sale, took out the drawers, and screwed them together, bottom to bottom. Then I added some casters and spray painted the whole thing a pretty light blue. A very easy, cheap, flexible mini garden! I overestimated its capacity, and had to put my spinach in pots. Though I think they’re cute in terra cotta!

Strawberries

I was delighted that the nursery carried bare root strawberry plants. These are supposed to yield big, juicy berries, and I can’t wait for June or July to come to harvest these!

The filing cabinet planter box

Here’s a larger view of my planter box, the other side filled with lettuce and peas. The box is rusting a bit so a fresh coat of paint might be nice….

How does your garden grow? I’d love some tips on container gardening, or hear about what’s been successful to you!

-Liz