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old washtub used as planter

15 years ago

Here is my antique washer tub. I planted it with a red penta flanked by the herb fennel (for caterpillars later), hens & chicks, dusty miller, a small trailing sedium and a banana succulent. The planter was found at flea market and was purchased for $20 - first booth of the early morning and best buy of the day! DH had to fix one slightly rusted leg that to JB weld to patch for it to be sturdy. It was planted "as is" after putting in a liner to protect tub from rust.

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Gallery 08

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Comments (13)

gldno1
15 years ago
I love the planter and the red paint. Did you fill completely with potting soil or use a filler first so it wouldn't take so much?
primgal36
15 years ago
That's very neat, I like that it's red too, it makes you notice it, good find.
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Here is another amazing link,,,pinterest...had never seen it before. Check out the water hose made into baskets !! I have 2 that I am going to try this with. Thank you igloo and Holly. All I did was use a wire brush to remove the loose rust. There wasn't much since they were in pretty good shape. Washed them with the hose. Dried them off. Spray first with Rustoleum Rust Converter spray. Next spray whatever color you want with Rustoleum 2x spray. I used 4 pieces of wire to hold the planter baskets but I think I am going to try the chicken wire as it holds them up higher in the seat. A lot of folks simply fasten chicken wire to the seat in a bowl shape and line it with the moss or coco mat. Avoids the need for a basket . I didn't know this till I got to looking at the pics. Will try that on my next ones. I am going to make a whole bunch of these !! Check out the links on Google...there is one of a whole old bed filled with plants !! Here is a link that might be useful: Pinterest
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poohfan61
Original Author
15 years ago
We put some filler and gravel in the bottom for drainage. about 2/3 potting soil was used. Isn't it neat the flea market find was already painted red - as if made to order! Thanks for the comments.
Bright199
15 years ago
Perfect. You have a talent with planters they all look soo lush.
goldenpond
15 years ago
Great color scheme but wouldn't all the wastub using old grannies of the world just slap your hand and take away your paints LOL!!!!!
daisydal
15 years ago
how lucky you are! what a great treasure! your plants look so pretty against the red.
craftylady-2006
15 years ago
It looks very beautiful, you did a great job of putting the plants together in it. I must say, looking at the rest of your pics, you have a very lovely yard.

Sal
poohfan61
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the nice comments. It's all container gardening! I am trying different combinations this year and some I've like and some haven't gone so well. I had no idea how much fun hens and chicks could be and this is the first time they are in my 'containers'. Thanks to everyone who contributes here. You have inspired me and made my 'hobby' so much more with this forum!
luna_llena_feliz
15 years ago
Great find! Very pretty plantings!
chickencollecter
15 years ago
Fantastic find! I love it. Everything is so pretty at your house.

Be Safe, Rach
susiemw
15 years ago
I loved seeing this as I just picked up one of these at a garage sale this weekend.... mine isn't painted red though!

Still haven't decided if I'm going to plant it, turn it into a water garden or use it for something else.

susan
lisatx04
15 years ago
In the picture of your yard, there is a planter sitting up on 2 blocks. The planter looks like it might be brown or copper. What type of container is that? It looks so interesting to me.

Thanks!!
poohfan61
Original Author
15 years ago
lisatx04
We have several planters up on concrete blocks. 4 or so of them are the fiberglass type planters that are long ovals a little over 2 feet that we purchased at Wal Marts. I have 2 others that are black that are feeding troughs bought at Tractor Supply. They are a good 10-12 inches or so deep and one is square almost 3 feet long by 2 feet and another smaller that is an oval feeder that would fit inside the bigger one. As bought planters go a lot less expensive - great material and durability.

Hope that helps.

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