Would this work as a planter?
Reba
4 years ago
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years agogetgoing100_7b_nj
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Looking for advice/ideas....
Comments (5)Thanks for your tips Georgene. I was thinking some more about some type of carpet for the balcony floor. There's a risk my cat may pee on it, but then I thought how nice a carpet would be. Then people inside my no-shoes apartment could step right out onto the balcony in their bare feet and know the carpet is clean. My idea was that I'd only put the carpet down when I had visitors...when we'd be more active on the balcony and so the cat would be less likely to pee on it. And then at other times I'd roll up the carpet and store it. But still the problem was that I'd either have to have a few area rugs pieced together, and then the table/chairs may not fall evenly on the floor. Or I could get a custom sized carpet but then there's the cost, and what if the cat does manage to pee on it? So then I was thinking...what about something as simple as a flat sheet haphazardly laid across the floor? Not perfectly smooth (it could never lay perfectly flat anyway) but sort of gathered up to give it a bit of a casual almost outdoor bedouin tent look or something. And then I figured if the cat DOES pee on that, it's only a loss of like $10 or so. Whereas even the cheapest carpet that would be relatively atrrative and cover a good portion of the balcony floor would be at least $50. Or is there any other type of fabric idea for the floor...something not expensive and that could easily be folded up or rolled up and stored somewhere during days when I let my cats sit out for hours unattended and so don't want to run the risk of them peeing on it? Tx!...See Morewould this work for planter, what to plant in it if so?? thanks
Comments (5)Once AGAIN Al, Thanks for the advice. That sounds like it would be easier. It seems someone else had tried to grow something in it, but it appears to not of turned out to well due to seeing the left behind stuff in it. I love the idea of finding different and neat things to use as planters. And after looking through this site and seeing pictures of yours and others i was inspired to visit garage sales, and thrift stores in hopes of finding random odds and ends to use as planters. How do you decided what will work and what wont?? I know drainiage is a main thing. But i seen a catcus of al's i believe that was in this round jar that i dont think it had holes in the bottom (i found a slightly larger and different color jar that was like in a picture and it does not have darin holes and its cermatic) but a catcus was planted in it so thats why i was thinking catcus of some sort, but i do have a small jade plant i was thinking of trying to take a leave and start it. I might try that out with this planter maybe instead of buying more plants right now. My adventure starts tomorrow. I have found all the things that will work to make the 5-1-1 mix and i am starting tomorrow to start the sifting of materials to try and make a batch :) i have a couple different things i am going to try and use for a screen. I think that might be the only thing i am unsure of at this time, but i guess i wont learn unless i try it :) Thanks all for the help and suggestions as i am just learning but willing to try some things to see what happens. Its definalty a learning curve :)...See MorePlanter idea - will it work?
Comments (6)Unfortunately, the "normal" winter temperatures are not so relevant as the extreme ones. I did a quick web search on Dallas climate, and while average nights in Dallas in January are above freezing, the record lows are mostly 15-20 degrees below freezing. It's possible that this doesn't happen anymore because of climate change, but if you can't bring it inside I wouldn't plant things that can't take cold temperatures in a permanent location. There are a lot of things that can handle upper 20s but cannot tolerate teens, for instance. If it were only upper 20s you could cover them with a box or cloth (not plastic) on a cold night. There are many things like sedums which be fine there, and some of the smaller prickly pears could work. I have known people who grew prickly pears in birdbaths. Others will probably have more relevant experience, but I tried growing Sempervivums in Phoenix a couple of times and they didn't make it (probably because of the hot temperatures, not the dry). I would also consider growing some of the Agaves which do well in places like Utah and are cold tolerant to Zone 5, 6 and 7. They should like it in your birdbath, although some get big. See High Country Gardens or some other source for that kind of thing....See MoreNeed Suggestions--Re-working Planter Bed
Comments (2)Thanks buyorsell888, I was beginning to think everyone had abandoned their computers for the garden :o)! Interesting you mention Heathers, I think that's what I started with 40 years ago! It is one of the things I am considering. I've heard the term "Heath" but I have to say I'm not really familiar with them. I'll check them out. I have a large backyard and the front is fairly large, too. Lots of trees and many evergreens. Any suggestions for a dwarf? I considered planting a regular evergreen conifer and keeping it pruned, but I like a more natural look. If you notice in the photo, across the sidewalk I have a Hemlock that is about 30 ft high! started it from a 1' tree we picked up in the Nation Forest while out Christmas Tree cutting many years ago. We keep the side on the sidewalk sheared up about 7-8 ft and it's like a hedge. Thanks again for the input, hope more jump in with suggestions. Off to check out Heaths! Linda...See MoreReba
4 years agogetgoing100_7b_nj
4 years agoReba
4 years agogetgoing100_7b_nj
4 years agogetgoing100_7b_nj
4 years ago
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