It was a fairly nice day for Missouri! The temp was "warmish", the sun was sorta shining, and the wind wasn't at gale force . Actually, for Missouri, it was a pretty darned good day to do a little planting.
I filled my vintage berry tote with some of the basics. First, my new gardening shoes (a gift from Bonnie). My tug boat size feet feel very lovely in these cuties. Next I have my trowel and adorable gardening gloves (I mentioned earlier I love to use "exam" gloves for this type of work). I fixed a glass of iced tea. The green "watering can"---I know it's plastic, but I still call it a can---was a gift many years ago from my mom. She tried so hard to pass her gardening skills on to her eldest, but it just didn't take. I do cherish the little "can" she gave me. Lastly, I have my phone.
I decided to tackle the two pitiful Boston ferns I had purchased some time ago. They were lush then. Now, they were losing leaves by the second. They were not in good shape and they needed to be put into two old plastic pots that fit perfectly into my imitation concrete fern urns. Hmmmm "Fern Urn"--that has a pleasant ring.
As I pulled out the plastic pots, I was saddened to see the bottom of one was shattered! None of the other plastic pots I had was the right size!!! Too small, too wide, too tall. The perfect pot had a cracking underside----there was no way the dirt would stay in it.
Not wanting to rush out and spend my time and gas money searching for another pot, I decided to try one of my favorite techniques--Duck or duct (?) tape. I love that stuff!
I've never taped the bottom back to the rest of a pot before, but why not give it a try?
Here's how it looked when my masterful repair job was complete. Pretttttttty nifty, I must say.
Now, for a gardening hint!!! I hate bending over or squatting (my knees and back just don't co-operate with that these days) to pot my plants. So, over time, I have developed my own "mobile potting bench" of sorts.
I start by turning over a plastic trash can and placing the lid on the bottom (which is now the top). I use that space as the area to place the pot. The lid catches the wayward dirt that accumulates during the potting process. Then just pour the excess dirt back into the bag when you're finished! I place my vintage office chair to one side of the mobile potting bench and position my bag of soil there. Everything is accessible for easy potting without bending. Creativity at its highest level!!!! Well, that and being too cheap to buy a real potting bench.
The fern is placed in the repaired pot on top of the "mobile potting bench" and is ready for a splendid growing season. (Crossing my fingers right now.)
THE STONE RABBIT was watching me re-pot my ferns. He loves gardening and especially enjoys tender young plants. He wanted me to share with you the sweet little flowers he planted. Unfortunately, he and his friends nibbled them down to little stubs before I could get a picture to share. He thought if he posed next to the planter Bonnie made for me (for Easter!!! Doesn't it still look great?) that you would think it was one he had planted.
Stone Rabbits can be so devious. Dana
And to think I've been around you a good many years and never wondered how you potted flowers. What a great idea, will be using this method from now on, to save my knees and back. Thanks my friend!
Bonnie
Posted by: Bonnie | May 29, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Wow...how creative...love your method of creating a potting bench. Perfect!
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | May 29, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Wow...how creative...love your method of creating a potting bench. Perfect!
Hugs!
Kat
Posted by: Kat | May 29, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Your improvised potting bench is perfection - even better than the real thing. The lid couldn't be better for catching dirt.
And, I know just what you mean. Potting plants just kills my lower back.
Your fern looks great, and your repair job works well.
Tell The Stone Rabbit his role is to protect the plants. No nibbling permitted.
Posted by: Beverly | May 30, 2008 at 04:14 AM
Beverly, I told THE STONE RABBIT what you said about his roll as "plant protector" and not "plant nibbler". He said he would try to control himself in the future and would pass the word along to his friends as well.
Posted by: Dana | May 30, 2008 at 05:02 AM
Dana,
I love the ala cart potting bench!
Your little garden picnic basket would make anyone grab a pot and plant!
Jill xoo
Posted by: Jill | May 30, 2008 at 05:09 AM
I found you through Jill. I just love your little spot here and plan on coming back often. I've always wanted to check out Greenwood, I live in Leawood. You have given me great incentive to get my butt in gear and get there!
Cheers! LA
Posted by: Leigh Ann | May 30, 2008 at 06:56 AM
I love the shoes. They are so perfect for gardening. I have an plain old dark blue pair :(
What a great idea for potting. I've always thought it would be fun to have a potting bench and I have had 2 sitting right here all along!
Thanks for the idea.
Rhondi xo
Posted by: rhondi | June 03, 2008 at 05:36 AM