This wonderful old mop bucket was given to me by Bonnie as a housewarming gift three years ago. She purchased it at our favorite outdoor antique show in the Kansas City area, The Bingham-Wagner Antique Sale. It was filled with the most beautiful flowers. I continued putting flowers in it the following two summers, but this year I decided to try to use it as a "mini herb garden".
Recently, I bought a few herbs at our Garden Sale on the Independence Square and I picked up some more later. I decided to use basil, chives, oregano, thyme, cilantro, rosemary, parsley----and I even chose a little lavender plant. I had no real basis for any of the selections, except that they were all different shapes and eventual heights---and they smelled good.
This is how the bucket looked right after I planted the herbs. I have no idea how this will work--those plants are crammed in there---not much room for growth. We'll see---it may be filled with flowers next year if this approach fails. I just won't put any geraniums in it (I kill them--I don't want to, they just die).
THE STONE RABBIT and his friends put their seal of approval on the project. That made me happy----he can be hard to please at times.
This shows the plants one week later. I found the plant markers buried deep in a cabinet in the garage. Laura had given them to me a very long time ago. I find it hard to pass up something I could eventually use. My problem is locating the items when the time comes that I can actually use them. I have eight plants and five markers. RATS. I wish I would've counted my markers before I bought all of those plants. Guess I'm gonna need to actually buy some more---well, maybe I can remember the unmarked plants. Probably not. Maybe I could make markers out of something else I have around the house. hmmmmmm (I'm thinking here). GOT IT!
My husband is so good about using items from my kitchen for his garage projects (my metal measuring cups for dreadful liquid stuff---oil or POISON LAWN CHEMICALS; dish cloths for drying his riding lawn mower; kitchen knives for cutting non-food type items such as a garden hose or weed eater cord----the list is really long). Perhaps I could find something in the garage that would make great plant markers!!
It didn't take too long before I located the perfect items.
I made THE STONE RABBIT pose with my darling plant markers. I'll bet they even get a little rusty as the season goes by---that'll look very nice with the rusted mop bucket!
I am definitely pleased with how this particular one turned out--it really makes a statement.
In a word---CUTE! I'm certain my husband will think so, too!
Feel free to use this idea for your plant markers---it's quirky, it's fun, it's free. A bit of advice, however, hammers don't work too well. Dana
Dana, I love your little herb garden. I've got a few going, rosemary & parsley came back from last year & I really have to get out & find a basil plant. That's my favorite! Your little bucket is so cute with those herbs & way to go on being innovative!
What a wonderful Mother's Day brunch you had too.
Rhoda
Posted by: Rhoda | May 15, 2008 at 05:39 AM
Dana; Thanks for visiting my blog.Your idea for the planter is so cute .I have been looking for something to plant my herbs in .I will let you know what I come up with.
Your Blog is very nice I will have to read back through your posts.It looks like we have a lot of the same interests.
Best Wishes;
Brenda:)
Posted by: Brenda | May 15, 2008 at 06:10 AM
Dana, I love your little "garden picks"! So cute and clever. The mop bucket is wonderful, too!
Pat
Posted by: Pat | May 15, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Wow! What a great looking herb garden. I pack old metal pails full of herbs and they always do fine. I would imagine yours will do fine in the old mop bucket too.
Lovely blog!
I'm from the KC area. Used to live right near the Plaza. Then right near KU Med Center. Then out in Lee's Summit. Went to undergrad at MU and law school at UMKC. Go Tigers!
Posted by: dana | May 15, 2008 at 08:44 AM
What a clever idea!
Posted by: Joy | May 15, 2008 at 12:41 PM
I think your idea to put herbs in the mop bucket is a neat idea. But watch that Stone Rabbit, You know they like leafy things!! I love your "xtra" markers, probably will give your plants a little extra iron also.
Posted by: Bonnie | May 15, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Hi Dana,
What a delightful blog you have here! I hopped from someone elses' and I'm so glad I did. You have me just giggling like crazy :) I lost my turkey baster to a husband around here who shall remain nameless...I'm going after some tools (hehehehehehe)!
Nice to meet you :)
Dena
Posted by: Dena | May 15, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Dana,
What a clever idea!
Too cute..
Jill xoxo
Posted by: Jill | May 16, 2008 at 04:18 AM
Oh Dana!
I'm so glad you left me a comment at my blog, because it led me to yours, which I LOVE!
What a precious site you have here! I adore the bucket of herbs and the new markers you came up with are ingenious! And cute!
It's great to meet you!
I've added you to my favorite sites! I look forward to conversing!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | May 16, 2008 at 04:58 AM
Oh Dana!
I'm so glad you left me a comment at my blog, because it led me to yours, which I LOVE!
What a precious site you have here! I adore the bucket of herbs and the new markers you came up with are ingenious! And cute!
It's great to meet you!
I've added you to my favorite sites! I look forward to conversing!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | May 16, 2008 at 04:59 AM
What a beautiful and creative container for your herb garden. You have such a lovely blog and I adore the name of it. xoxo
Posted by: Betty Jo | May 16, 2008 at 05:50 AM
Oh cute, cute !!!!! Clarice
Posted by: clarice | May 17, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I'm a big fan of creative new uses for old items. And that's a brilliant way to recycle an old mop bucket! Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Susan | May 19, 2008 at 08:48 AM