The Good, The Bad & The Dirty ~ DIY Concrete Planters

After our day long search for decorative planters to use in our back flower bed, we decided to DIY-it.  We started by talking through how we thought we should make them, then spent some time Googling and reading how others had tackled the project.  After spending some time in the flowerbed testing different measurements, we decided we wanted the exterior to be 28" square with 3" thick walls.  Then, for the first time ever on one of our projects, we drew a project plan~

We were planning to have Lowe's make the cuts for us, so we made a list of all the wood cuts plus other supplies that we would need, including concrete, concrete dye and sealer.  I even unsuccessfully calculated attempted to calculate the cubic feet of mixed concrete that we would need...  that was only the beginning of the challenge.  We ended up going with the cheapest plywood Lowe's offers along with 6-50 lb.bags of quick-set concrete and 3 boxes of concrete dye--expecting this to be enough for two planters--Mistake #1.  If we were going to do this, I wanted it to be cost effective.

After making our trip to Lowe's, we set up shop in the garage.  Eric pulled out the trusty nail gun.  Ours shoot nails and large staples.  We decided to go with the staples--Mistake #2.

We first created our 25" square insets.  Then we stapled together our 28" outer frames.  Mistake #3.  It wasn't until we put the inset in the outer frame that we realized we should have subtracted 3" off of each side--duh--and not just off of one side.  The insets were supposed to be 22"!  And, we'd already built all of the frames.  We then had to take apart the inner frames and use a circular saw to trim each of them down and then re-staple them. 

At this point, we finally made a smart decision to fill them in place rather than build them in the garage and transfer them to the flowerbed.  At the time we thought it each one would weight 150 lbs. ...not the end result!

After moving them into the flowerbed and deciding on placement, Eric went to work leveling (or attempting to level) the area.  We have lots of roots in the dirt, which posed quite a challenge~

Then came final placement and making sure all sides were evenly spaced~

Now, time to mix the concrete. We chose to add charcoal concrete dye, which comes in a chalky powder.  We liked the resulting color, but beware, it will get all over you and your clothes.  I suggest wearing black while doing this project!

We kept a spray nozzle on the waterhose.  I added water to the mix as Eric stirred.  After we reached our desired consistency, it was time to start filling the frame~

We were a little sloppy with our work.  Oh well!  We mixed 2 bags of concrete at a time and added 1 box of dye in each batch.  After adding the first batch to the frame we realized we'd need all 6 bags for each planter---making each planter weigh a whopping 300 lbs.  After filling the first planter, here's what we had~

Then we learned of the mistake of the staples.  As we were cleaning up, we noticed one board starting to pop loose.  We tried adjusting it into place, and another board started to pop loose.  So, as the sun was setting on our Sunday, I braced myself holding them in place and well as I could, while Eric ran to the garage for the drill for reinforcement.  After adding a few screws, we'd manage to salvage planter number one.  We went ahead and reinforced the other planter frame that we'd have to finish later since we were out of concrete. 

The next day after work, we removed the frame to see our product.  It was shotty at best...  The wall where the staples gave way was lopsided and another wall cracked even though we carefully removed the frame.

We debated whether it was salvagable.  We decided that if we'd made it this far, we might as well keep going. 

After completing both planters, it was time to try to make them look better with flowers.  To ensure proper drainage, we filled the bottom of each planter with rocks~

Next, due to the cracking walls of the planters, we added rebar for reinforcement~

After visiting our local nursury and working with them to determine which plants might work best, here's what we had~

Ornamental grasses in front, a front row of yellow sundrops which will grow to drape over the edges, a middle row of hot pink begonias, and a back row of light pink geraniums and purple catmint.  After adding mulch to the flowerbeds, we achieved our desired end result~

All in all, this project certainly didn't go the way we planned.  We've done lots of DIY projects that went smoothly, and I see many projects on blogs that look like they went flawlessly.  The truth is, not everything is perfect.  We learn from our mistakes, and hopefully, despite them, we get the results we need.

And, I can't finish this post without saying thanks to my helper, Maizy, who hasn't eaten my plants yet.  That friends is success!!

UPDATE:  After last night's severe hailstorm, the back flowerbed is in serious need of work again.  More on that next week!

The Good, The Bad & The Dirty

When we started our backyard update, we debated all of our options for our space.  We had one major problem, though...

Two 70 lb. English labs that will leave no plants behind.  They are my babies and I love them dearly, but they are PLANT DESTROYERS.  They make it their mission.  They may look innocent and sweet, but they are two crafty bitches.  We swear they can talk to each other, and that they plot against us.  And, unfortunately for the yard, if it's at a lab-mouth level, it will be eaten.  The local nursery even sold us spray that promised to keep dogs from eating/chewing the plants.  Instead, we found them trying to lick the spray off of the plants... 

We were determined to win the backyard war, so we needed a lab-proof strategy.

We originally considered planting some azeleas, but that would require that we put a barrier (i.e., chicken wire) around them until they were large enough to survive being trampled.  After visiting two local nursuries, viewing all of our plant options and costs, we came up with a solution: we needed large planters/ceramic vases, which would elevate the plants.  This would allow create a more modern asthetic and bring color into a very monochromatic area all out of reach of the enemy lab-mouth. 

This only led us on a wild goose chase.  The large ceramic planters at the local nursuries were way too expensive~ around $180 PER POT.  Not happening.  So, first we hit up Garden Ridge.  We were sure it would be a great low-cost option.  They had some nice planters that fit the bill looks- and size-wise, but they were still $100 each.  At this point in our search we weren't willing to spend this much.  From there we searched at Lowe's, Home Depot, Target, and another local nursery.  FAILURE.

We thought we had the best idea, but it was looking like it wasn't going to happen.  Then the husband blurts out, "Why don't you just let me make you concrete planters?"  He said it so non-chalantly.  Like he did this everyday.  He'd never made concrete planters.  But why not let him try?  And, so the journey of building our own concrete planters began.

Check back tomorrow for our DIY hit and miss on concrete planters.  Let's just say it didn't go as planned...  But, so far we're winning the war!

Backyard Updates and Concrete Planters

This summer will be our second full summer in our house.  Last year we did a little work on our backyard, but we were still very unsatisfied with the results.  This year we decided it was time to get to work and have it live up to our expectations.  We want our backyard to be an extension of our home and serve as another living space for us. 

First things first, we had to clean up our back flowerbed.  We are fortunate to have a pool~which was a requirement to get me to leave my home state of Arkansas and head to Texas!  Our back flowerbed sits behind our pool and is a focal point of our backyard, so it was really important to us to spend some time on this area.

Here is a before picture of what we were working with~

Nasty, right????

So, we got to work!  Here is an after picture of what we've accomplished so far~

Check back later this week for the Good, Bad & Dirty details of how we accomplished this backyard update!

PS-Please forgive me for the semi-poor quality of the pictures.  I got a great new camera for Christmas, but it's still a lot smarter than me.  I working on my photography skills!