We’ve had a recent string of gorgeous days which has provided lots of gardening time. And once I get started…well, it’s an addiction. Check out this strawberry pot I found at the back of our property near the wood shed. I’m all about found objects.

If you don’t already have a strawberry pot, I bet someone you know has one sitting around collecting water. I tend to believe that strawberry pots are one of those “good ideas at the time” sort of things. Why else would I find one in the woodshed? If you can’t score a free one, pick one up at your local garden or home improvement center. There are a variety of sizes and styles available on-line, too, from basic terracotta to hip and modern like this one at Crate and Barrel.

I decided to plant succulents in my strawberry pot. Succulents are easy to grow and come in lots of varieties and shades. Plus, many are perennial. I love the bright green color of this Japanese Stonecrop sedum as well as any blooming flower.

 

Our schnauzers helped. This would be a great project for kids, too:)

Annabelle removed all the tags while Lucy was in charge of sniffing and hiding the plastic containers around the yard like Easter eggs.

For a different look, I decided to place my strawberry pot on its side. This meant less holes to fill. I learned the hard way to partially bury the pot before beginning to plant. My pot rolled to the edge of the bed. Runaway pot. There’s a joke in there somewhere.

 

The best way to plant a strawberry pot is to add potting soil up to the first hole. Carefully thread the first plant into the hole (from the outside) and add more soil inside until the plant is secure. Add the next plant and repeat the process. Continue planting in tiers until each (visible) hole is filled. I planted a larger, trailing succulent on top, which turned out to be the side.

I love the way this sideways buried container has integrated immediately into our (barely planted) herb garden. Eventually, when the bed matures, the strawberry pot will look even more like a natural part of the landscape. Plus, the dogs can’t knock it over, so there’s that.

Happy gardening!

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]A fun, child-friendly #garden project-Strawberry Pot Project! #letsgarden #gardenchat @Monrovia [/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:

They Might Be Giants – Birdhouse in Your Soul