vintage planter - grace grits and gardening

There’s a saying in the South that if it isn’t nailed down, we southerners will monogram it. I have my own saying. If it isn’t nailed down, I’m gonna plant something in it. My newest obsession is planting succulents in vintage coffee tins. And if you think about it, the tins are already monogrammed with the company’s label/artwork. Love, love, love.

Here’s one of my favorites—Summer Girl Coffee. How perfect is this? Technically I’m a “summer girl” born almost on the 4th of July. And I’m guzzling coffee while you read this.

Look at the history on this can. “Roasted and Packed by the H. D. Lee Mercantile Company”. H. D. Lee Mercantile was founded in 1889 in Salina, Kansas. This was the first company to manufacture overalls and the zipper fly jean. Today the company makes Lee Rider but no coffee to my knowledge.

Here’s my other favorite.

I chose this one mainly for the colors and the little old Aunt Bea looking lady on the front.

I found these two tins at Long Ago Antiques on Huntsville Road in Fayetteville (one of my favorite places to shop for antiques and vintage items). Similar tins are available on Ebay, often in a group of four or five. Prices vary so look around. Tip: look for ones without lids to save a few dollars.

To preserve the value of vintage tins, I prefer not to drill drainage holes in the bottom, so I added a layer of charcoal in the bottom instead. (Buy the charcoal at your local nursery—it’s not lump charcoal used to grill.) Some of the old tins come with holes rusted in the bottom which solves the drainage issue. Succulents don’t need that much water, so I find they survive quite well with charcoal.

Top with pebbles or moss for aesthetic purposes. I think the rock highlights the plant better.

Voila! Perfect on the porch. I’m taking orders. Not really, but maybe.

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

[tweetthis]These #vintage coffee tin #succulents will rock your world. #gardenchat #growsomething @WestwoodGardens[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]If it isn’t nailed down, plant something in it. #Vintage Coffee Tin #Succulents! @allsucculents @iPlantPerfect[/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:

Queen, We Will Rock You

Yes, it may be cold outside, but we shall survive winter and not let our green thumbs get moldy. Can I get an amen?

Winter is the perfect time to tend to your house plants, divide/transplant those babies springing up in your pots, and create a terrarium. If you don’t have any houseplants (what!?), go buy some as soon as possible. Plants add life to our homes and help us ward off the winter doldrums. Plus there’s that whole oxygen thing. Good stuff.

Local nurseries sell tiny terrarium plants, but you can also buy them on-line. (Search ‘terrarium plants’ and see what you find.)

I’ve always wanted to make a terrarium, especially one in a glass cloche. I’ve been keeping my eyes open for these domed shaped beauties whenever I go to flea markets or antique stores, but they are impossible to find. Or, super expensive.

I finally bought one a few years ago. (They come in different sizes—mine is 7″ by 8.5″). If you need one, I noticed a small one sold by Crate and Barrel for $10.95.

Making a terrarium is not rocket science, but there are steps to follow and basic ingredients needed. If you don’t already have the things you will need in your potting shed / garage / wherever, head over to your local gardening center. I promise, they will be thrilled to see you, (especially this time of year), and more than happy to help you gather these ingredients.

River Rock
Charcoal
Potting Soil
Moss

Step One: Place a smooth layer of river rock on the bottom of tray or container to act as a drain field for excess water.

Step Two: Cover rock evenly with carbonized charcoal. Charcoal purifies excess water and prevents mold and fungus from growing (since there are no drainage holes).

Step Three: Add potting soil over the charcoal layer, 2 to 3 inches for planting. This was a bit tricky with a dome cover. I left a trench around the edge for the lid.

Step Four: Plant! Dig a hole with your finger and place plant into it. These are small 2″ plants. Not much digging required.

Step Five: Place sheet moss in water and get it moist. Cover soil with moss. Add decorations if you like. (Shells, marbles, etc.)

Step Six: Mist with water. Cover. Watch grow.

That’s a big marble in my terrarium. Looks odd in the pictures, I know.

Keep out of direct sunlight. You may need to uncover occasionally and add a spoonful of water. I’m hoping that eventually mine will take care of itself, but I haven’t had it long enough to know yet. In the month or so I’ve had it, I’ve only watered it a couple of times.

This would make a wonderful gift too.

Now, on to a few other ways to spiff up your indoor gardening and ultimately survive the long cold winter.

Place a glass bell cloche over a single plant to make it a focal point. This also reduces watering and provides heat. A mini greenhouse. I love this look.

Add small plants to vintage planters. I have a collection, many from my mother in law. Sentimental, kitschy and fun.

For something different, plant a tiny something in an unusual container. This miniature ficus is zen-ish. Anything that creates calmness can be a lifesaver when cabin fever sets in.