Gardens are typically planted in nice, neat, straight rows. Rows are easy to till and harvest, and the symmetry is pleasing to the eye. However, there are no rules that say neat, straight rows are the only way to plant a garden. A little imagination can go a long way toward creating an artistic, interesting garden layout.
Nose around yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores or storage sheds for old ladders and wagon wheels and use them to add some charm and interest to your garden.
Lay the wagon wheel on its side and plant between the spokes. You can plant a different herb or flower between each section for a themed wheel. Use several wheels and make multiple themed mini-gardens. Create a border for your garden by placing a wheel in each corner.
Use ladders in a similar way. Lay the ladder down and plant between rungs. If you are using wagon wheels in your garden corners, use ladders to finish the outside border between the wheels, or use ladders to separate garden sections. Use different ladder lengths throughout the garden for added dimension.
Old step ladders can find new life in a garden. Position the step ladder upright in the garden. Wrap chicken wire around the ladder and plant a vining plant, such as climbing spinach, sweet peas, morning glory or black-eyed Susan vine, by each leg. Use several ladders of varying heights in a garden for a beautiful and unusual look.
To prevent the ladder from falling or blowing over, push the legs several inches into the soil. If you would like to add an touch of flair and a more stable base, get a pair of high rubber or work boots that aren't being worn. Place the legs of the step ladder in the boots and fill with cement. Your ladder won't easily tip or blow over once the cement has hardened.
Old tires also work well for garden charm. There are mountains of old tires available, and probably as close as your own garage or neighborhood. Use just one tire for a special type of plant, such as your lettuce. Use a number of tires and create a design, such as a circle, and plant different flowers or vegetables in each tire. Use different sized tires, such as a riding lawn mower, all-terrain-vehicle and cars, for a fun look.
Another planter for a garden can be made by stacking tires of different sizes into a pyramid. Get three or four different-sized tires. Cut the sidewall out of each. Place the largest tire where you want it and fill with soil. Pack the soil well so there will be a minimal amount of settling. Position the next largest tire on top, fill and pack with soil and continue until you have all the tires in place. You now have a multilevel vertical garden with can be used for vegetables and flowers. This arrangement can be a beautiful garden centerpiece that would last for years.
This is the opinion of Betty Schmidt, who gardens without gloves because she loves the feel of soil and doesn't mind dirt under her fingernails.
Tip of the week
Before running to the store to buy weed killer to kill unwelcome plants that grow between cement sidewalks or flagstones, try boiling water. Use a watering can and slowly cover the plants with the boiling water. Pouring boiling water onto the plants kills the plants as well as the seeds ready to germinate.
Have a question?
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