Upcycled Colander: Patio Planter

It’s springtime in Texas, and that means that I can emerge from hiding and enjoy weather that doesn’t cause me to bundle up like a burrito!

I love being outside, and even though my patio is little, I have big dreams for it… as illustrated in this rudimentary drawing of what I’d like to accomplish in this little space.  Let it be known by the entire internet that I am not able to draw an Adirondack chair.  C’est la vie.

This past Sunday was a perfect day to get a jump on a pretty patio by picking up plants (that alliteration, tho).  I mean look at the “before”.  Bleh.

An old colander that was starting to rust a bit is a perfect home for some Polka Dot Plants and Ivy.

It was as easy as: colander…

Rocks for less messy drainage (probably not even necessary)…

Potting soil…

Plants!

I also bought a Sansevieria to live next to it.

It’s planted in a self-watering pot, which is great if you suck at remembering to water your plants.  You put water in the reservoir, and your plant in the inlaid pot, and let go of the guilt of not remembering to take care of it.  Fantastic!

I still have lots that I want to do out here – get an outdoor rug, strip and stain that little black table, spray paint my hurricane lanterns – but after an extra-icky winter, I’m glad I at least got a start on the patio primp last weekend.

Before long it will be one of my favorite little spots in my home, and of course I’ll post updates all along.  Until then…

What’s your first outdoor project when spring hits?  Do tell…