With Spring in full swing we’re seeing more and more people taking care of their gardens. From checking the watering system to planting flowers or different trees, everyone is busy beautifying their backyards. Which is why we’re trying to be helpful — we have an amazing project that turns old fallen logs into stunning planters.
We got the idea last fall after a long walk with our dog in the woods, and after reading Kendra’s blogpost on how she turned a log into a flower planter. What made it even more beautiful was the fact that it has literally no cost (unless of course, if you don’t own an ax, or you can’t find an old log).
Without further ado, here’s what you’ll need. A log that is at least 40-50″ long, an ax to hollow out the center (and we advise you to use a chainsaw, too, in order to get a more “finished” look), and any other tool you can use to strip all the bark off — or you can leave it on, if you think it’s cooler. Make sure you got the best soil and just plant the flowers in. The more color, the better. And don’t forget to water them.
We know for sure that this log flower plant project is going to make your home or garden a joyous, bright place. So if you do decide to make it yourself, send us some pictures.
Love these log planters and have two of my own that a local forester created for me about 8 years ago. They are placed on either side of my front gate, getting shade most of the day, and then inferno-like heat in the late afternoon for several hours. This limits the types of plants that can be grown successfully, but in spite of harsh conditions summer and winter, the log planters retain moisture well, and provide sufficient insulation that some of the plants come back in the spring after cold winters (including multiple nights of less than zero degrees F). Mine are from ponderosa pine, about 18 inches in diameter (sadly, there are many large logs available in the west as a result die-off of long-term drought and bark beetles–these log planters remind me of their majestic presence now that so many have died). I will be replacing my log planters next year and have a couple of suggestions to improve the planter and help them last longer. Once the log is hollowed out, line it with galvanized aluminum or sheet metal with drainage holes. This keeps the inside of the log from rotting. Once the bark has fallen off of the log, seal it with clear or tinted sealer or stain to reduce the rate of decomposition on the exterior of the log. The log is likely to spit parallel to its length. This can be prevented by wrapping the ends (around the circumference of the log) with copper metal strapping. It lokks niche and again extends the life of the planter. All this is a bit extra work, but its easy, and will keep your log planter serviceable and looking great for more years.
Do you know anyone where I can buy this ax?