These planter boxes are ideal for many different foliage and flowers as they have an 8” depth of
soil, which is ample soil space for your plants to thrive.

The instructions below will build two planter boxes and the privacy wall portion. To form the
90-degree look hugging my cousin’s sectional, one finished planter box will be 18” W x 38” H x99” L and the other planter box will be 18” W x 38” H x 80” L. Her sectional measured 76” L x 76” W and 32” H. If the furniture you are building this for has different dimensions, you may want to alter the cuts and measurements to customize it to your needs, but you still can follow the steps below for the assembly process. I used pressure-treated pine to create my planters. This can be substituted for any ideal preferred type of wood. However, I recommend pressure-treated wood as it is worth the investment because the wood won’t need a stain for the first few years.

Building the frame of the first (larger) planter box.

Note: Follow these exact instructions to make the second (smaller) planter box. Instead of cutting
96” pieces, replace this measurement with 80.” The instructions below will take you through the
process of building the larger box.

Step One: Cutting the pieces

Using a table saw, cut six 2”x 4” pressure-treated pine in half so that you have 1” x 2” strips.
Next, cut the strips made into eight 33” pieces, twelve 12” pieces, and six 96” pieces using a
mitre saw.

The cut list for the first frame is as follows:

• Six at 96”
• Eight at 33”
• Twelve at 12”

Step Two: Building the frame of the two long sides of the planter box

Lay the materials on a flat surface. Two 96” pieces on the bottom and top, and four 33” inch
pieces on either side and two in the middle. Using a power drill, pre-drill holes at the bottom of
the 96” piece upwards into the 33” pieces. Use 3” screws to secure the to end pieces in place.
Space the two middle 33” pieces evenly. I chose to space mine 27 3⁄4” in from each side. Pre-drill holes at the bottom of the 8’-0” piece upwards into the 33” pieces and secure with 3” screws. Next, using 2” screws, toenail those screws from the 33” pieces into the 96” pieces making the frame extra secure. Repeat this process to end up with 2 frames. Refer to the images below.

Step Three: Adding the deck boards to the frame

Starting at the top, attach the 8’-0” deck boards to the frame by pre-drilling holes with a power
drill and then using 2” screws to fasten the boards to the frame. Use 2 screws at each frame
location (where the “studs” are located). Six full-width decking boards will fit on this frame. The
seventh decking board will have to be cut to size using a table saw. To measure what is needed to
cut off, place the board on the frame and trace using a pencil where it hits the top of the frame.
Cut that portion off with a table saw and use the same steps as above to secure it to the planter’s
frame. Repeat this process on both frames created in step two. Refer to the images below.

Step Four: Attaching the 12” pieces

On a flat surface lay one of the planter sides created in the previous step, flat, with the inside of
the frame facing upwards. Begin to attach the 12” pieces created in step one perpendicular to the
frame. Attach one 12” piece to each of the four corners, four 12” pieces on the top and bottom in
line with your frame, and four 12” pieces going across the center.

For the center 12” pieces, measure down 8” from the top of the planter and place those pieces there. These middle pieces will provide your planter with more support, but will also be the future frame for the bottom of the soil area. Using 3” screws toenail each 12” piece on two different sides into the frame making sure they are square and at a 90-degree angle. Refer to the images below.

Step Five: Attach the other side of the planter

Take the side of the planter that was just completed in step four and flip it over on to the other
side of the planter that does not have 12” pieces with the inside of this side facing up. Make sure
it is aligned as square as possible. Once the side with the 12” pieces already attached has been
placed face down on top of the side without 12” pieces, begin using 3” screws to toenail the 12”
pieces to the other side of your planter. Two screws per 12” piece. Refer to the images below.

Step Six: Creating the bottom of the soil area

Because this planter is so large, there isn’t a need for soil to go all the way to the bottom of the
planter. Before closing up the sides of the planter with more decking boards, install the bottom of
the soil area. Place two 96” decking boards in the planter and mark the sides of the wood where
these boards hit the inside frame. Measure how deep the notches will need to be cut. Remember,
this doesn’t need to be perfectly tight to the frame, as drainage is important for healthy plants, so
a little bit of imperfection is a good thing for this step.

Using either a jigsaw, multi-tool, or reciprocating saw, cut the marked notches out of the 8’-0” decking boards. Slide these into the planter from the sides and make sure they fit correctly around the frame of the interior. The two full-size decking board pieces will go on either side, and for the middle of this soil area, use the scrap wood that was cut off in step three. It should be a good fit here, allowing for movement between the boards and water drainage. Refer to the images below.

Note: Follow these exact instructions to make the second (smaller) planter box. Instead of 96”
pieces, replace this measurement with 80.”

Building the privacy wall/backdrop & assembling the structure together

If the design is the same “L” shape design we created, make two of these. The instructions are to
create one. If you are creating the same design as we did, proceed to make two of the following.

Step One: Making the cuts

Cut two 2×4’s at 67 5⁄8”. Cut two 1 1⁄2” x 1” pieces at 31 1⁄2”. These 31 1⁄2” pieces are cut from a
2×4 cut in half lengthwise on a table saw. The cut list for the privacy wall is as follows:

• Two 2×4’s at 67 5⁄8”
• Two 1 1⁄2” x 1” pieces cut at 31 1⁄2”
• Two 4×4’s left as is at 8’- 0” long. Ensure they are the same height.

Step Two: Assembly of the black panel frame

Lay two 4x4s flat on the ground. Place the 67 5⁄8” piece flat and at a 90-degree angle between the
two 4×4’s. The bottom of this piece of wood should be 42” above the bottom of the 4×4. Toenail
3” screws from the 67 5⁄8” pieces into the 4x4s from the top and bottom.

Next, place the 31 1⁄2” boards perpendicular up from the 2×4 that was just attached. Secure the 31 1⁄2” piece to the 4×4 by pre-drilling and then securing with 2” screws to the top and bottom. Next, add the other 67 5⁄8” piece to the top of these two boards, toenailing this piece to the 4×4 on the top and bottom of the piece. This is the frame created for the black acrylic panels.

Next attach the black privacy screen to the frame that was created using 1” screws. This will be the back of your privacy wall. Refer to the images below.

Step Three: Cutting and assembling the top piece of the “pergola” privacy wall

This is the step that will add the top part of the “pergola” style of this privacy wall. First, take
two 8’-0” long 2×6’s and add a 45-degree angle to their ends. Measure 1 1⁄2” down from the top
of the board and use a speed square to mark a perfect 45-degree angle with a pencil.

Using a mitre saw, cut the 45-degree angle to match the pencil marking. Repeat this process on both
2×6’s. Next, attach one of these to the 4×4. Attach this 2×6 3 1⁄2” down from the top of the 4×4. There should be 10 3⁄4” measurement on either side of the 2×6 from the edge to the start of the 4×4, making this piece centred on top.

Pre-drill holes first, and then attach with three 3” screws. Flip over the privacy wall, and repeat these steps on the opposite side of the privacy wall. Refer to the images below.

Step Four: Attaching the two planters together

At this point in the project, we transported the planters and privacy walls to my cousin’s
backyard to assemble the rest of it there.
…..
Place the larger garden box at the back of the project, and the smaller garden box perpendicular
to the face of the larger one. Attach by pre-drilling, then using 3” screws through the interior of
the smaller planter into the larger planter to secure these together. Insert the privacy wall structure into the planter boxes and push it to the far side of each planter to ensure that they do not overlap or intersect at the top. Anchor the 4×4’s in to the planter by pre-drilling, then using 5” screws.

Using a jigsaw, cut out a 4” x 4” spot for the 4×4 to go through the base of the soil area. After everything is attached and anchored properly, add one layer of landscaping fabric to the base of the planter, securing the fabric with staples. Refer to the images below.

Step Five: Add the top pergola pieces

Cut fourteen 2×4’s at 18” long. Then, measure 1” down from the top of the 18” 2×4” piece on
either side and mark this with a pencil. Using a speed square, mark a 45-degree angle on both sides. Using a mitre saw, cut this 45-degree angle. Place the seven pieces on each privacy wall, space them out evenly on top. They will be placed about 14 1⁄2” apart. Secure these to the top by toenailing these top pieces onto the structure up through the 2×6 into the 2×4 pieces. Refer to the images below.

Step Six: Add the Trim

To make the top trim: Using a table saw, cut the 5/4” deck boards at 3 1⁄2” width. To form the trim
around the top, measure the length and width of the planter, and then cut these at a 45-degree
angle. Pre-dill, then attach with 2” deck screws.

To make the side trim: Using a table saw, cut the 1”x6” deck boards in half using a 45-degree
angle lengthwise. Cut the boards into 36” pieces and attach these to the sides of the planters,
creating a mitered joint on the outer, and inner corners, concealing the raw edges of the planter
boxes. Attach by pre-drilling, then using 2” deck screws. Refer to the images below.

Step Seven: Add the soil and plants

Using Miracle-Gro Garden soil, fill the planters that have been lined with landscaping fabric.
This all-purpose planting mix helps grow plants twice as big and helps plants develop strong,
healthy roots. I purchased purple, red, and yellow petunias for the planters and make sure to give
them a good trim after planting them in the planters. This will help encourage new blooms to
grow. I wanted something that would continuously bloom in her yard all summer. It’s
recommended to fertilize with Miracle-Gro Water Soluble, All-Purpose plant food as well. Refer
to the images below.

And there you have it!

This project was so much fun to complete with my husband, Stuart. My cousin and her family
are so happy with the result, and we think it looks amazing in their yard. Check out the before
and after shots below. What a difference!

Be sure to check out the reel of this project here. If you make a project inspired by ours, be sure
to tag @PlantProjectCanada and @OnceUponaBungalow so that we can see your project!

Until next time,
Happy gardening!
Shavonne.

#happycreating!

Let’s jump in!

pond plants

Similar to creating a traditional planter pot feature with soil, layers of different shapes and sizes of plants are important considerations to make. Create a stunning pond by including a variety of plants. Consider using tall plants for the back or middle of the pond, filler plants around your taller plants, and floating plants for the front of the patio pond.

Pre-made and ready-to-go options will be located in the pond plant section at your local greenhouse. Pre-potted options are super easy and my personal favourite. These are already potted in the proper soil and rocks, and allow you to simply drop the plants into the pond as they are and enjoy.

The tags on the plants will specify how deep to place the plants in your pond. Just like a traditional planter, each plant will have different requirements to ensure it grows and thrives to the best of its ability. For example, water lilies are beautiful but require being in a deeper pond, so keep that in mind when purchasing your pond plants. Just like flowers in your garden, the tag on the plant will list the optimal locations, sunlight needs, and depths of planting. Below are some of the many options for your patio pond.

• Aquatic Water Bowl (A premade pre-potted mix you can find at your local greenhouse)
• Floating plant: Water lettuce
• Floating plant: Water hyacinth
• Water lily
• Blue Hawaii Colocasia
• Barred Horse Tail (Equisetum Japonica)
• Upright Water Clover (Marsilea Mutica)
• Large-leaved Weed Mace (Typha latifolia)
• Water Calla (Zantedeschia Aethiopica)
• Yellow Creeping Jenny (Lysmachia numm Aurea)
• Variegated Ginger (Hedychium coronarium)
• Aquaris Hibiscus (Hibiscus Acetosella)
• Water Pennywort (Hydrocotyle)
• Hardy Water Canna (Thalia Dealbata)
• Bronze Canna (Canna ‘Australis’)
• Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia ‘Velvet’)
• Primula (Primula Vialli)
• Siberian Iris (Iris Siberica)
• Variegated Sweet Flag (Acorus)
• Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia)
• Red Stemmed Parrot’s Feather (Myriophyllum Brasiliensis)

maintenance

The biggest thing to remember when caring for your patio pond is that it is not a pool, so the water is not going to stay perfectly clear and immaculately clean. This style of a patio pond is similar to a bird bath, which means you may have to dump it out, give it a quick rinse and refill it every so often. If you are having trouble with an excess of algae, try moving the location of the pond to a less sunny spot. If you are finding that the solar fountain isn’t circulating the water enough, add a plug-in pump to give more water movement.

most commonly asked questions

how do I avoid too much moisture in the soil below?

One of my biggest recommendations when making a pond with a planter pot around the bottom is to use Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control soil. This type of soil will ensure that the plants in the surrounding base pot won’t get over-saturated with water when the pond pot inevitably spills over into the plants in the surrounding base pot. Ensure there are drainage holes in the base pot as well to help with the excess water these plants will experience.

When choosing plants for the base pot, pick plants that don’t mind being exposed to more water. I’ve had success with creeping jenny, potato vines, and ivy. Try and stay away from plants that don’t like a lot of water, such as succulents, cacti, and other drought-resistant plants. Despite your best efforts, the water will spill over into this area, so take the time to protect the plants you have invested in.

how do you keep mosquitoes away?

This is an easy one! Mosquitos do not like moving water, they only like still water. As long as your pond has water circulating, mosquitoes shouldn’t be an issue.

how big of a pot do you use?

You can use as big or as small of a pot as you like. The larger the pot, however, the more plants you can enjoy in the pond. The larger pot in my video content is 30 inches wide by 17” high.

can you winterize the pond?

Just like other plants, you can winterize your pond plants. You’ll need adequate lighting, such as a very sunny window or a grow light to do so. You’ll also have to change out the water frequently to keep them healthy throughout the winter. Personally, I just purchase new pond plants every year as I don’t have the space to winter too many plants indoors; however, if you are able to winterize, this could be a big money saver in the long run. Keep in mind, I do live in Canada, so I am not able to keep my patio pond out all year.

can you add fish?

Fish require a lot more research to keep in a pond, it’s doable, but this is out of my scope of knowledge on the topic of patio ponds. They would likely need more circulation in the water than just a solar fountain. I recommend researching this topic in depth before adding pet fish to the mix!

Is it safe for animals?

Wild animals such as birds and squirrels love ponds and bird baths! After speaking to a bee expert, I have learned that bees specifically like this type of water source as they prefer a more “natural taste” that a patio pond can offer. I can only speak from my experience when it comes to domesticated animals drinking from a patio pond. Our small pup, Mojito, has been fine after having the odd drink from the pond. We don’t encourage it, but he finds a way to sneak a drink here and there. If you are worried about your pet drinking from the pond, just take extra precautions to keep your pet away from your patio pond.

How many plants should I buy?

You don’t need as many plants as you think. Just like other plants, they grow and expand! Especially in terms of the floating pond plants. You likely will only need one plant of the floating variety in a small pond, and you’ll be surprised just how quickly these spread and grow. You can separate or propagate pond plants, just as you would any other plant.

I hope this helps get you started on your patio pond adventure. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions you may have. If you create a patio pond, please tag @PlantProjectCanada and/or @OnceUponaBungalow! We would love to see what you design!

#happycreating!

• Garden Planters with Blooming Archway (Article)
• Garden Planters Video
• Light-up Living Plant Wall (Article)
• Light-up Plant Wall Video– Outdoor Holiday Arrangements (Article)
• Outdoor Holiday Arrangement Video

My social channels are Once Upon a Bungalow, and you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. We are always up to something in our little bungalow, so please come and join the fun. I am looking forward to seeing you there! Alright, Let’s get building…

step 1.

Start with a 24” x 48” sheet of good one-side plywood. Mark 8” upwards from the 48” side and use a pencil and a straight edge to draw a line. Continue this to make three lines, all measuring 8” wide. Using a table saw, make three cuts lengthwise along the wood. This will create three strips of 8” x 48” plywood. There will be a few inches extra, discard this, as it’s not needed for this project. Refer to the images below.

step 2.

These propagation stations are cut at a 60-degree angle. This makes each side of the triangle exactly 8 equal inches. Using a protractor (or tool of preference to find an angle), mark the triangle lines at a 60-degree angle. Only measure this angle for one triangle, then use the first triangle as a template for the rest of the propagation stations.

Cut the first triangle using a mitre saw at the exact angle marked on the wood. Flip the wood over, and use the triangle that was just cut to mark the next triangle. This way, there will be no waste and no adjustments to make on the angle of the mitre saw. Continue to flip the wood, mark the angle, cut, flip, mark, and cut! There will be 30, 8” x 8” x 8” triangles. Refer to the images below.

step 3.

Estimate the center of the triangle and place painter’s tape on the front and back of the propagation station. The use of painter’s tape is important for a nice clean cut on plywood. Find the center by placing the speed square in line with the bottom point of the triangle. The center point should be around 4” in the middle of the triangle, but it’s best to measure up from the bottom to find the center.

Using a speed square mark the center point of the triangle with a pencil. Once the center is marked, use a tape measure to mark a ¾” spot for the test tube to fit snuggly into. To make the ¾” spot, measure from the centerline ⅜ of an inch out each way.

Next, measure 5” from the top of the propagation station to find the bottom of the test tube spot on that center line and mark this as well. Place the top of the test tube perpendicular to the propagation station, and on top of the 5” marking to find the exact curve of the test tube, mark the curve with a pencil. Make a straight line by using the speed square overtop of the markings. See the example below of the ideal markings for the 20x150mm test tubes. Refer to the images below.

step 4.

Clamp the propagation station firmly to a work bench on each side. Using a ¾” spade bit in a power drill, make a hole at the bottom of the test tube spot and go completely through the wood. Next, equip the jigsaw with a 4” (10) Wood jigsaw blade. Set the jigsaw to the wood setting. (On a Greenworks Jig saw, this is setting number 3). This blade and setting should give the cleanest cut.

Start at the top of the propagation station and cut as straight as possible following the markings made on the painter’s tape. Cut down to meet the hole cut previously. This will result in a snug test tube resting place. Use a test tube after cutting to check if it fits in the hole snugly.  Trim as necessary to ensure the test tube fits. Remove the clamps. Refer to the images below.

step 5.

Remove the tape from the plywood very slowly and carefully. Pull the tape in the direction of the non-cut part of the wood toward the cut part of the wood to avoid the wood from lifting and chipping. Use an electric sander to buff the raw edges, face, sides, and back of the triangle. Next, use a drill with a small drill bit to make a hole on each edge of the triangle. These holes will be used to put string or hemp through to hang the propagation station. These holes will be roughly ¼” in from the edge. Refer to the images below.

step 6.

Stain the propagation stations to the colour desired. A Polyurethane sealant will seal the propagation station for extra waterproofing and durability, however, it’s not necessary. Once the stain is dry, add string or hemp. Use a yarn needle to guide the string through the holes created in the previous step and double knot the string to ensure it is secure and will not slip through the hole when hung.

If making a set of propagation stations, use the first completed propagation station as a guide to making sure the string length is the same and they all look cohesive. Next, cut a small piece of clear double-sided tape and place one small strip of it onto the test tube. Once the double-sided tape backing is removed, place the test tube in the niche created for it. Refer to the images below.

step 7.

Hang them up! Using clear command hooks or hanging nails, hang the propagation stations. To propagate a plant, such as a pothos, take a healthy section of the plant stem, typically 4-6 inches long, just below a node (where leaves are attached). Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, and place the cutting in the propagation station with water in it.

you’re done!

Within a few weeks, there should be some root growth in the test tubes. Once there is substantial root growth, transplant with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix. This lightweight mixture will help the roots spread out and further form. To give the cuttings the nutrients they need to thrive, try Miracle-Gro® Quick Start Fertilizer Planting and Transplant Starting Solution. This starting solution will improve root growth and give the plant the ability to grow big and strong.

There you have it, plant propagation stations! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. For my propagation wall, I added a wooden cutout of the word “Grow.” This was ordered from a small Canadian business, Knotty Design Co.

Thank you so much, Plant Project Canada for having me once more! I look forward to seeing all of the Propagation stations you create! Be sure to tag me in your creations. Thank you for stopping by!

Xo Shavo

#happycreating!

Hello Everyone! My name is Shavonne and my social channels are called Once Upon a
Bungalow. I’m so happy to have been invited to Plant Project Canada’s webpage to share a
how-to on this very exciting project. This time I have instructions on how to build our Light-Up
Living Plant Wall. Check out our video for this project here! This project is for beginner to
intermediate woodworkers and is a great way to display your plants outdoors in the day or in the
evening. In case you missed it, click here for my instructions on making Planter Boxes with a
Blooming Trellis Archway, my first article with Plant Project Canada.

These instructions are based on our backyard living wall, feel free to adjust the
measurements to fit your space appropriately. Alright, Let’s get started on this unique and
whimsical plant wall…Here we go!

step 1.

Creating the sides of the base to the Plant Wall: Cut two 4x4s at 65 ¾” on the metre saw and toenail these with four 3 ½” screws into your deck. Use a level to ensure your 4x4s are straight. Note: If creating a living wall on the ground, dig your 4x4s 3’-0” into the soil and anchor it with gravel or concrete. Add 3’-0” to the 65 ¾” measurement above. See the images below.

step 2.

Add 1 ½” x 1 ½” to the 4x4s to create an inset space to attach the fence boards: Next, take a 2×4 and cut it in half on the table saw lengthways, creating two 1 ½ x 1 ½ pieces. Cut these 1 ½ x 1 ½ pieces at 51” on the metre saw. Attach these vertically flush with the back and top of your 4×4 pieces. Anchor these with 3 ½” deck screws, every 12” forming a base for the fence boards to be screwed to. Once these pieces are in place on both sides, find the measurement inside of the 4x4s. See the images below.

step 3.

Add your fence boards: Measure from inside the 4×4 space and cut your fence boards to fit. Use a level to ensure the top board is straight. Attach fence boards on the outer edges with two 1 ¾” screws with no spaces between each board. Our fence boards were cut at 57 ¼”. We used 9 fence boards going
horizontally down, as we had a window we didn’t want to cover. If desired, boards can extend to the ground. See the images below.

step 4.

Make a frame for the black acrylic privacy panels to be attached to: Use your 2x4s to create a frame for the black acrylic privacy panels to be attached to. Cut the top and bottom pieces first at 57 ¼”. Place these two pieces at the top and bottom (flush with the top fence board and flush with the last fence board attached on the bottom.) Attach with two 1 ¾” deck screws on the ends of the board, toenail the sides to secure the boards. Cut three 2×4 pieces at 44”. Place 2 of the 44” 2×4 pieces on each side, snug beside the 4x4s and attach with two 1 ¾ deck screws on each side, along with a toenail screw on the sides. Next, find the center, use a level to ensure the board is straight, and then attach the third 44” board by using two 1 ¾” deck screws on both ends and then toenail the sides again until secure. See the images below.

step 5.

Add the LED Strip lighting: Drill one small hole in the bottom inner corner of each frame for the cord of the strip lights to go through. Attach self-adhesive LED strip lights around the inner edges of the frame you just made. With a 65.5ft pack of LED lights, which is sold in two separate sections, I wrapped the
LED lighting around the inner edge of the frame three times. Run an extension cord behind the plant wall to plug in the strip lights, and tuck any cords up behind the project to hide them from sight. See the images below.

step 6.

Add blocking to the plant wall to support the hanging plant pots: The plant pots need something strong to hold on to, as they cannot hang off the black panels alone. We used six hanging wall pots and needed two rectangular pieces behind each pot to act as studs behind each pot. Cut the remaining 1 ½” 2×4 pieces into twelve 3” rectangles. Attach “stud pieces” with two 1 ¾” deck screws in places that align with the plant pots required in the placement desired. Get creative and design your own unique placement, or feel free to copy ours! See the images below.

step 7.

Attach the black acrylic privacy screens: Next up, the black panels! Using four 1 ¾” deck screws for each panel, attach the black panels to the frame at the top and bottom. See the images below.

step 8.

Attach the hooks to hold the plant pots: Take 12 metal flower pot clips and attach each clip with one 1 ¾” deck screw to the blocking behind the black panel. If the design pattern of the black acrylic panel doesn’t work out to lay directly in front of your hook, use a washer to shim out the space and attach your plant clip. If two hooks are required for each pot, use a level to ensure you are creating a straight line that your pot will hang upon. See the images below.

step 9.

Add the outer frame and top piece to finish off the look: Using a table saw cut 2 fence boards to 4” in width. Cut two pieces with a 45-degree angle using a metre saw at 58” and two pieces at 50 ½” to form a border around the black panels securing them in place and creating your trim work. Secure these to the plant wall with 1 ¾” deck screws. Cut one fence board at its original width at 64” in length to create the top and final piece of wood to the plant wall. Place on top and secure downwards with 1 ¾” deck screws. See the images below.

step 10.

Add the plants: For our plant wall, I went with all tropical plants that I could bring inside during the winter months. The plants I chose include different variations of pathos, prayer plants, snake plants, and other various tropical plants. To ensure these plants stay happy in the summer heat, and with my tendency to over-water, I chose to use Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control Potting Mix. This soil helps you protect your plants from over and under-watering! It absorbs 33% more water than your basic soil and releases it as the roots need it. It’s also nutrient-rich and contains a slow-release fertilizer within the soil to provide those essential nutrients to your plants over time. Moisture control Potting Mix also helps with airflow within the dirt, giving the roots the oxygen they need, which is essential for the plant’s development and vitality. See the images below.

step 11.

Add personal touches and details: I added a vinyl sticker featuring a quote about light from our favourite book series. I thought this quote suited the project as it lights up beautifully at night. 10 points to Gryffindor if you can recognize where this quote is from! I also added a metal flying key to add more whimsy and personalization to the project. For extra glowing magic, add fairy lights to each plant! See the
images below.

There you have it! That’s how you can build your very own plant wall. I hope you enjoyed our
tutorial. Please tag @PlantProjectCanada and @OnceUponaBungalow if you do create one too.
Find my family and me on all socials under the name “Once Upon a Bungalow.” Thank you to
Plant Project Canada for having us on the blog again, we loved creating this how-to! Check out
more images from this project below.

Happy Planting!

Xo Shavo

Follow Shavonne on Instagram and TikTok

#happycreating!

A transformation happened! Our backyard living space was completely changed. 

Initially, our goal was simple: build a deck to host family BBQs and birthday parties. But what we didn’t realize was how quickly we’d fall out of love with it. In just one year, the deck went from being our favourite lounge spot to a big, wooden pathway. This was especially tough for me since I had put my heart and soul into building that deck. 

I take a lot of pride in my property, so I needed to breathe some new life into my once-beloved deck. And then it hit me – we needed something natural to break up the straight lines and dead wood. I spend most of my time building gardens for people passing by my house, but I had neglected the space I built for my own family. So, one day, while topping up my porch planters with some Miracle-Gro® moisture control potting soil and Miracle-Gro® plant food, I had an idea. We needed planters to bring life and contrast to this barren wooden platform. Since our deck had no rails or border, we decided to create some planter benches for both functionality and beauty. 

Here’s my step-by-step guide on how to create your own planter benches. This project is designed to be modular, repeatable, and simple enough for even a beginner DIYer with minimal tools. We’ll walk through constructing two planters and one bench, but you can expand or reduce the project to fit your space. That’s the beauty of this design. 

The Full Build Walk-Through 

step 1.

Start by building the platform pieces. These are the most forgiving and a great introduction to the rest of the build. Turn the 2×4 components into a square by fastening the two 14.5” pieces inside the 17.5” pieces. Use 2 screws at each joint with pilot holes (implied for each joint moving forward). Ensure you’re fastening through the 17.5” piece into the 14.5” piece, creating a 90-degree angle. Attach the two deck board pieces to the top of the square and repeat. Set aside for later. [16x 2 ½“ screws & 16x 1 ½“ screws]

step 2.

Build 4 more squares. This will be the beginning of your planter. Fasten two 18” pieces and two 21” pieces to create a square, just like the platform square (longer cuts on the outside). Repeat 4 more times. [16x 2 ½“ screws per planter]

step 3.

Combine two squares from the previous step with four 16.5” upright pieces to create a box. Using the 4” framing screws, drill down through the 21” pieces into the 16.5” uprights, creating a 90-degree angle. Repeat until all 4 uprights are installed, creating your planter skeleton. Make 2 of these. [16x 4” framing screws per planter] 

step 4.

Measure 18” up from the bottom of the box for the bench height. This will be the top of your bench support. Fasten the bench support so the top of the 2×4 is at 18” from the ground. [4x 2 ½“ screws per planter]

step 5.

Create feet on the bottom side of the planter box to anchor it to the deck. Use 2×4’s of approximately 3” length and fasten them to the inside of the bottom square from the outside with 3 screws per foot. [12x 2 ½“ screws per planter] 

step 6.

Set your platform blocks. This makes the build customizable to plastic planter pots up to 18”. Measure 16.5” down from the top of the planter box. This ensures the 15” planters sit flush with the top of the box. Repeat on all 4 uprights. [8x 2 ½“ screws per planter]

step 7.

Now for the siding. This is when you feel like you’ve truly made something. I chose a miter joint, which might be more challenging but looks great. Set your top boards first, ensuring the inside of the miter joint is in line with the corner of your box. For beginners, make 4 more squares, fastening the deck boards to the box to form a square. Set your top boards first and move down, fastening all 16 deck boards. [64x 1 ½“ screws per planter] 

The hard part is done, and you’ve created 2 planters. Now, let’s move on to the bench. 

step 8.

Using two 17” pieces and six of the pieces cut to your desired length, ensure the boards are all showing the narrow side. Create a rectangle using the two 17” pieces and two of the length pieces, fastening through the 17” pieces. The remaining four length pieces should fit perfectly in this rectangle with equal spacing of a 2×4. [24x 2 ½“ screws]

step 9.

Mount the bench between your 2 planters using a level. Fasten the bench to the planters using the 4” framing screws from inside the planter through the bench support and into the 17” end pieces of the bench. Ensure the bench height matches the supports at 18”.

This project will add much-needed seating and plant life to your deck or patio. I hope you enjoyed the guide. Happy planting! 

Follow @brandonkoruna on Instagram and TikTok for more garden tips!  

#happycreating!

DIY planter boxes

Hello Everyone! My name is Shavonne and I’ve popped over to Plant Project Canada’s webpage
from Once Upon a Bungalow with instructions on how to build planter boxes with a stunning
blooming trellis archway. This is a great beginner woodworking project and the final result will
have you beaming with pride.

If you already have two planters that will work for this project and only want to build the
archway, scroll past the planter instructions to find the arch instructions. However, if you’re like
me and love a good DIY project, follow along with these instructions to build the planter boxes
too!

Here we go!

step 1.

Making the long sides of the planter box: Take 4 of the 35” fence boards and lay them out on a flat surface. Use clamps to press the four fence boards together for an even and taught placement. Place the 26” 2×2’s on either end of your 4 boards, with the top of the 2×2 flush with the top of your planter—the remaining length of the 2×2 will overhang. Use wood glue on the back of the legs. Use clamps to secure the legs in the right position before anchoring them with screws. Once the legs are in place, pre-drill holes and then use 1 ¾” deck screws to secure the legs. Find the center position using a tape measure, and place the 22” middle support using the same process of wood glue, clamps, pre-drilled holes, and screws. Repeat step one 4 times. See the images below.

step 2.

Attaching the short sides of the planter box: Lay one of the completed “long sides” on a flat surface to begin attaching the 24” fence boards to the 2×2 leg on the “long sides” assembled in step one. Attach these boards flush, use wood glue, pre-drill the holes, and then secure with 1 ¾” deck screws. Continue attaching until all four 24” pieces are attached. Once complete, attach the other completed “long side” to the other end of the 24” piece. Complete the box by adding the 4 remaining 24” pieces to the opposite end. Use a speed square to ensure all corners of the box are at a 90-degree angle. See the images below.

step 3.

Bottom supports: Measure 8 ½” over on the “long side” from each 2×2 leg. Attach the 22 ½” 2×2’s from the outside by using wood glue, pre-drilling, and then using 2” inch deck screws. The 22 ½” boards may have to be trimmed to fit in this space (That’s okay!). There will be another support between the legs of each of the “short sides” of the planter. The 20 ¼” 2×2’s should fit snuggly between the two legs. Use a pocket jig to pre-drill the holes to attach these, or toenail screw from the front side. See the images below.

step 4.

The planter’s bottom: Using the remaining 35” fence pieces, place one piece in the base of the planter box. Press these boards up against the sides until they are snug. Mark where the legs butt up against the fence piece. Mark these locations with a pencil on the fence piece. Measure the length that the leg protrudes into the box and measure this distance onto the fence piece. Use a Jig Saw to cut out these notches. There may be space between these boards, which is okay, as it will allow for drainage in the planter. See the images below.

*Note: Once I was at this stage of the build, I took the time to stain the planter box with an outdoor deck stain. I then painted the side trim pieces in black before attaching them to the planter boxes. * Tip: Having a friend with you helps speed up the process! See the images below.

step 5.

Side trim pieces: Attach the 26” side trim pieces using wood glue and 1 ¼” brand nails. Place the first trim piece on the “short side” flush with the edge. The piece should sit flush with the ground and flush with the top of your box. Then place another trim piece on the “long side” of the planter, glue, and then brad nail. Repeat this process on each corner of the garden box. Use wood filler to fill in all brad nail holes, sand, and then touch up paint. See the images below.

step 6.

Top trip pieces: Cut the 26” fence pieces with a 45-degree angle to frame the top of the garden boxes. Using wood glue and a brand nailer, attach each of the pieces, only after arranging all 4 pieces on the top to ensure an even trim for the top of the planter. Use wood filler to fill in all gaps and brad nail holes, sand, and then touch up the stain of the top trim. See the images below.

step 1.

Creating the supports: Cut 2×2’s at the desired height. 62” inches is the height of the supports shown in the image below. Stain or paint the supports to match the design cohesively. Attach supports to the 2×2 legs inside the planters using 1 ¾” deck screws. 3 screws in each support should be sufficient. See the images below.

step 2.

Adding the wire mesh: Measure the distance between the two supports. Using that measurement cut the wire mesh to size. Start below the trim of the planter box and attach the wire mesh to the supports using construction staples. Remember, the mesh doesn’t have to go all the way down into the box, it just has to begin at soil level.

step 3.

Light it up: Using solar lights, string the lights over the archway to create a stunning glowing effect in the early months of spring before the trellis fills in with your gorgeous climbing plants.

DIY planter boxes with arch trellis tips & tricks:

• Fill the planters with sticks, grass clippings, and leaves before adding the soil. This will naturally enrich the soil over time and it will take up space in each planter, costing less to fill.
• Use both Miracle-Gro Garden soil and potting soil. Using a 50:50 blend of these two soils will provide a lighter, more suitable mix for raised bed plants to thrive.
• Use Miracle-Gro Shake n’ feed to give your garden a boost and remember to fertilize every week as this makes all the difference.
  

I’m so honoured to be a guest on Plant Project Canada’s blog, and I look forward to seeing all of
the planters and trellises you create! Be sure to tag me in your creations. Thank you for stopping
by!

Xo Shavo

Follow Shavonne on Instagram and TikTok

#happycreating!

are you looking to spruce your outdoor space with a unique and creative garden? Look no further than creating your own vertical garden!

Vertical gardens are the perfect way for gardeners of all skill levels to create aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly backyard decor that brings an extra level of life, colour, texture and personal expression into any outdoor living area. Plus, they can provide fresh herbs, fruits, and veggies right in your kitchen. How cool is that?

choosing the perfect plants

With so many different plants to choose from, how do you know which ones are right for you? First, think about how much sunlight your space gets. Some plants, like succulents and ferns, are great with less light, while others, like herbs and veggies, crave that sweet sunshine. Before you get too carried away, decide if your garden will be indoor or outdoor. Also, consider the size and weight of your plants. If they’re big and heavy, they might need some extra support. It’s also essential to consider the aesthetic you want to bring to your garden. Do you want that lush, leafy look, or are you more into the sleek and modern vibe? Keep all this in mind before you dive into the world of vertical gardening.

nurturing and nourishing your vertical garden

Once you’ve got your plants, it’s time to pick the perfect soil. Our top recommendation? Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control Potting Mix – it’s jam-packed with all the essential nutrients your plants need to thrive. Bonus points for this potting soil because it helps to regulate the moisture in the soil, and protects your plants from over and under watering. Regular watering and pruning are vital to keeping those pesky diseases at bay and promoting healthy growth.

Speaking of watering, maintaining a vertical garden can be a challenge, but investing in a drip irrigation system is a game-changer. It ensures your plants get an even dose of hydration without one area getting drenched. Smart, right? Oh, and let’s not forget about lighting. If your wall is a bit shady, no worries! You can always go for plants that don’t need as much sunlight. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, supplement with some cool artificial light.

revitalizing the environment and your health

Vertical gardens are fantastic for so many reasons! First, they’re like superheroes for the environment because they absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air while giving us clean oxygen in return. Plus, they’re like magical noise blockers, shielding you from those noisy neighbours and giving you peace and quiet. But that’s not all! You’ll have your own organic produce parade with a vertical garden. Think about it – fresh yummy fruits and veggies, growing all within reach! And here’s the cherry on top: gardening is the ultimate stress reliever. So, when you add a vertical garden to your outdoor space, you’re not just taking care of your health and the planet but also putting a smile on your face. It’s a win-win!

Whether you have a tiny apartment or a spacious house, a vertical garden is a fantastic chance to bring joy to your outdoor space! Plus, you don’t need to break the bank. Many folks have been pleasantly surprised to discover that this seemingly intimidating project is totally doable! So, if you’re looking for some cool ideas to live a greener life, why not try a vertical garden? Trust me, it’s worth it!

#easypeasy

we all want a stunning garden, right? one awesome way to achieve this is by deadheading your flowers. 

If you’re not familiar with it, deadheading means snipping off the dead or faded blooms from your plants. It not only spruces up your garden, but also helps keep your plant babies healthy and blooming for longer. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about deadheading flowers, including why, when, and how to do it!   

when should you NOT deadhead flowers?   

At the start of the season, hold off on deadheading until the plant has produced a few seeds. This is most vital for plants that require their seed pods to produce new flowers in the following season, like lilies. Additionally, some plants, such as cosmos and zinnias, have a beautiful seed head that can add interest to your garden even after the blooms have faded.   

Certain flowers produce deadheads that contain seeds birds love to munch on. Flowers like aster, bee balm, black-eyed susans, coneflowers, false sunflowers, gayfeather, globe thistle, ligularia, pennisetum, sedum, and sunflowers are some examples. For these flowers, resist the urge to deadhead. Leave the deadheads as nature’s snack bar for our bird friends!  

comment étêter les fleurs 

Supprimer les têtes de fleurs mortes est un jeu d’enfant! C’est comme si vous donniez une petite coupe de cheveux à vos plantes, mais avec beaucoup moins de tracas. Voici comment procéder : 

1. Repérez la fleur morte ou fanée et faites vos adieux.
2. Repérez l’endroit où vous devez couper : au-dessus de la première série de belles feuilles ou de bourgeons et en dessous de la fleur morte.
3. Sortez votre beau sécateur ou vos ciseaux et commencez à couper! Attention aux bourgeons frais. 
4. Après avoir coupé les têtes mortes, donnez à vos plantes un peu de soin avec de l’eau et de la nourriture, pour aider vos fleurs à reprendre de la vigueur et à être encore plus belles. Pensez à utiliser un engrais comme l’Engrais pour Plantes Ultra Bloom Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘N Feed.
5. Enfin, rangez et désinfectez vos outils de taille avec de l’alcool à friction. Et voilà, c’est fait : votre jardin ressemblera à un paradis fleuri en un rien de temps!

So why not try deadheading your flowers? It’s not rocket science, and there are a variety of techniques you can try until you find what works for you. You might even find it to be a relaxing and enjoyable way to connect with your garden. Give it a go and get ready to show off your beautiful garden full of healthy plants and stunning blooms!  

#easypeasy