Plant-astic Transformations
by Northern Life
GIVING OLD ITEMS A BLOOMING NEW LIFE
Handcrafted furniture not only adds a personal touch to your outdoor space, it’s also affordable and often much more sustainable than store-bought pieces. With some creative ideas, it’s easy to make or upcycle small furniture pieces for a summery, boho vibe.
Create your favourite floral spot: Mediterranean DIY bench
A homemade bench, lush plants and carefully selected accessories transform a small balcony into a Mediterranean oasis of calm. The handmade flowering seating area consists of a board with two cut-outs resting on two planted tubs. The holes are the same size as the planters, allowing the geraniums and olive trees to grow freely.
Tip: Slots at the back of the board allow easy removal without damaging the olive trees.
Set the scene with vintage charm
Smaller pieces of furniture can be transformed in a few simple steps into stylish display items that are both sustainable and useful. Upcycled plant stands have a charming vintage feel. This craft idea is easy to make, even for beginners, with a galvanised flower pot, lamp stand and saucer – and waterproof spray paint of your choice!
Tip: Arrange several flower stands of different heights with matching geraniums next to each other.
Floating picnic table
This floating picnic table is sure to impress your guests. To make it yourself, simply drill four holes in a rectangular plank of wood and attach it to a straight branch in a tree with ropes. Hanging lanterns and vases filled with colourful cut geraniums create a lovely ambience around this unique garden table and are the perfect accompaniment to a summery buffet of fruit and cake.
Sitting Pretty
Transform old chairs into original display stands to show off your blooms. Simply cut round holes in the seats with a jigsaw. Adjust the size of the holes to allow your pots to hang at the desired height. Use waterproof spray paint matching the flowers for the ultimate statement pieces.
Blooming lovely table
A handmade garden table has a large built-in planter with plenty of room for lush, colourful geraniums. Simply saw a hole in the tabletop the size of the planter to be used. A rim on the planter ensures that it hangs securely.
Tip: To protect the surface under the table from damage, make sure the planter doesn’t have holes. A drainage layer, careful watering and a sheltered location will prevent the pots becoming waterlogged.
NorthernLife June/July/Aug 25
