As a kid of the 1980’s, the era of music was diverse. In that decade, I found myself driving on my own for the first time during the summer days of the late 80’s. The car radio was usually blasting favorite tunes from Hysteria, and several other popular songs from that time. As a kid of the 80’s, and as Joann Jett would say, “I Love Rock and Roll”!
Using the music as my guide into this new blog entitled, Heavy Metal Project, I hope you will find it as an engaging and entertaining way to explore a recent gardening project that I completed earlier this Spring using repurposed materials and other supplies available from your local hardware store.
This blog post may not be what you are envisioning. So I’m going to “Jump” right into it. Sorry, Van Halen, simply couldn’t resist this one so here we go!
Welcome to the Jungle: Cleaning out the Garage
Our “Heavy Metal” story began a few months ago. We were cleaning up the garage a bit, and I came across a galvanized tub that I had totally forgotten about. Have you ever found something you bought and think to yourself … Why do I have this?? But in this case, the memory came back to me quickly, we had used it a few years back during a summer party as a “cooler” to hold canned drinks. The heavy metal tub had worked out well for the party but ultimately the tub had gotten placed on a shelf in the garage, totally forgotten. Ugh, decision time, how to repurpose this tub??? The “wheels” began to turn in my mind and I was “Back in Black” with an idea forged into my current to do list.
Living on A Prayer: From Idea to Action
As the garage clean out concluded, I found that I had two different size galvanized containers. I only needed one more to complete my collection. Three different tiered metal tubs would work. So, off I went with my goal in mind, and I found the third one to fit my working vision with ease inside the hardware store.
Sharp Dressed Man: Heavy Metal Lifters
Materials in hand, and two semi-willing fellas (B and Richard) to assist me with a bit of heavy lifting… I would need a large amount of potting soil hauled home. Once that was done, I would need a willing man to volunteer to drill several holes in the bottom of each metal container while I plotted out my plan for assembling the plants into the each section.
Kickstart My Heart: Working Up A Sweat
Plant shopping was finished, and I was also ready to transplant a few perennials from other areas of my garden that needed a new home. The collection of newly found plants and my perennial transplants would find a new, Home Sweet Home in my tiered planter soon! Meanwhile, my guys worked through drilling holes into my new tiered galvanized metal planters, and the heavy metal lifting was almost complete.
Round and Round: Galvanized Tiered Planter Comes Together
Knowing the potting soil in the middle would eventually make the top two tiers sag, I needed to install this “Sweet Child O’ Mine” correctly. Richard had a small stack of bricks left from an earlier project, so that was the best way to prevent the tiers from falling apart. The bricks were placed around the center of tub, added in potting soil, then finally the plants were added. My ultimate goal was to use mostly perennials, so the maintenance would be minimal going forward.
Rock You Like A Hurricane: Tiered Planter Completed
Bricks, soil, plants. Each of the following tiers were planted and watered in. Is it hurricane proof? Probably not, but it is a welcomed enhancement to my landscape. The overall look is a bit rustic, but I’m fine with that. It is a nice addition between our two garage doors. Morning is shaded, and my Heavy Metal tiered planter gets a bit more sunlight in the afternoon.
Is This Love… Galvanized Tiered Planter Review
The picture above was taken shortly after I finished this metal planter back in May. I was a little unsure how the plants would ultimately fair in the summer heat. But, I had intentionally installed perennials that were heat tolerant.
The hot days have definitely increased, and would I have enough drainage holes to keep the plants healthy and growing??? Time would tell and it has. The heat of the last couple weeks has been very telling and my results are conclusive. Success!!! My plants are thriving and growing nicely. The deer have stayed away from this mix of flowers and plants in “ The Still of the Night”.
Bang Your Head: Heavy Metal Dreams
My Heavy Metal Project dream is now realized and I’m ready to keep the newly planted flowers growing and well watered during the summer season. My desire is to enjoy them year after year. I hope y’all have enjoyed this lighthearted look at a fairly simple garden project that can easily be completed in a short period of time. Most of your needed materials can be found right inside your favorite hardware store! No headaches or head banging required.
If this blog post leaves you feeling like you need to go listen to your favorite 80’s tunes, “Turn Up the Radio”, and do it! Having a bit of musical fun while you work on your next DIY project is half the battle. Linked below are my favorite watering tips to help keep your plants happy and healthy this summer. Thank you again for reading and sharing my blog, I truly appreciate it!!!
The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 