DIY Network

The Dirt On Creative Containers Master gardener Kathy Hofmann offers suggestions for some garden containers you may not have thought of. From "The Dirt On..." episode DTDO-111

Master gardener Kathy Hofmann can't resist adding a little whimsy here and there in her own garden and she stopped by The Dirt On to show us a great way to incorporate something fun and functional to yours.

Ahmed Hassan with guest Kathy Hofmann

One of Kathy's more unconventional "container" plantings.

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Figure A

Which containers do you use indoors?

Lots of people use a kitchen windowsill to display plants so I like to look through the kitchen for inspiration. Colanders are perfect because they have such great drainage. There are holes all around them and they are even lifted up off the counter. Pack some sphagnum moss around the inside to hold the soil and then fill it up (figure A).

Teapots are another fun option. You'll have to work a little to make them work as a container though. Drill some holes in the bottom so the water will drain out, then set it on a tray filled with gravel. Herbs are a perfect plant choice for these containers too. Next time you're in the kitchen cooking, they'll be right within reach.

	Figure B
	Figure C

Which items do you use for containers outdoors?

Thrift-store items like owboy boots and purses (figure B) will only last a season but they're adorable. Drill holes in the bottom and the gap in the heel will raise it up to drain out. It's a tall, cylindrical container so annuals are a good choice for this because their roots won't have time to outgrow the container in one season. A cactus is also a great choice because it matches the theme. You will have to replant it next year though and make sure you use a cactus mix.

Planted purses are really cute containers to hang along a fence. It's another one that will only last a season though and you'll have to add drainage holes.

Soccer balls (figure C) are always popular with kids. Create drainage by drilling holes in the bottom and cut out a planting hole at the top. This won't hold up past one season so plant annuals in them. Marigolds are kid friendly because they're easy to grow and they're colorful. Top it off with marbles. They'll block out light and retain moisture just like any other mulch but they're much more fun. This same technique will work with a football or volleyball, whatever sport your kids love most.

	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G

Do you have any ideas for adults that are maybe still kids at heart?

A personal favorite is called a "Living Chair." You can actually plant low-growing herbs right in the seat of a chair from the thrift store. For that matter, you can even go as far as to plant an entire dining set. Here's how you do it:

• Remove the seat of the chair.

• Staple chicken wire around the edges where the seat used to be (figure D). Give it a little dip to create a bowl effect so it looks similar to a shallow hanging basket.

• Cover the chicken wire with a sphagnum moss (figure E).

• ImportantRead the label before you buy the moss to make sure it doesn't contain herbicides. The moss they sell in craft stores is usually treated with it and it'll kill your plants.

• Fill in the rest of the bowl with potting soil.

• Plant whatever you like on your chair. Low growing thyme and oregano work well because they grow along edge of seat and fill in pretty quickly (figures F and G).