I was inspired by a photo in my friend Gayla’s book (You Grow Girl) of a series of spray-painted coffee cans containing spider plants, mounted on a brick wall. I loved the uniform look of the cans and how you’d never even really think of coffee when you looked at them.
All winter I saved our coffee cans with a similar project in mind.
Graham spray-painted the cans for me (Tremclad’s “Wild Raspberry”).
I bought four different scented geraniums today at Richter’s and potted them up in plastic pots that would fit inside the cans.
I placed the cans on the front porch, and where necessary, placed a small plastic pot upside-down inside the can so the potted geranium would sit level with the top of the can.
I placed the potted geraniums in the cans, and spaced them out along the front of our porch. Done! (That one pot that is red and peeks above the rim of the can bugs me. I’ll have to repot that one.)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Are there any edibles that would fit in a coffee can?
Absolutely! Definitely some herbs…I’ve seen some beautiful shots of basils in a coffee can. Maybe some peppers. Just make sure you drill some holes in the bottom unless you’re going to put a plastic pot inside the coffee can, for drainage.
You could even put some pretty lettuces in one. Hmmm, might have to try that.
I am using this idea to decorate for a party. Paint the cans whatever color you will be using for the party, pot them with colorful cheap plants, use some cans as luminaries. Ofcourse painted the same color so it all matches. Wala. Instant party decor.
I always wanted to try this but wasn’t sure if the cans would rust or what (PS I drink a lot of coffee). I’m so glad to find out how easy it is to just put a plastic pot inside the coffee can… pure genius. I’m always looking for ways to make more planting space and this is going to make a lot more space for lettuce and herbs, especially the herbs i want to bring inside in the fall… thanks!