Whilst listening to Dolly Parton's gig through the back window (live from Glastonbury via my TV), I made this quick prototype/maquette Plant Holder, entitled Dolly P, of course! I'll continue to develop the object, but for now I thought I'd share the fundamental idea with you and maybe you'll get inspired to make your own version!
Instructions below, after a brief intro to how this came about...
I was on my way to the recycling bin, as usual, just outside the front of the house, when I realised that I throw away so many of these milk cartons and 'PING!', I had an idea.
I will make a few of these plant holders and hang them around the neighbourhood! 'Brighten it up, like..!'.
Where I live, we have litter and dumped rubbish all over the place. I'm sure some people set off from their homes with rubbish and litter as if it's and errand that is being carried out. They take their rubbish, including big stuff like broken furniture, mattresses, piles of clothes and anything one can think of, and dump it in the first available slot. Then, (I'm visualising this theory..) they walk off, satisfied, and a piece of rubbish lighter, to carry out the rest of the daily routine.
These ghosts in our community not only litter out streets, but take up our valuable time, when we report and clear and even pick it up at times when we can't stand looking at the mess any more. Some people have rubbish piling up in their very front gardens. This is where they walk in and out every day, looking at (or ignoring or simply not 'seeing') it as if it is ok and normal. Other people's rubbish in those other people's gardens cannot be reported successfully by other people, it seems, as it's private property.
INSTRUCTIONS Dolly P plant holder
Cut a hole around the top, making sure to keep the handle intact (you need this for hanging from later) of a milk carton - all sizes will work, this is the large size.
Cut four small holes in the bottom (for water to flow through into the drip / drainage tray *) and place a piece of small holed chicken wire or netting or similar (I used the bottom of an old plant pot the type you get with plants you buy in the garden centre, the plastic cheap kind with ready made drainage holes in the bottom) at the bottom of the inside of the carton to allow exess water to drain. You may want to put a couple if pieces of lightweight terracotta chippings or stones to make drainage even better.
Then fill with earth and plants. You mighty want to cut into the carton/side of carton more, maybe a couple of small holes for pretty flowers to poke out of, or strawberries, maybe. I might try that on the next (more developed ) version.
Add a drip/drainage tray, into which you cut 4 holes in each corner. Carefully secure garden wire or similar to attach the tray to the main carton. Tie the wire from the tray to the carton handle.
Pls note: Make sure to allow space between carton and tray as you need to have space for the water to drain and for you to empty the tray with ease. Try to level the tray as much as possible with the carton, it will look better and work better too. Add a 'hook' or wire to tie around a hook in the wall or suspend several at different heights. That would be most effective.
Select the plants with care, tough and colourful seasonal plants will wotk best and make sure they are cheap and cheerful. No need to spend lots of money, like with everything else, the key is your eye for detail, imagination and creative approach.
You can add decorative effects to the carton, I'll leave that up to you. I prefer the plain version and the plants and flowers once they settle and really start growing, will be lovely. Then again.. as I write this, I might get some small cheap solar lights to stick I into the carton too - for that evening ambience, you know what I mean. That added extra. Voila!
Water thoroughly and hang somewhere suitable, preferably in the dark, litter filled and neglected areas of your neighbourhood (if you have these! If not, go find some!!). Thieves are less likely to steal the holder (although no guarantee the flowers will be there when you go to water it! Maybe cacti..!) as it is not to 'everyone's taste'. But even if they do get taken down or 'disappear', it is the thought that counts; the activity that is carried out for a good cause, for improving the spaces we inhabit. It will also act as a reminder of what it could be like in the neglected and forgotten spaces if people just tried a little harder.
Many people do care and make small projects like this all over the world, that's inspiring.
Enjoy!
💁
