Many of us worry about what is happening to our planet. What will be left for our children?
We can all help in our own ways; some little, some big. There is room for everyone to participate.
You can recycle cans, pick up that piece of trash you see as you are standing in line; Plant a tree. Grow your own vegetables. Use cloth bags at the grocery store instead of plastic. We all have heard of these things, and many of us try to do them.
I like to add to the Earth by recycling. As a recycled artist, I find great joy in repurposing items that would end up clogging our landfills and streams. They say what is one person's trash is another's treasure. I guess I just see things differently- I see the potential in what other people would throw away.
Today I would like to share with you a quick and easy way to make a recycled piece of garden art-Flower Pot Galoshes (Rain Boots). This would be a fun project for kids as well.
So let's get started! You will need a pair of galoshes. I chose children's galoshes because they have such bright colors and patterns. I found a cute pair at the thrift store for a dollar.
Once I got them home, I cleaned up the boots and removed the inner waterproof lining. I just yanked it right out (they are usually glued in). Once the lining has been removed, you will need to drill two holes in the soles. This will be for drainage. Be careful as the drill bit will have a tendency to slip and you don't want it to go through the side or into your finger!
Next, it is helpful to secure the two boots together, so that when you water they will not be constantly falling over. You can use small core flower wire and make a small set of holes on each boot on the inside top, facing the inside. Then wire both boots together so that the toes are turned out and it looks casual.
Next you will want to add some smaller rocks to the inside, such as gravel to the bottom layer. This will also make it bottom heavy and provide stabilization. On top of this add your potting soil, mixed with a little bit of cured manure. Add soil to about one inch from the top. This will leave room for your flowers.
When choosing plants for your galoshes, choose trailing and lower growing plants- such as ivy, lobelia, pansies, daisies, charlies. Then choose some taller ones such as marigolds, snapdragons. Fill in the sides with alyssum. Some other creative ideas would be a patriotic theme, with red, white and blue flowers; Match your house or room color and have flowers in that color scheme; Use all succulents; or a make a small herb garden planter.
Once you have your plants in, fill in the gaps with soil, and water thoroughly. You're done! Not only have you made a unique piece of recycled garden art, but you have helped keep a pair of galoshes out of the landfill. The Earth thanks you!
Sharon Bloom is an award-winning artist and the Editor of 'Share Our Garden', a free daily blog which offers readers the opportunity to share their garden, plus inspirations, gardening tips, recycled art projects, recipes and DYI crafts. You can sign up at http://www.shareourgarden.blogspot.com, and see beautiful photos of gardens from around the world, get wonderful recipes with photos and instructions, gardening tips and articles plus much much more.
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