Terrific Tuesdays: Garden Markers
Happy Tuesday Lemonheads! Today I have a fun new project that I think you will really like – garden markers. You know those wonderful markers that help you keep your plants straight? I have made some out of a broken terra cotta pot…A broken pot you say? Yes!
My supply list:
- terra cotta pot (cleaned and dried)
- hammer
- metal stakes
- handyman’s glue
- acrylic outdoor paint
- paint brush
- rub on letters
- acrylic sealant (I used a matte finish)
First I took an old pot that was about to fall apart and well, helped it. I smashed it on my garage floor and then used a hammer to create shapes that would work for my markers. (This is a nice exercise if you have a bit of aggression you need to work out – Check it out! A two-in-one Terrific Tuesdays!)
Then I took metal stakes (.5′ -1.5′ works well depending on your pot – I had to cut my down a bit with a hacksaw), and attached them to the shards of the pot with a handyman’s adhesive. You can find this in the paint area of your local discount store. Then I let them dry overnight.
Once the adhesive dried, I took outdoor acrylic paint that I found in the craft area of my discount store, and painted stripes on the pot. Make sure to finish the back for a cohesive look.
Here is a handy tip: Stick your markers in a potted plant while the paint is drying.
Once the paint dried, I took rub on letters and spelled out what I wanted to mark. I really like being able to personalized the markers, ’cause I can rarely find a marker for “Lemon Thyme” which is one of my all time favorite herbs.
Then once the letters were adhered, I gave it a light shot of acrylic spray for a little staying power.
I think they turned out really cute! I can’t wait to use them with the herb garden I am going to plant next week…Stay tuned!
©2010 Purple Lemon Designs
Very cute! I can see other uses for the pot shards…a “welcome sign” at the front door maybe.
Thanks Melanie! You are reading my mind…Stay tuned!
I’m trying to start a little garden this spring too. This weird cold spell is putting a damper on things a bit. What do you use lemon thyme for?
Hi Linds…Thanks for commenting! This cold snap has put a damper on things…I use dried lemon thyme, kosher salt, freshly ground pepper and olive oil to coat potatoes cut like chips. Then I use a cookie sheet and overlap the chips lining them up on the sheet as I go. Then I pop them in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes for a great side dish…They are yummy!
Oh I love this! I’m working on an outdoor/gardening roundup, this is perfect. Yay for spring projects!
Yay! Thanks Rach!
[...] your plants with the fun garden markers that we made last [...]
Pure brillance. It’s a bit of a joke in my garden. I am always trying new plant markers and I’ve yet to find any that have lasted. My latest was painted rocks. Lovely until this little grasshopper… also known as my youngest grandbaby… decided to make a pile of pretty rocks! Sigh… Anyway, I ADORE your plant markers. I save all my broken pots… no need for a hammer here… and I plan to make this a weekend project. Thanks a heap!
Now you are making me blush Kimara! Good luck with the project!
[...] container Plants (I used two 4″ plants) ribbon moss planter marker (made according to these directions) dry floral foam various adds on (butterflies, nests, birds) wreath door [...]
Just wanted to let you know I’ll be linking to you today. I don’t usually link to other sites since I do all my own tutorials, but I so loved this project, and your tutorial was so good, I couldn’t improve on it. Thanks again!
So cute, what a great idea for all those pots that get broken, thanks!
Thanks Christy! I had lots of broken pots too!
What a cute idea! Mine never seem to hold up but the terra cotta option is definitely more weather resistant. I’ll have to try it. Thanks for the great tutorial!