My love for old kettles goes way back. First I created a kettle herb garden in them last year, and this year, they’re holding rock garden plants, thanks to my demo at the Hometalk Meetup / Out of Africa.
More on that soon! But know, it was fabulous!
It was a breezy, lovely day today, and felt a need to be outdoors. So my favourite little sidekick kitty cat followed me to the pallet walkway where we got busy.
Gardening is a LOT of work. Because of that, I do small sections at a time, but do them right. And such is the case with the pallet board walkway. Each board on the walkway got lifted, cleaned up, then replaced.
Year #3 and the boards still aren’t rotten! No idea how I lucked out like I did.
Can’t go having a garden photoshoot with bad flowerbed edges though!
Every spring I recut the flowerbed edges and mound the soil to clean things up. Edging those flower beds (how to HERE) truly is the icing on the cake where gardens are concerned. Just gotta do it.
I only got as far as you see here today… (I cheat for outdoor shoots just like I do for indoors)
So, ready for some pretty shots? Me too! That uncut edge stresses me out…
It was the PERFECT time to shoot these kettles.
Their tulip neighbours were in full bloom and ready to enhance their debut.
I was actually after succulents for the kettle gardens. But being that I couldn’t locate any, rock garden plants took their place. I ended up liking them even more!
Each kettle was filled with about 2 rock garden plants, but because they were new and not completely filled in yet, a few rocks, sticks and spanish moss also got thrown in for good measure. The added detail is just cool.
Aren’t they cute? I love the fact that they aren’t in the soil this year. Loving the elevation and the junky detail.
Just please don’t ask me the names of these plants. I have NO clue. I always throw out the labels and just enjoy the view.
This one had a tiny mound of moss. Adorable…
The twirly sticks are from a twirly branched bush/tree/plant/something or other we have. Too bad google didn’t like the ‘twirly twig’ description otherwise I’d tell you what that one is. Hopeless here…
As the plants grow larger, I’ll move them into the garden bed. But it’ll be fun to enjoy them in the kettles for now.
There! This little corner is done! Only 30,000 more little corners to go and we’ll be all set!
Good thing I like doing this…
Who else has a rock garden?
Back in the old days (late 70’s) I was young and starting my picking/collecting habit and I would find lots of old kettles like what you are showing here. They would usually have holes burned in the bottom, but
that was perfect for me to put flowers and plants in. Sure wish I had those old kettles today? ahhh, the memories.
Have a great day!
oh, sorry! Your garden and pics are awesome!
Your twirly twig is a Henry Lauder walking stick. Your garden is so pretty.
I love your teapots and their many uses…the “twirly” branch may be curly willow or curly birch….don’t know if either grows nearby. But if you google “curly” that’s more the official term, though you “twirly” is pretty descriptive, too.
Love what you did with the old kettles. I have one in my garden with a lid, now all I have to do it plant something in it. Thanks for the idea.
What an interesting way to use your collection of kettles! Do you sometimes have to replant what’s in them, or are you just starting with your rock garden?
Hey Noreen, yes, if the plants get to big, I definitely replant. And then just fill them up again with something small!
I love your kettle rock gardens!! I’m such a brown thumb I wonder if I could keep a rock garden alive. My dad just built a fountain with an old kettle, I bet you would love it!
Love the sound of this fountain! Rock garden plants are geared for drought conditions… perfect for the brown thumb types like me! haha
I am glad to know there is someone elsse who doesn’t save the names of the plants. I love the kettles. Do you have to put any holes in the bottom of the pots?
Karen H.
I generally do, Karen, but I didn’t in this case. I created them for a quick demo for a talk and ran out of time. But I still might!
What an awesome look – very cool! I only wish the snow would retreat so I could even SEE my garden. * sigh * Maybe mine will be green in July sometime…
Your garden is beautiful and I had to chuckle at the “don’t ask me the plant names” thing… so me! In all my years of gardening, I have yet to remember what the heck anything is called. I just look for sun/shade on the tag.
Exactly! And sometimes I even forget to look at that part. LOL
Love the rock garden in the kettles! Wish I had your gardening skills! Have a great week.
Leslie
WONderful idea!
These kettles are are like chameleons(sp)in the rock garden.
I know what I’ll be adding to our rock garden!
Wow, what a seriously unique thing to do with the kettles. Am half-tempted to try it in our garden!
I don’t have a rock garden, but I might soon! And I might be seeking out some coffee pots or tea kettles… Gardening can be tough, but it sure is fun.
Looks like you chose some Phlox and great Sedums! I love Sedums and Succulents. Most of them take the heat so well. For me, here in Texas, that’s very important. Love your kettle garden. So sweet.
Love the kettles!!!! I have a small collection that will work great in the garden bed I’m revamping this year..THANKS for th inspiration ♥♥♥♥♥!
One of these days I will proof read before I hit submit! Thanks for THE inspiration ♥♥♥♥♥
Haha Carol, I’m the same way! Just curious… are you able to edit your comments when you comment here? On my end it says everyone can but that may be because I’m the moderator. I want you to be able to too!
Love your clean edges! Beautiful work and a lovely garden bed!
Look at that the pretty colors. What a great idea to use kettles in the garden. I love it and I’m totally gonna use this idea since I cracked my pot last year.
Love the garden kettles..now the birds and the kettles are “whistling” a happy tune as they are so “happy” in the garden!!…
I seem to remember my grandma planting in an old kettle. Love the rock plants. I can’t believe you live in Canada and we live in Michigan. Your tulips are in full bloom and ours are barely popping out of the ground. The weather here has been crazy cold! I’m glad for you though. Your flower beds are lovely!
Hugs,
Deborah
It’s been a very cool and wet spring thus far here too Deborah. I personally think it’s a fluke that the tulips even decided to bloom this year!
The kettles look great! I’ve been saving kettles and tea pots to make a fountain..think I have enough to make it this spring..that’s if spring EVER comes to Southern Alberta! I also have a rock garden which has flat rock stairs to go up to my “Secret Garden”! Much easier than looking after flowers that burn in our HOT summer sun!
Hi,
I love the tea kettle idea and would like to try it myself in my own garden.
Just one question, did you poke holes in the bottom of the kettles for drainage? Oh, sorry, two questions — I don’t have any old kettles, if I go to a flea market to find some, I don’t want to pay too much so, what would you think is a good price for an old tea kettle?
Louise
Hey Louise, I didn’t this round but I could anytime. I still may. 🙂 All one would need to do is use a drill made for metal.
Hi Donna! I truly admire your creativity. I never thought using old kettles as substitute for pots. You are amazing! I love what you did and it’s really pretty. Also, I like all the photos in this post. Thanks for sharing! 😀
Happy to inspire, Lonnie! Thank-you!