Thrift store find? It’s time for this month’s Thrift Store Decor Team projects! As always, they will be listed at the end of this post so be sure to check out all of the fabulous thrifty upcylced projects from my super talented friends.

Easy Way to Refresh Any Area

Two years ago we replaced our old deck . We’ve enjoyed using the deck but his year, we are finally getting around to finishing the patio area under the deck. While we have a few concrete projects planned, the area needs a quick fix to spruce up the area in the meantime. Of course, an easy and cost efficient way to immediately add character to a space is with plants!

A Garden Hanging Basket Staple

I had come across these wired garden hanging planters at the thrift store but you can also buy them new. I saw these at Home Depot.

You can buy just the coco liner replacement or the hanger with the liner.

Why buy new and spend money on planters when you can upcycle the planters that you have? I mean, that means you can use the funds you’ve saved to buy more plants? Right? Perfect logic.

I ordered some coconut liners from Amazon. Did you know, the sell it in rolls? I’ve seen the rounded liners and rectangular liners in various sizes. But what if you have a weird shaped planter, like these:

I actually have 4 of these beauties. When I had my second store, The Yellow Building, I bought them from a woman who worked for an interior designer. She said they were from Paris. They’ve been sitting and waiting for their chance to shine. I bought the rolls of coco liners for these planters. Stay tuned as this will be the next project up after my practice run today.

Make a Custom Coco Liner

Unroll the coco liner and spread it out flat. You can trace the form onto the liner with a sharpie and then cut the pieces, like a pattern. Or, if you are a combination of lazy and impatient, lay it over the wire form.

Use the form as a guide to cut the liner to size.

Then lay the liner along the planter and set the pieces into place.

You can use some twine to tack the liner into place. But I wouldn’t get to caught up in making the liner lay flat against the form. When you add the soil, the liner will fall into place.

Trim the tops to be even with the edges of the form but don’t worry too much about it being perfectly straight as your plants will spill over the edges and cover the liner thus hiding any imperfections. I’m all about smoke and mirrors.

Good quality potting soil can be expensive. It also can be very heavy, especially after you water the plants. Can you imagine how heavy this would be if filled with wet potting soil?
So I used some old pots as fillers. Then I simply plopped a round planter into the top. Voila!

Filling your Garden Hanging Planters

Have you heard the phrase spillers, thrillers and fillers? There are several variations of this phrase. But they all basically mean that you need 3 types of plants in your planters. You need a Thriller, or an anchor plant that has some height and will be your focal point. Then you need spillers that will fall over the edges. Lastly, you should add fillers which take up the space between the thrillers and fillers. I grabbed few from Home Depot. But don’t be alarmed, they were all on sale.

I found this Lemon Calypso which resembles a Mandeville. So this will definitely grow upward an can have some runners that will hang over the sides of the planter.

I also grabbed some Caladiums. This is not my normal planter plant so I decided to give it a try. I expect this to bush up a bit. So I can separate it and scatter around my garden.

Like I said, they make coco liner replacements to fit your standard shaped wired hangers. Standard sizes are round, half round and rectangle. They are definitely easier to work with as you simply drop them into the frame and you are ready to plant.

I had some coco grass leftover from a previous project to I just recycled this for my round planter instead of buying a new replacement.

I just set it in the bottom of the round wire hanger and spread it out until it fit all around the form. I did add a small plastic bag to the bottom to help hold extra water for the plants. Then I added the soil. After I added soil, I moved the liner around to cover any bare spots.

Use the following tips to fill any garden hanging planter.

Fill your liner about 3/4 full with soil. Don’t fill to the top because you will be adding your plants and it’s silly to fill it up and then remove soil. Work smarter, not harder.

Add your thriller or anchor plant.

Set your spillers into place.

Fill in the spaces.

Add one plant at a time and before you know it, your liner will be full.

Remember that it will take a week or two for the plants to acclimate and begin to thrive. They will grow bigger and continue to fill the planter.

Adding Little Details

While scouting out the coco liner availability at my local stores (Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes), I found this great little sign at Dollar General for only $5! So she came home with me.

I hung the round planter with the chair from a bracket that I attached to the side of the deck.

I will probably be checking it everyday waiting for the plants to plump up and spread out…a literal watched pot! The waiting!!!

And here is the half round garden hanging planter with the custom coco liner.

It really brightens the area.

And my $5 sign…

The area is coming along nicely. Can’t wait to add more garden hanging planters!

Here is a sneak peek of one of the Paris planters in progress…

Is it wrong to want to spend all day in the garden?

Rope Wrapped Hanging Basket

High Top Table Makeover

Thrift Store Candle Holder Makeover

Refresh Dated Art

Turn A File Cabinet Into a Planter

Fixing Up a $5 Broken Side Table

DIY Garden Hanging Planters

Conceal Your Hose with This Simple Flower Pot Hack

The post DIY Garden Hanging Planters appeared first on Shop at Blu.

What a great time for the Thrift Store Décor Team to provide a special edition featuring SUCCULENTS!  Each team member is providing a new succulent post along with links to other fabulous succulent posts.  Be sure to check out the links posted at the end of this project.

My shabby rustic loving heart found this beauty a few years back. So this is what I started with. From the moment I saw her I knew she would hold lovely succulents!

I have developed a nice variety in my succulent garden.

Some are planted directly in the ground.

But most are in pots scattered around the deck, patio, driveway and pool area.

Year Round Succulent Garden

An added bonus of gardening in the south is that, in mild winters, you can leave your succulents outside.  Every now and then we get an unusually cold winter with extra instances where the temperature drops below freezing. When this occurs, a greater percentage of my succulent garden does not recover.  But in general, most of my succulents winter well and double to triple in number each year. My first tip for a successful succulent garden is always move your succulents indoors when there is a threat of frost. This will ensure that your succulents survive the winter. In the north, of course, you MUST move your succulents indoors for the winter.

Here are some photos of the succulents in March. In this first photo, you can hardly even tell that this is a mini succulent garden!

In my hurried excitement to pre-emptively welcome spring, I once again planted way too early resulting in the demise of these poor zinnias. If you look closely, you can see that tiny little succulent rolling its eyes at me as I do this every year. The bright green tiny succulent at the front looks so sad and lonely. There are a few more tiny pops of green to the left.

Here is the same pot just this week .

The dead zinnias are replaced by a single red geranium and a successful attempt to grow a few replacement zinnias from seed. But you can see how vibrantly the succulents grow when the weather warms.

I will be adding some colorful additions in the empty spaces, probably some pink and white geraniums or zinnias. Our front stoop gets full Alabama summer sun all day long. There are only a handful of plants that will survive that heat. So far, only zinnias, portulacas, wax leaf begonias, geraniums and select succulents survive. If you have any suggestions, I am all ears.

Another Succulent Garden

I had another galvanized chicken feeder.

So I added succulents to her too! I left room for them to grow.

This should be gorgeous in a month or so.

Tips to Perk Up A Succulent Garden in the Spring

Succulents will double to triple their winter size. During the winter, they are just trying to survive. When the warm weather arrives, they awake and begin vigorous growth. Since they can grow very quickly, I thin my succulents out by spreading one plant among three new pots. Take this one for instance.

The poor plant is root bound. When I lifted it out of the pot, it was very difficult to separate the individual roots and plants.

They had expanded so much that they ran out of room and were very tightly crammed in the pot.

Use your spade to cut the entire plant into halves or thirds. Gently loosen the roots and then place each separate plant into a new pot with fresh soil. The plants will thrive!

I divide many of my succulents and simply pop them into other pots as fillers and spillers. The succulents that aren’t rootbound are very easy to split. Just plant them into some soil and they will grow.

I added these hens and chicks to a hanging planter that needed some filler. And I added a few to this pot of petunias that I planted last month. I usually fill my pots in stages. I see what remains from last season and add new annuals for color.

Once the new additions have settled, I fill in with succulents or more colorful annuals. I’m in stage two right now…filling in with succulents. I am always sure to add succulents that will trail over the edges of the planter. It will take a month or so, but soon they will be spilling out of the pots.

Did you know that many succulents will root themselves? I often find pieces of succulents laying next to my pots.

I poke a hole in some soil with my finger and push the stem into the hole. Pat the soil around the base of the stem and in a week or so the piece will root and being to grow as a new plant.

Spiller and Fillers

I planted some annuals into two hanging scale bases back in April after the last frost.

Here’s what one looked like earlier this week.

I waited until this week to add some of the succulents to the edges of the planter. This allowed the plants to settle and grow a bit.

The added succulents will expand and add fullness.

Maintain Your Succulent Gardern

Give your succulents some attention when they have experienced growth. Move them to a bigger pot or divide one plant into several smaller plants. Before you know it, you will have so many succulents that you will be compelled gift some to unsuspecting future succulent lovers.

Here are some other important tips to remember:

• Allow proper drainage in your planters. Succulents like to be moist but not overly wet.
• Succulent gardens like full sun most of the day. Succulents do well in shade also but they thrive in the sunlight.
• Separate succulents often and replant in new pots with room for the plant to grow.
• Water your succulents generously. The full sun will dry the soil so water frequently to try to keep the soil somewhat moist. Don’t worry though as succulents are quite hearty and can go days without water.

Propagate Succulents

Did you know succulents are easy to propagate from a single leaf?

Simple pull off a leave and place it on a window sill in bright direct sunlight. After a few days you will see roots beginning to grow on the bottom of the leaf and new growth on the top. After a week or so, place the leave with the roots down into some soil. It will continue to grow.

There is something about planting succulents in unlikely vessels that simply make my heart happy.  A unique and unexpected planter adds to the beauty of the succulent.

You can see some of my favorite past planters by clicking on the following photos.

I have a collection of pots “waiting” for succulents.  There will be more succulent posts soon!

Thrift Store Decor Team Succulents

Here are the before photos of The Thrift Store Decor Team succulent projects. Click on each link below the photo to see the projects! Be sure to comment if you see something you love.

Bird Bath With Artificial Succulents Petticoat Junktion

Unique Succulent Planter Ideas  My Repurposed Life

Succulent Garden Decor and Tips Shop At Blu

Succulent Hanger in a Wicker Wall Pocket Sadie Seasongoods

Mop Bucket Succulent Planters Organized Clutter

Succulent Planter Made From A Wood Pallet My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

The post Succulent Garden Decor and Tips appeared first on Shop at Blu.

This project makes me especially happy because I am not spending a penny on it. I am using tin cans from my recycle bin, plants from my garden and paint that I already have on hand. I’m sure you will agree that fabulous projects are that much better when they are completely free!

Here is what I started with:

I’ve been working on a few projects for a special post about Recycling with my friends on the Thrift Store Decor Team. That post will go live later this week. But I am using some of the cans, that were repurposed for that project, in today’s project. So how about that for multi-purpose, refresh and renew?? The tri-facta!

I was pondering how to “smash the cans” and, as usual, the solution was so much simpler that it was in my mind. Here are the steps:

How to SMASH a Can for Tin Can Wall Pocket Planters

Grab a can. Remove the labels and glue and clean it thoroughly.

• Use a can opener to remove the bottom of the can. Now you should have a can with neither a top nor a bottom.
• Squeeze the can slightly in the middle so it will lay flat on the floor. Place it on the floor.
• Use your foot to squish or crush one end of the can.
• Flip the can over and squish or crush the other side of the can in the same place
• Seal bottom of can as desired (see below for details)
• Make holes for a hanger of screw to some wood

After you crush the bottom of your can, you can apply some all purpose glue ( like E6000 or gorilla glue) to the metal and clamp it together to keep the bottom tightly closed.

For my project, I wanted to allow drainage for the plants that would be inside so I left the bottom as is.

Decorate your tin can wall pocket planter however you like. I used vibrant colors and made some random quirky designs. If you are using your planter outside, be sure to use an exterior spray paint or to seal your paint with a top coat to withstand the outdoor elements. I used Black Dog Salvage Furniture Paint which was designed for a variety of materials and surfaces.

Be sure to check out the fabulous colors on the BDSFP website and use my affiliate link for 20% off by clicking on the photo below:

Remember to Seal Your Tin Can Wall Pocket Planter

The colors are absolutely fabulous and the coverage is exceptional. I used BDSFP’s marine grade outdoor sealer, Crab Coat. These tin can wall pocket planters will probably outlast the pressure treated post on which they are mounted. That’s how great this sealer is!

Hang Your Planter

I am mounting my tin can wall pockets on this post in the middle of my yard.

I staggered the cans around the post and attached each can to the wooden with one screw in the middle of the back of the can…

And just two screws across the bottom of the front of the can to allow the planter to drain.

Fill Your Tin Can Wall Pocket Planter

Once attached to the pole, I filled them with potting soil and my choice of plants.

I had some morning glories coming up already from last year’s seeds so I grabbed a few of those along with some succulents from my yard to fill in the tin can wall pocket planters.

I added more plants until the planter looked full. Remember that the plants will expand and grow and you can continue to add or remove plants as desired.

I also embellished the designs on the planters after they were mounted onto the pole. Sometimes I’m anxious to get to it and I overlook some of the details. It’s ok though, I’m good at playing catch up! I just used ramdon brush strokes, my fingers, and some bright paint.

I expect the morning glories to really take over and cascade beautifully down the post. I will be sure to post pictures as the plants mature.

Check back tomorrow for a special edition of the Thrift Store Decor Team projects as we share creative projects completed with items from our recycle bins!!!

The post Tin Can Wall Pocket Planters appeared first on Shop at Blu.

First, a little history. When I started doing antique and vintage shows back in 2016, it was right in the middle of the Fixer Upper craze. Fiddle leaf figs were the coveted live decor plant for farmhouse homes. At the Vintage Market Days of Mobile, there was a vendor selling the trees. So of course, I bought two!

I brought them home and watered them sparingly for a month or so before I forgot for a few weeks. The result was that I lost one of the trees to my own neglect. I vowed to protect the other. I did ok. Of course, we lost a few leaves from time to time from over and under watering. But she is still alive today. My goal is still to make her again as beautiful as the day I brought her home.

Sometime last year, I noticed that the shape of my fiddle leaf fig tree was quite wonky. There was one long shoot veering off in one direction. I thought that propagating a few of the stems would 1-help regain the lovely shape of the tree and 2-provide another tree for another room! So I gave it a try!

Steps to Propagating a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

I had heard that you could either insert it into some soil or put it in water to root. I’ve had great success rooting gardenias in water so I decided to give that method a try.

I selected the top portion of a healthy sterm no more than 3 leaves. This ensured that the new cutting would not expend too much energy in keeping too many leaves healthy. Rather, the energy is directed toward root growth.

I cut off the top section of a small branch with sharp scissors and simply set it into a jar filled with tap water. I set it near a window that received good steady light but not direct light. If you are propagating directly into a dirt filled pot, some people will dip the cutting into a rooting hormone which promotes growth.

I checked the water level weekly and in a few weeks there were new roots!

I waited until there were many roots and transplanted her to a pot. The process was simple. Just set her into her new pot and set her in a spot that gets good light throughout the day.

Here she is today.

Do you see the wrinkling at the end of the leaf on the right and the brown edge of the bottom leaf? These are signs of under watering. I still have to be a bit more attentive to my plant but she is doing well despite my occasional neglect.

I haven’t moved her from this location and she continued to slowly grow additional leaves. I believe if I move her to a window with more light, she will grow more quickly. I also need to polish up those leave and keep them dust free. But, I’m happy with the slow and steady growth.

An Alternative to Live Plants

I recognize that all people are not plant people. So here are some options that are sure to succeed…faux plants! Like live plants, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit your space precisely.

Here is the link to my Amazon shop where I link all of my favorite garden plants including some Fiddle Leaf Figs:

Shop At Blu Amazon Shop

So, if you love your plants and want to have them in every room but don’t want to incur the expense of buying so many new plant…propagate them!

The post Happy National Tree Day! appeared first on Shop at Blu.

If you are visiting from Rich and Donna’s An Organized Season, welcome!  I’m so glad you are here!  Our Flowers, Porches and Gardens Blog Hop links are shared at the end of this post!  Leslie at Feet Under My Table is the next stop on the hop.  Leslie shares the best recipes and feel good stories!  Be sure to let her know that I sent you!  

As I type this post, it is 90 degrees in Alabama.  Yes, 90 at the beginning of May.  We are in for a sweltering summer my friends.

Our entry gets full Alabama sun all day long everyday of the year.  So summer is brutal!   This severely limits what I can keep alive at my entry.  This year, I am using some beauties that will be moved to the patio area under our new deck as the temperature climbs.  

Two years ago, I added these rosemary bushes beside the front steps.  The one on the right was beside a large bush that we just cut down.   It is growing asymmetrically to the left so I dug her up and moved her to the right.  I will probably move these to the back yard.  But for now, they are more symmetrical. You can read about how I learned to use my new Ryobi battery operated chain saw  and trimmed up around the yard HERE.  

What to Plant in Full Sun

There for a while, I would only buy geraniums and begonias and portulacas because nothing else can withstand the scorching sun and heat.  But this year, I am using some alternatives up until early summer.  Then I will switch to the proven sun tolerant plants.

Choose a Pleasant Color Pattern

When we replaced our front door unit, I immediately painted the exterior of the front door a vibrant teal.  I still love it.  So this season, I am selecting flowers that compliment that door in the colors of mostly white and pink with a splash of yellow.   

This is my haul from an impromptu visit to the clearance section at Lowes garden center.  Score!

Sections on the Front Stoop

Two years ago I installed a few hooks to display hanging ferns at the front door.  This year, I hung one petunia basket, a strawberry plant and of course one fern.  I’m pretty sure I can keep these alive through June when the heat really begins to swelter!  At that point these will be relocated beneath the deck to the shady patio.

To the right of the door, I added the petunias in my favorite vintage bucket.  They were a bit wilted, which is why they were on clearance.  But after a few days of the extra watering, they should be perk right up.   I also added some succulents from the yard which helped fill up the bucket.

I added some more petunias and some portulacas, which the most sun tolerant plants I’ve ever purchased!  And you can’t beat their colors when they bloom.  Deadhead them and you will have glorious vibrant colors all summer.  These even return from year to year for me here in the south. 

To the left of the door, more petunias.  I transplanted these into an old watering can.  Perfect!  I will continue to water these twice a day to rejuvenate the plant.  She will be plump and glorious in a day or so.

Some height was needed  so I grabbed some lemongrass , again from the back garden.  This will keep the mosquitoes away.  You know my mantra…use what you have!  Well, unless you hit the jackpot at the Lowe’s garden clearance shelves!

More portulacas and some salvia from the back yard make a sweet display.  Once these settle and soak up some extra water, the color should be phenomenal.  I promise to post some updated photos over next few weeks as these plants settle in and really thrive.  

This is what we are starting with and I see the potential.  

Vacation Time

As I finish this post, I am jumping into the van and heading to cation Time Myrtle beach S.C. for a week long vacay with family including #2 and her wife, #3, # 5, my SIL and her Daughter and her wonderful family!  #1 and his family were coming until they expectedly sold their home and immediately found another.  Too much going on right now for them to head to the beach.  #4 is in charge of the family pets and this lovely front porch/stoop while we are gone.  Sadly, she couldn’t get the time off so that means 2 things…1-my benefit as she can check on Mia, Tinkerbell, Tofu and Mochi and 2- need to plan another family beach trip closer to home like Gulf Shores.  Such a horrid task, planning a beach vacation…right?? 

Thanks for stopping by!  And remember to check the clearance garden area at Lowe’s!

Flowers, Porches and Gardens Blog Hop

I am sharing this post as part of our Flowers, Porches and Gardens spring porch blog hop with some wonderfully creative blogger friends.  Be sure to visit their posts for some inspiration and spring joy!  Thanks to Cindy at Cloches and Lavender for hosting!  

 

RENAE at Peacock Ridge

 

SUSAN at Hen and Horse Design

 

AMY at Amy Sadler Designs

 

CINDY at Cloches & Lavender

CRYSTAL at Sweet Valley Acres

KIMBERLY at From Farmhouse to Florida

TAMMY at White Lilac Farmhouse

The post Spring Porch Decor appeared first on Shop at Blu.

We are lucky to have mature trees in our yard.  When our house was built, the original owner grabbed trees from the local woods and planted them on the property.  When we first moved in, 20 years ago, our yard was the only one in the neighborhood with trees offering some privacy in the yard.  Over the years, these trees have thrived.  The pine trees are enormous!  Here is a photo of the back yard from last summer with all of the trees in full bloom.

Read about the Vintage Bicycle Upcycle HERE.

Last year, we noticed that some of the topsoil in the yard was washing away when heavy rains occurred.  The lack of sun to the grass is partially responsible.  In the photo above, this is the area that is shaded beneath the trees.  The tree canopy is so thick that the grass no longer gets proper sun.  So it has died off, leading to the washing away of the top soil.  You can see all of the bare spots in the photos below.

There are three areas in the yard and one area in the front yard that need attention.  It is time for some tree trimming!  Let the sun shine in!

Ryobi to the Rescue

I reached out to my favorite tool vendor, Ryobi (pronounced REE-OH-BEE).  Ryobi kindly sent me their 40V Brushless 18″ chainsaw and an 18V One+ 8″ Cultivator kit which contained both the  Garden tiller and the Edger.  These were the perfect tools for shaping up the yard.  This post highlights the chainsaw.  I will be highlighting the Cultivator kit next as we prep our vegetable garden and flower beds.

You might know Ryobi from seeing their neon green tools at the Home Depot.  Ryobi is know for their cordless battery operated power and yard tools.  They have a variety of battery sizes, the newest being their 80V tools coming soon.  There are 260 tools that are part of the ONE+ line.  I am amazed at the power of the 40V line.  You can see their entire selection at ryobitools.com.

My first experience with Ryobi was at the Haven Conference in 2014.  Ryobi was a sponsor and I believe they have sponsored Haven, my favorite DIY and Blogging conference, ever since.  I’ve been building my supply of Ryobi tools since my first Haven when I won a cordless drill!  I’m obsessed with their battery operated tools.  All cordless, the Airstrike nailer, Airstrike stapler, caulk gun, power light, glue gun, rotary cutter, string trimmer, heat gun, jigsaw are a few of my favorites and I’m sure I’m missing a few.  If you are a home owner, a new DIY’er or and experienced craftsperson, Ryobi has something for you!

Last year, I purchased a Ryobi pole saw.  This enabled me to trim the lowest lying branches around the yard.  And this did help.  But I needed to make some serious reduction to the middle branches.  My plan is to completely top off most of the trees in the back yard and one large tree in the front yard.  The massive pine trees in the middle are probably 75 feet tall.  Given this height and the size of the trunks, we will leave these mature pine trees for the professionals sometime in the future.  The other trees are also tall but branches are much thinner.  I will trim what I can with my Ryobi tools and perhaps rent a lift of some sort so that I can safely use the chain to trim the higher branches.

Here is the back yard as photographed in early March, post winter and pre spring.  Just look at the size of those pine trees in the center.

Here is a closer look at the bare areas beneath the trees.  You can see the exposed roots.  I walk our dog back here so this is a potential tripping hazard for me on any given day but especially in the fall when leaves are covering the ground.

The first area of attention is the area surrounding shed.  Here is a before photo of the area.

I started by trimming the lowest branches with my Ryobi pole saw.  This tool extends to 9.5 feet and is quite effective on trimming smaller branches and limbs.  Always take caution not to stand directly under the limb while cutting so that you are not struck with the falling limb.  

For larger limbs, I used my new Ryobi 18″ chain saw.  Since many of these trees are quite tall, I had to carefully assess the drop line so as not to damage any fences or other property.  I was able to trim this tree by the shed easily.  I used these lower limbs to familiarize myself with this new saw. 

There is a potential of the tool lurching with a chainsaw so it is critical that you have proper footing and are comfortable with the tool.  I learned this while reading the user’s manual.  ALWAYS READ THE USER’S MANUAL AND FOLLOW MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING YOUR POWER TOOLS. 

I cut a few lower branches and spent some time cutting those into manageable lengths for disposal.  This was great practice.  One tip I can offer is this…power tools can be dangerous and you must feel comfortable with the tool.  So practice and familiarize yourself with the tool options, speed, and operation, and all safety precautions as noted in the manual.

 The power of the 18″ chain saw is substantially greater that the pole saw.  It cut through 8″ limbs so easily.  Before using the powerful chain saw, watch some videos on safety and again, practice, practice, practice.  

The video below shows limb trimming with the full extension on the pole saw followed by cutting the fallen limbs for curbside placement.

I used the pole saw and the chain saw to trim every branch that I could reach comfortably.  It is important NOT to reach with these tools.  I was able to access some lower branches from the roof of the shed.  The roof was sturdy and provided adequate footing.  Resist the temptation to stretch beyond your comfortable reach with your tools.  Such leads to instability and improper foot placement which can both lead to accidents.  Safety first!

We will access all of the higher branches via a professional lift that we will rent later in the season.  For now, however, the sun is shining on much of the yard and we are anxious for the grass to grow.  

Before and After

AREA #1

You can see how we removed all of the lower branches on this single pine tree.  The sun now hits the grass and we should see new grass very soon!

AREA #2

I removed a good bit of the lower lying branches.  This dramatically reduces the shade from the branches and leave on the grass.  

AREA #3

And this is probably the most dramatic change so far.  I removed all of the lower branches.  The sun hits the full grass area now!  I will trim the top later when we have secured the rental lift.  I don’t want to be on a 40 foot ladder using a powerful chain saw!  Again, safety first!

AREA #4

These trees are so loaded with leaves during the summer!  I’m so glad I trimmed these up in early spring!  Can you imagine the weight of those limbs full of leaves?  

We still have alot of tree trimming to finish so stay tuned for updates!  I will also post photos as the grass grows back into the current bare spots so make sure to check my Instagram and Facebook posts frequently.

And a huge thank you to Ryobi!  They really are the best!  

The post Trimming Trees with Ryobi Tools appeared first on Shop at Blu.

The beauty of a garden is that it is personal!  You can do what you want with your garden!  So why not put a personal spin on it?  How about using some vintage beauties in your garden?  Or what about a fairy garden?  At the end of this post are some great projects for National Gardening Day compliments of three of my talented blogger friends. 

Add a Little Vintage

Our new deck is stained and the furniture in place (until I rethink this for the one hundredth time)!  Time to upcycle some of my favorite vintage items to put my stamp on this space! Do you remember this guy?  He was one of the first items on the deck back in July when it was newly constructed.  I think he needs an update.  Do you agree?  

I am all about using your favorite things to decorate.  Who said you need to use all of those favorite things indoors?  Let’s update this vintage dump truck for our new garden deck!   Just grab some plants from your yard!  You know my mantra…use what you have to decorate!  Add to it when you can.  But, start now with what you have!  You will amaze yourself. 

What’s in YOUR Garden?

I grabbed plants from around the yard that are just starting to awaken along with spring.

And of course, succulents!

You simply use a small garden shovel to dig up some of these beauties from around your garden and transplant them into an interesting vessel.  Like the enamel pan above or a vintage toy truck. Or a vintage aluminum coffee pot. Or place fresh cuttings into a mason jar.  Simply plop them into a new container of your choice.  The odder, the better!  And vintage is always good!

A New Look for an Old Truck

I went a little LARGE with the height on these plants.  But this truck is super cool so she deserves some BIG bling!

Isn’t she refreshing?  And she is so ready to shine.   I’m joining a few friends for a Spring Garden hop in honor of National Gardening Day.  Let’s see what they are up to!

Enjoy even more gardening ideas to celebrate #NationalGardeningDay

Michelle from Our Crafty Mom shares an adorable Indoor Fairy Garden.

Gail from My Repurposed Life works her magic to create a Fairy Garden Tree Stump.

Carlene from Organized Clutter shares a beautiful Thrifted Wooden Tote to Summer Garden.

Suzanne from Shop at Blu shows us some creative Upcycles for Your Spring Garden.

Enjoy even more gardening ideas to celebrate #NationalGardeningDay!

The post Upcycled Vintage for Your Spring Garden! appeared first on Shop at Blu.

Spring has really teased us with a few 70 degree days here in Alabama this week.  But the cold weather back will be back for the weekend. I did take advantage of the beautiful weather over the last week.  Here are 10 things I did just this week to get my yard ready for spring

I am joining 12 friends in a pre-mature celebration of Spring! We are sending you warm and nurturing vibes to get through the month of March as we make our way to Easter.

Thanks to Carol from Blue Sky At Home for organizing this fun little hop and serving, once again, as our hostess! If you are joining me from Laura’s blog at Everyday Edits, welcome! I love a good tiered feature with some vibrant color in the kitchen, or anywhere! I am so glad you are here!

At the end of this post, you will find all 12 links to some beautiful spring happiness! Be sure to visit each of my talented friends for some inspo! Perhaps we can hurry Spring along!

Let’s get on with my tips for prepping your garden for spring!

If we are talking spring prep, I am starting in the yard!

1-Trim Low Hanging Branches

 We have some mature trees on our property that we failed to trim over the years.  The limbs began to block the sun from reaching the grass in certain areas.  Consequently, the grass had died off in these areas.  Our back yard has a slight slope so when it rained, the water just ran over the dirt and washed away some of the top soil.  We hired someone last year to trim upper branches. But I can maintain the lower branches that i hat I can reach from the ground. Keeping those tree shaped ensures that you have beautiful grass below the canopy.

My Ryobi Pole Saw extends to 9.5 feet so I am able to get many of these lower branches. 

I have a full size chain saw but I like to make sure Mr. Blu or V ( child #5) is around when I am using that tool. But his pole saw, I am comfortable using any time, I’ve become a wiz with this handy Ryobi tool.

Smaller limbs that are under 2″ in diameter are easy to trim.  It is just a matter of placing the blade on the limb and pushing the trigger.  Larger limbs require a few more safety precautions in addition to the obvious of:

1. Keep your personal limbs, digits, and body parts away from the blade.
2. Only trim branches of the recommended size for your tool.
3. Follow manufacturer’s recommended instructions.
4. Position your self correctly to stay clear of falling limbs.

Limb Trimming Methods:

1. Make a small undercut of about 1/4″-1″, depending on the limb size, about 1-2 feet from where the limb meets the tree base.
2. Place your blade on the top side of the limb about 12″ from the undercut going toward the end of the branch and away from the trunk.  This prevents damage to the bark.
3. Make your 3rd cut closer to the trunk where the branch transitions from bumpy to smooth.

The best tutorial I found is from my friend Chelsea at Today’s Homeowner.  She does a great job of explaining how proper pruning techniques are critical to the longevity of your tree by ensuring optimal healing of the cut area.  Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and follow strict safety guidelines when using any type of tool.

While the weather is not ready for me to work in the yard every day, I can trim a few trees here and  there to help get the yard ready for spring.

2-Plan Window Box Planters

I love a good window box.  All of these planters from my store, The Blue Building Antiques, which closed in 2019. 

I plan to hang these around my newly built deck.  But there are quite a few so I want to make sure they are placed tastefully.  

In preparing to plant, I researched coconut liners.  Whew!  They can be quite expensive.  I finally found some alternatives on Amazon.

I did find these reasonably priced round coconut liners in store at Walmart for $4.97!  And online for $3.97

I also found a 60″ liner at Walmart.com for $3.97.  Great buy!

How about buying a sheet of coconut liner and form fitting each planter?  This comes in 15″ x 40″ or 80″ roll.  I ordered the 80″ to start.  40″ roll basically costs the price of one basket liner at Home Depot.  I should get 2 liners out of the one roll.

I’ve used coco liners to upcycle these thrift store hanging planters in the past.

I will get the boxes ready with liners and soil and then the fun begins in selecting the right sun tolerant plants.

3-Trim Stray Limbs from Bushes, Shrubs, and Small Trees

We have quite a few bushes in our front garden beds and in the pool area.  By spring, they all need some attention to trim stray growth and tidy up their appearance.  During spring and summer, active growth season, we tend to trim these every 2 months or so.  But at the beginning of spring, we do an more aggressive trimming.  This seems to promote new growth.

This includes reshaping boxwoods.  I bought these great topiary sheers last year. 

I use them to shape my boxwoods which I bought quite small but they are growing nicely.  Every few months, I devote about 30 minutes to shaping the bushes.

4-Plan a Garden Around the Mailbox

Our yard gets full direct Alabama sun all day long.  In years past I would buy colorful and lovely annuals only to watch them be scorched to death.  This year I’m not going to fool myself into thinking that I will drag the hose or tote a watering can every day to the mailbox garden when June arrives.  So I am planning a more thoughtful and water tolerant garden for this area.  Thus far, I have purchased a few snap dragons.  Not only are the snaps heat tolerant, but in Alabama, they usually come back the next year.  Double win!  Here is the mailbox area:

Last year I spread the ever heat tolerant and impossible to kill Spiderwort around the yard.  They have a vibrant purple flower and are super easy to grow.  Aren’t the purple blooms pretty?

But they are extremely invasive and I am ready to thin them out dramatically.  They will be coming out of the front garden this year.  I might keep a few but they literally take over and I am completely over them!  I consider them more of a weed.

The circled areas below are all spiderwort. Every spring I remove two thirds of the spider wort in the yard.

5-Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control to Lawn

I am lucky to have a weed control service who does this for me but this is critical to keeping weeds at bay.  It’s almost too late here in Alabama but grass is just starting to green up so there is still some time.  You can apply a good pre-emergent weed killer with a larger rolling broadcast spreader or a hand held spreader. 

I used a hand held unit for spreading ant bait and pest killer.  It’s great for smaller areas.  It’s perfect for inside our fenced pool area, to which I did dispense the pre-emergent this week.  And in researching for this post, I found that Ryobi now makes a hand spreader!  

In the past, I have used this pre-emergent weed killer from Home Depot.

My understanding is that the pre-emergent does not contain any fertilizer.  It simply stops the formation of new root cells in baby weed plants without affecting roots of established grass and plants. 

6-Use Topsoil to Even the Lawn

Our home is about 30 years old but the soil seems to settle a little more each year.  I like to have some topsoil on hand to fill ruts and sinking areas in the yard.  I simply fill the holes and the grass normally grows over the top soil within 2-4 weeks.  Can you see the dips in the lawn?

For larger sinking spots, I have used a razor knife to score the grass into a sheet and pull back the layer of grass with a shovel. I spread some topsoil to level the ground and replace the grass.  It’s much easier just to spread some top soil as long as you don’t mind the bare spots on the lawn until the grass grows through. But adding soil beneath the grass eliminates the soil patches.  Either way works. The digging is a little more time consuming than simply spreading top soil over the sunken areas.

Here are the spots with top soil added.  

7-Freshen the Flower Beds 

I started to weed the front garden against our house.  This will take another session or two.  I have to do it in stages.  I simply block out sections of 5 and do one section at a time.  Many of the plants need to be thinned out.  Like these daffodils who are way overcrowded!  I thin them out each spring and scatter them to new places around our property.

While I can still tell the daffodils from the spiderwort and lilies, I will split those spiderwort from the bulbs and discard those pesty invaders. 

It’s also nice to refresh your mulch each spring too!  There is nothing like the smell and look of a freshly mulched garden.  I usually add a few bags each spring.  But this year, I will do the entire front garden areas.  Home Depot usually has their much on sale for 4 bags for $10 for several weeks in the spring.  I just saw that sale begin so I will grab some this weekend.

As you can see, our garden beds needs mulch!!!  And weeding and refreshing!  I will be very busy out there soon.

While it may be a little too cool to actually do your planting, it’s a great idea to have the beds ready for that first glorious perfect spring day. This ensures that when I drive by Home Depot or Lowes and see those beautiful colors of the array of spring plants I can grab a few and get them right into the ground.

8-Perform Maintenance on Tools and Equipment

A pre-spring check up of all lawn and garden equipment and tools is a great idea.  Here is a small list of items to check:

1. Put that riding mower in for maintenance before everyone gets theirs out for the first cut and realize they have issues.  Sharpen your blade. Change oil and fuel.  Buy additive.
2. Sharpen blades and edges on trimmers, pruners, lobbers, etc.  
3. Replace any filters on equipment.
4. Check tire pressure and condition.
5. Ensure your motorized equipment starts smoothly. 
6. Check the pool filter and condition of liners, steps, etc.

These items are a good place to start!  While these are just a few suggestions, I’m sure you could add 50 other tasks to this list.  Here are some more projects that are on my list for spring:

9-Stock Up on Supplies for My Next Spring Projects

Once the weather is consistently above 60 degrees I have a few larger outdoor projects to tackle.  When I saw the associated products on sale this week, I grabbed them. 

10-Pressure Wash the Walkway

My Ryobi pressure washer is the perfect size for small projects and beginners.   Every 3 years or so, the walkway from the driveway to our entry need a refresh. It’s that third year so this is on my project list. Once the weather is consistently warmer, I will use it to pressure wash the house.  I purchase a $10 jug of Zep pressure washing solution to make the driveway process go more quickly.  

11-Pressure Wash Driveway

We have been in our home for 20 years!  And you can tell from the driveway.  This will be a big project with my current Ryobi pressure washer.  I will most likely invest in a larger unit that works a bit more quickly and has more power.  But, it is a great unit for small projects. 

12-Clean the House Siding

Two years ago is the last time I pressure washed the exterior vinyl siding on our house.  One side of our home is shaded by trees so the sun does not hit that wall and there tends to be algae and mildew on the siding.  This product was phenomenal.  It simply attaches to your hose. I made one spray application and let it sit for about 15 minutes before a final rinse.  I would say 95% of the green mildew was removed in this fashion.  There were a few more stubborn spots.  For these, I simply made a second application and that did the trick.

So I bought some 30 Seconds for this season and I’m ready for the perfect day to get the hose out and de-moss the siding!

13-Sprinkle Spring Indoors

With all of the gorgeous spring flowers beginning to thrive, I decided to take advantage of their beauty. n It’s still too early to plant in the outside gardens as we will still have a few frosty mornings. But these glorious colors are hard to resist. So I appeased that urge and grabbed some for indoors.

 I have a nice collection of vintage items so I used some to decorate my home.  This post, 5 Simple Ways to Add Spring to Your Decor, jump started my spring decorating and I just can’t seem to stop!

These upcoming outdoor projects will keep my busy for the next few weeks.  Let me know…what have you done so far to get ready for spring! Any special projects on the planner?

Below are all of the links to my creative friends’ spring posts. If you are visiting in order, your next stop is Make Everyday an Event where Annmarie is sharing her sweet Easter bunny wreath that she made from boxwood wreaths. LOVE THIS!

Be sure to leave a comment on each blog letting the creator know what you liked! We love your comments and suggestions. And we appreciate your support. So, if you like what you see, please pin!

Happy ALMOST Spring!

NOTE: There were some link issues with the links below. I am working on this!

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The post 10 Things I Did this Week to Get Yard Ready for Spring! appeared first on Shop at Blu.

Quikrete has been a sponsor of my favorite DIY Conference, the Haven Conference, for as long as I can remember.  This year I finally decided to grab a bag of concrete and enter One Bag Wonder Contest.  Basically, you create something with just one bag of Quikcrete concrete mix.  There are several categories including Novice, Intermediate, or Expert.  I am definitely a novice.  This is my first concrete project ever.

The Plan

We recently replaced our deck.  As we slowly create our perfect outdoor space, we have much potential for garden decor both on the deck and in the new under deck patio area which is surrounded by a garden (in process).  I’ve seen many pictures and videos of avid gardeners using concrete to mold leaf bird baths and other creations.  My main inspiration came when I saw this photo of a childhood friend’s leaf project.   Thanks to Karen Stankovics in Philly!

So I decided to give it a try.

Though I would love to create a huge leaf from one of my giant elephant ears, I thought smaller leaves would be more suitable as this is my first concrete project.  I can always tackle bigger projects should this one go smoothly.

So the plan was to make 4-6 casts of small to mid sized elephant ears.  While I would love to create a water fountain, with my novice skills I decided to use the smaller vessels as watering stations throughout the garden.  We have many birds and several hummingbirds who live in our yard.  These small leaf vessels could be scattered around the garden as a water source.

First I covered a work surface with plastic.  I used a space in the garage so that the leaves could dry without the threat of rain. 

Per the videos I watched, I used sand to build a mound on which to place the leaf.  The mound serves to hold the bowl shape of the leave when the concrete is poured on top.  The mound of sand basically ensures that the leaf does not dry flat or get crushed by the heavy concrete.

My husband has used concrete before, so he helped me mix the concrete.  We used about 1/4 of the bag of concrete mix and simply dumped it into a bucket.  We added water and mixed slowly adding more water in small increments.  You want a consistency that is firm but not watery.  

I built a mound for each leaf, placed the leaf “up” side down on the sand.  Make sure there is sand under every side edge of your leaf.  Repeat for each leaf. 

Slowly add your concrete onto the leaf.  We started by pouring concrete onto the leaf and ended by using a small shovel or trough to smooth the concrete over the leaf.  

This being my first time using concrete, I was worried that the edges would be too thin and would crack or break off.  So I made sure there was about a 3/4 to 1′ inch layer around the edges.  

This is the second batch of concrete we mixed and it was a little on the thin side.  It still worked but the first batch was not as loose.

I also saw videos where people added hardware into the concrete on the back of the leaf to secure a hanger or stand for the leaf.  Again, I decided to stay simple with this project until I build my skill level and confidence.

After smoothing the concrete over the leaves, I allowed the forms to dry for 24 hours. 

Then, I carefully flipped each leaf over and began peeling the leaf off of the actual concrete.  

I was amazed at the veining detail! 

I used a stiff wire brush to remove the leaf remnants and excess sand. 

I will have to research pouring techniques a little bit more in order to ensure very smooth edges.  All of my leaves have a bit of a concrete rim around the edges.  This is acceptable as they will hold some water.

The final step is to seal the concrete.  You can paint or add stain if you like.  For now I am leaving them as is.  Once we get some color under the deck I will probably paint these. 

I’m pleasantly surprised at how well these turned out.  I will be planning other similar projects for the spring.  Who knows, maybe that fountain will become a reality!

I made enough of these that they can be scattered around the garden in the spring.  

As with any new skill, I will need to practice a bit more to get the edges just right.  I don’t mind the thicker rim but I would like it to be consistent around the entire piece.  I get to do this again!  And I need a grinder to finish those edges.  Let me know any tips you might have!

The post How to make concrete garden decor – Quikcrete One Bag Wonder Challenge appeared first on Shop at Blu.

I am sharing this post along with some friends for a Spring Time Celebrations Blog Hop. A very special shout out to Carol from Bluesky At Home who is hosting our hop today. Carol is so gracious in organizing these events so that we can all share our holiday love. If you are hopping over from Annemarie’s blog, Make Every Day An Event, welcome! I know you enjoyed all of the fabulous inspiration before you arrived here.

Let’s Get to the Succulents

One of the best things about succulents is that they propagate quickly.  Mine have even doubled in number over one season.  In most cases, you just break of a piece and tuck it into some dirt.  Shortly you will see new growth.  Grab those new babies and expand your collection of succulent planters!

Our succulent shoes were hands down the most commented upon displays at our store!  Who doesn’t love shoes and who doesn’t love succulents??!!!

Creative Planters for Succulents

I love to plant in all sorts of odd containers…the rustier, the better!  Here is a collection of my favorite succulent planters from years past at The Blue Building!

Years later, I’m still using that same vintage bicycle to hold my succulents. But she does look a little different now!

Succulents are the perfect plant for beginning gardeners because, well quite frankly, they are difficult to kill.  Water them sparingly and they will thrive.  Here in Alabama, they multiply quickly as well.

Tips for Planting Succulents

EASY STEPS TO PLANTING SUCCULENTS:

• Select a vessel or container (or pot or shoe or can or vase).
• Make a hole for proper drainage (it’s critical that the water does not pool)
• Put some soil in your container.
• Fill the container with succulents.
• Water and allow to dry between watering.
• Enjoy your succulents!

Here is a link to a post where I give you step by step instructions in detail.

You can buy succulents online if your local garden center does not have them in stock.  I am including affiliate links below.  However, most garden centers, including Lowe’s and Walmart will stock up on these in spring.

Check your Walmart now! I found these last weekend and they do not replenish once this spring supply is gone…

Grab some succulents and get going!  Spring is just around the corner!

As promised, here are all of the spring projects from my talented friends. Be sure to comment on which is your favorite! I’m having trouble selecting just one!

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