Project

All Dressed Up

The plastic pots that most garden shrubs come in aren’t so pretty, but transferring such big plants into new containers can be expensive and a pain in the back (literally). Instead, give them an upgrade by covering them with attractive and affordable materials: Adhere sheet moss to smaller pots or wrap wooden fencing around bigger pots.

Photography: Aaron Dyer

Source: Martha Stewart Living, June 2014

Introduction

Covering Pots with Moss or Fencing

Glue sheet moss to the pot exteriors using construction adhesive (such as Liquid Nails). To wrap pots with fencing, you’ll need three tools: garden loppers, wire cutters, and pliers.

Sources

Natural willow fencing, 3' by 10', $40, jamaligarden.com
Inside-wired black bamboo fencing, 1' by 6', $20, jamaligarden.com
Preserved sheet moss, $4 for 172 cu. in., joann.com

materials

Sheet moss

Plant pots

Construction adhesive

Fencing

Garden loppers

Wire cutters

Pliers

Willow

Bamboo

steps

Willow: Wrap fencing around pot, then mark where to cut. Cut willow stalks with loppers to adjust height. With wire cutters, snip wire to trim excess length, and use pliers to bend exposed wire into a hook; slide hook behind wire on other side to secure.
Bamboo: Look for 1-foot-tall edging that won’t need its height adjusted. Wrap it around the container; snip the wire with wire cutters to remove excess length. Use pliers to bend exposed wire into a hook; slide hook behind wire on other side to secure.