A DIY plant stand made from a tomato cage that you use in the garden? Yup!
I know, it sounds strange. Stick with me though and let me explain.
A few weeks ago I went to the Kane County flea market, which is the mother of all flea markets around here. You can find just about anything there, from a vintage mail holder found in an old barn to plants to rusty giant letters. You name it, it’s there.
Anyway, I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, just enjoying walking up and down the aisles checking everything out, when I saw some vintage olive buckets. I’ve been wanting one but I’ve never seen them at the flea, so when I saw that this giant, rusty beauty was $55, I knew it was coming home with me.
I’ve been looking at smaller olive buckets on and off for quite a while. I always thought I would use it in the house somewhere, but, once I got this one home and saw how big it really was, I knew it would have to go on my deck with a beautiful Kimberly Queen fern. The only problem with it was that it needed a little height.
I was trying to figure how to get it up in the air when I saw the tomato cages that the hubs had just put in the garden to hold up the tomatoes.
I didn’t measure anything but as soon as I turned it upside down, I knew it would work. The hubs though, had some doubts. As he alway does when it comes to my projects.
To get the size I wanted I used a hacksaw to cut the 4 posts and the bottom ring off. 5 minutes and I had an official tomato cage plant stand.
Then I put my bucket in to check the fit and it was perfect, and surprisingly sturdy.
I liked the fit but I wanted to add just a bit of color to the cage. Spray paint in Hammered Bronze was the perfect choice.
It was just the touch it needed.
A little bit of drying time and I had a “new” plant stand for my vintage olive bucket. All I had to do was to add a fern and it was ready for a photo shoot.
I never knew I wanted one but now I can say that I love my DIY plant stand. A big bonus is that it goes perfect with my easy DIY garden markers.
Kristi
Too funny. I’m glad I could bring you up to speed on the ever popular olive bucket.
Thanks for stopping in. 🙂
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow
I just love Blog Land sometimes because I never knew there WAS such a thing as an olive bucket until reading your post! 🙂 This was a fun read 🙂
Kristi
Thanks so much Stacey! I think it was meant to be because the bucket fit perfectly. 🙂
Kristi
I appreciate it Rhonda, thanks!
Stacey
What a smart idea! Olive buckets are on my wish list. The Kimberly Queen ferns look so pretty in there.
Rhonda
Cool idea! 🙂
Kristi
Awww, thanks Cathy. I’m sure you could make them look great in your beautiful garden.
Cathy, 1929 Charmer Cottage
Seriously too clever….and I will be making a few for myself! thanks for sharing your creativeness!
Kristi
Awww, thanks Kim! The olive bucket is pretty awesome. 😉
Kristi
Thanks so much Tara!
Kristi
Actually, it is Brenda. That was my first concern but it seems pretty sturdy. I didn’t plant the fern in the bucket either, I just placed it in in it’s plastic pot.
Kristi
I’m really loving my ferns Michelle. Last year was the first time I’ve ever had one. They are so easy to care for and don’t shed. Thanks so much for stopping in.
Kristi
Thanks MJ. I’m still trying to figure out the best way to use the kettle. Happy weekend!
Kristi
Thanks Debbie! Oh my goodness Debbie, so funny. I was telling hubs, before you commented, that I should say that I’ve not grown man hands but I do have a male model. LOL Hubs won’t use my camera so he is stuck posing for pics.
Have a great weekend!
dkhalcomb2
First let me say that I hope that is not you cutting the tomato cage. Awful hairy arms and legs for a woman. LOL Love your plant stand. The bronze pain made it perfect.
Debbie
MaryJean
Great job! Love the tea kettle, too!
Michelle Mortensen
I love my olive bucket. It looks good with a fern (the way you have it), so I may go to the nursery and pick up a nice big fern this weekend.
Best,
Michelle from simplysantabarbara.blogspot.com
Kim
You are so creative and that olive bucket is just dreamy!! 🙂
Tara Riley
Hi Kristi, I hope that you are enjoying your summer.
Love the olive bucket!
Brenda
Great idea! Is it heavy enough that it won’t tip over? I love the purple “tunia” in the white tea kettle.