Driftwood and Old Roots

by Jacki
(Grand Forks, B.C.)

Driftwood planter

I love using found objects for planters - the funkier the better. Nature provides the most unique and wonderful things to plant into, like this gorgeous driftwood slab or roots.

Of course, as there is very shallow soil, only the hardiest of drought smart plants will make it, so I chose several different Sempervivum from my collection.

If you're lucky enough to live near a river or a lake, or best of all, the ocean, keep an eye open for some driftwood that has possibilities as a planter. If you do happen to find a great piece that has been weathered and tossed around in salt water, make sure you rinse it off with plain water, or leave it un-planted for a while, as many plants dislike salt.

Comments for Driftwood and Old Roots

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Sep 02, 2010

Stumped!
by: Countrymouse

You're right Jacki,
You can't do better than using what Nature provides.
LOVE the planted driftwood - what a conversation starter.
I have an old stump that has supported a "colony" of sempervivums for a good 5 - 6 yrs. now. No soil at all, I guess they derive nourishment from the rotting wood? I leave it unprotected throughout our long, bitter, Canadian winters and it greets me green and happy in the spring... gotta love it!!

Mar 13, 2011

Sempervivum, and other hardy Characters
by: Jacki

Sempervivum are great, and renowned for their hardiness. They originate in high mountains, in very poor soil, and they only require good drainage to be totally happy.

Another good choice for these kinds of planters are Jovibarba - my first attempt at growing them gave me heart palpitations. I realized halfway through the winter that I had in my rush to get them planted put them in an old metal wheelbarrow, which ended up covered in snow, and frozen in the cold temperatures I get here - down to -25 Celsius.

Imagine my surprise, and pleasure, when they emerged in the spring, looking fresh and happy, with no side effects.

I think even Sempervivum would have been set back from that kind of treatment.

If you've never tried Jovibarba, think about ordering some to plant in difficult sites and planters, and ignore them for the best garden ever.

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