DIY Life

I don't know what it's like where you live, but every time the stores come out with something new for the garden, I start seeing the item popping up all over town. Soon enough, that unique new ornament is commonplace and a bit trite.

I can honestly say that I've never seen a "tipsy" flower pot tower, though; it looks like something I want to try in my garden. To put it together, you'll need:

• A tall, sturdy metal rod. (The instructions call for a 66" rod.)
• One 12" round clay pot.
• Four 10" clay pots.
• Potting soil.

The tower looks simple enough to assemble. Drive the rod into the ground, and thread the 12" pot onto the rod. Fill with soil. Then thread the 10"pots on, balancing each pot sturdily on the pot below. All that's left to do is to fill it with your favorite flowers.

I love the look of outdoor terra cotta pots and planters: a little bit rustic with a European flair, yet simple to blend in with your landscaping and house style. Sometimes, though, I wonder about embellishing them a little with some paint, just for fun.

Can it be done in a way that the elements will not destroy all of my hard work? The Artistic Garden says yes, and it is simpler than I thought. All you need are water-based acrylic paints. Why didn't I think of that? Painting terra cotta pots with craft store acrylic paints is recommended, and the article suggests that you really do not need specially formulated patio paint at all.

I was delightfully surprised to see that no sealers or top coats are needed. Since the paints are about a dollar for a two-ounce bottle at craft stores and they dry in about an hour, I cannot think of an easier project. Now, to decide on my design....

If you are looking for other ideas on how to spruce up your outside pots and planters, try Diane's spray paint makeover for plastic pots and Francesca's flower pot fun with the kids, using stencils and sponges.