Create a cascade of blooms

Instructions
Click here for instructions with images.

1. Lay out supplies in work area. Position elbow brackets about 20 cm (8 in) apart on fence or gate where you want the bottom of the planter to sit. Fasten with screws. The planter will eventually sit on these brackets. Drill a hole in the centre of the 6- x 12-in plywood bottom for drainage.

2. Align 6- x 12-in plywood bottom with 1 end of 1- x 4-ft plywood back to form an L shape. Nail in place with 3 nails.

3. Place stucco wire flat on ground, then cover wire with plastic sheet. Place plywood L on plastic with plywood bottom facing down. Bend wire and plastic up over plywood L so they overlap the back, side edges and bottom by 5 cm (2 in) only. Using staple gun, secure the bottom and side to form a pocket. Leave top open to fill.

4. Lean planter against gate or fence with pocket facing out. Insert tubing into centre of pocket lengthwise. Add 1 gallon of soilless mix. Cut small Xs in plastic, staggering them 5 cm apart. Insert 1 annual in each hole. Tamp soil. Continue as above until pocket is full. Fill in top with annuals. Place planter on elbow brackets and secure at top with wood screws.

Design sources
Garden designer, Jan Mather, Designer Gardens, Lacombe, Alta