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    Home » Garden » Containers

    Summer Topsy Turvy Planter

    By: Jane · Updated: 23 Jun, '16 · This post may contain affiliate links · 9 Comments

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    Hi friends! I hope you are enjoying your summer as much as we are! Our granddaughters have been visiting and our days have been busy, but I thought I'd stop long enough to show you this summer's version of the topsy turvy planter. 

    Summer topsy turvy planter
    Topsy turvy galvanized bucket planter | cottage at the crossroads

    It's been over 3 years since we first created this planter, and a full tutorial on how to make one can be found in this post: TOPSY TURVY GALVANIZED BUCKETS. I've continued to plant it up season after season and always get many compliments on it. 

    Topsy turvy galvanized bucket planter | cottage at the crossroads

    Ever since I found the small oval topped table that you see in the above photo, I have kept the planter on our back deck. The oval topped table mimics the bottom oval galvanized bucket. 

    Summer topsy turvy planter | cottage at the crossroads

    So the topsy turvy planter is the first thing anyone sees when they walk up to the back door. All of our friends are "back door" friends which, in my opinion, are the best kind! 

    Wooden ladybug sign | cottage at the crossroads

    This year's version of the topsy turvy planter was inspired by this adorable wooden ladybug sign that my hairdresser gave me. You see, her daughter makes these and I had complimented my hairdresser on hers and she just happened to have another one in the shop that she handed to me. Both of us love to garden and know the benefits of those ladybugs. But besides that, aren't they just the cutest things?  I thought the ladybug needed something green to "land on" so I hot glued some moss to an old plastic frame. I don't have to worry about it getting wet because it's underneath the eave of the house. 

    Summer topsy turvy planter | cottage at the crossroads

    So the ladybug sign drove the decision of the choice of plants for the planter. In the top bucket, I put white vinca that does well in our heat and humidity here in South Carolina. 

    Galvanized bucket topsy turvy planter | cottage at the crossroads

    Several of the buckets were potted up with old fashioned red petunias and a few red salvia plants. 

    Million bells calibrachoa

    One of the buckets contains white calibrachoa, also known as "million bells." It's also a great performer in our heat, and I just love how it's spilling out of one of the containers. 

    Topsy turvy planter | cottage at the crossroads

    The asparagus ferns were planted in the topsy turvy planter last fall and came back this spring. They make great space fillers! 

    Sweet potato vine and shasta daises

    And the sweet potato vine was tucked in about a month ago and is now almost touching the deck! My hairdresser, Tip Bell, also gave me this Shasta daisy that you see on the deck. It's already been planted in the flower garden along with another one. Love me some daisies! 

    Ladybug garden ornament

    Another sweet ladybug tucked in among the plants carries out the summer theme. Did you notice that I put Spanish moss around the plants in the planter? Not only does it tidy up things, but it helps the plants retain moisture. 

    Topsy turvy planter-summer version | cottage at the crossroads

    This summer version of the topsy turvy planter may be my favorite version yet! Is it yours?

    Pin it!
    Summer topsy turvy planter | cottage at the crossroads

    I'll be back soon to share some projects that the granddaughters have been helping me with recently. In the meantime, enjoy every moment of your summertime! 

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    1. M. Goad

      December 28, 2019 at 7:06 am

      Can you tell me how you glued the buckets together, I love this.

      Reply
      • Jane Windham

        December 30, 2019 at 6:32 pm

        Here is the tutorial for making the topsy turvy planter
        https://cottageatthecrossroads.com/topsy-turvy-galvanized-buckets/

        Reply
    2. Jane

      June 28, 2016 at 12:58 pm

      Hi Jane, I just saw your original and loved it and so I headed over to see your page. Love this version as well...adorable!

      Reply
    3. Linda Sherman

      June 27, 2016 at 7:59 am

      That planter is so pretty and the lady bug adorable. I bet your yard and home is full of wonderful creations. Love your blog here.

      Reply
    4. Jean Windham

      June 24, 2016 at 12:28 pm

      Yes Jane I think this addition of the Topsy Turvey planter is my favorite. I am a big fan of lady bug decor. Love it.

      Reply
    5. Dolly

      June 24, 2016 at 9:56 am

      I look forward to seeing what you create and place in this wonderful Topsy Turvy Planter! Love this!

      Reply
    6. Jenna

      June 24, 2016 at 9:36 am

      You are the queen of the topsy turvy planters Jane, and this one is adorable!

      Reply
    7. Patty

      June 24, 2016 at 8:48 am

      Jane I love the plants you planted in your pots. I stuck with the petunias that spill over but I have all the other plants in my garden. Maybe next year.

      Reply
    8. Kim Nichols

      June 23, 2016 at 4:15 pm

      So cute, Jane!!

      Reply

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