Metal Wonders

6/12/08
By: Pamela Nobles

While there are many containers out there available for purchase for your special plants, there are probably some containers that many of you may have never considered that are right in your own back yard. That being said, I found one that really captured my attention. Being gifted with creativity in many areas, particularly with this container plant business I’m fascinated with any unusual items that might be used to place many of these plants in. Since I especially love my herbs I needed something special for them. After ardent convincing, my husband Glen approved of my wonderful idea so I began browsing through the barn where I soon found an old watering trough he had used for his livestock. This trough became my next experiment. My plan became a reality as I set out to gather pine cones from the adjacent lot next to the house. Several five gallon buckets, was what I planned to place in the bottom of this trough to hold the plants. Thinking this might work, I then proceeded to take the potting soil, which by the way turned out to take more than anticipated, filling it to roughly 5 inches below the top. With much anticipation and filled with adventurous thoughts, I was eager to see the end results. I began to place some of my herbs (Bee Balm, Oregano, Sage, Parsley and Orange Mint) in the prepared soil. With our hot summers and strong winds, the soil tends to become dryer requiring daily watering and that in itself can become tedious. Nevertheless, it was all quite rewarding. Then I began to notice the sinking of the soil and plants lower and lower until they finally dropped another 5 inches. I was initially very concerned. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with joy, His joy unspeakable and full of His Glory. Laughter began to bubble up out of my belly. It was literally tears of joy that filled my heart at that moment with an experiment I will never forget. It was merely the pine cones settling under the soil. So keep that in mind for your next plant project, when you choose such a large container, by using more pine cones then letting it settle after watering the soil before planting. I will continue next week with ideas for plants using metal objects. Until next time, may Grace and peace be multiplied to you. Pamela.