Vintage Tool Box Turns Charming Planter
Today I’m sharing how I turned a vintage wooden tool box, into a charming, unique wood flower planter, that will soon be spilling over with Summer blooms. It’s a simple but pleasing shape, and would make a great DIY project too!
This old wood tool box just is sectioned off and for me, it screamed for flowers. I love that the owners name was stenciled onto the box, and I hope Homer doesn’t mind that something so essential to his job, is no getting a new lease on life.
I choose to think Homer had a sense of humor, and was a secret flower lover.
This project all started with my mother in law… she picked this up at some random yard sale we were at, and later decided to give it to for Mother’s Day.
That was her excuse for letting me have it.
I hated it and wanted nothing to do with it of course. Why on earth would I want a crusty old wood box? Just because she saw it before I did and bought it out from under me.
(hahaha)
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If you come across something similar, or DIY and repeat the shape:
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Make sure to drill some nice fat holes in the bottom for good drainage.
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Optional but recommended for optimal longevity: line the interior with plastic, or paint on a protective layer waterproof product like this [click here] affiliate
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Add some quality potting soil.
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Amend the soil. I always use Osmocote [find it here] when I planting new flowers, and have for years & years. I highly recommend it.
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TIP: While you want to handle your plants with care… don’t be afraid to pull those roots apart and get them ready to stretch out. Trust me, I always do this and my plants thrive!
I even remembered to wear some gloves. I am so bad about getting dirt positively ground into my hands! It’s hard, because I like to feel what I am doing… but I know my skin was better off!
This little guy even hung out with me for awhile.
I sure love to garden and I’m so happy when I am getting my hands in some garden soil!
This was my other helper… Bubbs. One half of our sibling pair of Maine Coons. They love when we are outside. (and my cats totally act like dogs!) They definitely don’t have that aloof thing going on.
He had a bad hematoma last year and had so many vet visits. Ultimately after some successful treatment his ear is a lil’ floppy now… but he survived!
Spring was very, very wet… and Summer was a little late in showing up (I was beginning to think that it might never come)! Finally, we are having a gorgeous Fall.
I expect to enjoy my flowers into mid October, later if I’m lucky.
Happy planting, xo Shannon
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Can I have your Mother in law and Homer’s tool box…please! I love it and if this makes you a bad blogger, then I am too! I post a lot of stuff from months ago. There I said it, nothing fresh about refresh! It’s awesome, love your fur baby, but I’m a chicken when it comes to frogs! My sister used to throw them at me when we were kids.
Debbie
Love the old toolbox planter. It has been so hot here not many blooms are standing up to the heat.
I see so much we have in common, except our age.
My daughter has a cat named “Butters” who had the same ear. He also had a hematoma that left his ear mangled. We say that is his boxer’s cauliflower ear.
You can take a look at him here:
http://savannahgranny.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-bed-for-kitty.html
They even pose similarly.
I look forward to visiting with you.
Blessings, Ginger
Well my dear it was well worth the wait! It is awesome. I know how you roll, in fact I remember you talking about this planter, and yes it may have even been longer than a month. Just sayin’!!~:) XO
I love it, you clever little chick! Such a great idea!
As far as your Qt goes, I would have screamed & closed up shop right then & there. What the heck kind of frog is that thing? Ick, ick, ick…terrified of frogs!
I have been looking for a big tool box I can afford for months. Yours is awesome! The planter idea is brilliant and who cares when you did the project? Very fun post. :o)
I love it, Shannon! Such a great idea for this tote. Bliss had a good idea for planting herbs in it.
turned out great. Aren’t you afraid of the wood rotting. fyi maybe some plastic liner before the soil.
I love your planter- I choose to think Homer would be amused,too…however, his son that was hoping to inherit the box might not be quite so happy!;>) xo Diana
Don’t lie, Shan. You know you drove to MN and stole it from Bliss! 😉 Love it! I need to find me an old tool box!
Love it! If Mrs. Hobbs reads your blog, she’s kicking herself about now with that lovely you’ve created with Mr. Hobbs’ tool box!
Hey, I told you lie lie lie through your teeth about when you did it!
~Bliss~
You are so funny. I am sure Mr Hobbs will forgive you. Maybe Mrs Hobbs does not blog. haha
🙂 How luvly.
That ain’t no little tote, you could plant a whole herb garden in that baby! Thank goodness for mother in laws with good taste.
~Bliss~
And the last photo of Bubbs with his floppy ear….. funny.
What a great idea!! I love it. My mom has a similar tool box. I’m going to have to convince her to do this. 🙂 Megan