Old is new again when you recycle it with pretty plants

1 Acalypha wilkesiana, also called "copper plant"

1 Ruby Frost coreopsis

Using an antique double-sink washtub, Beverly Hamrick creates a flowing floral display that is sure to stop traffic. When you work with any container, always use a good quality potting mix, not garden soil because it's too heavy.

"I used the Fafard Complete Container Mix potting soil because it has time-released fertilizers and soil-moist crystals for water retention in it so you don't have to water quite as much," says Beverly.

"The wash tub was perfect since it had a drain hole in both sides and no drilling was necessary."

To make it: So the washtub is not permanently planted, Beverly inserts 3 large soft-plastic pots into each side, and uses potting mix to partially fill them.

Carefully removing each plant from its pot, rootball intact, she places the tallest plants (blood grass and coreopsis) in the center of each sink, slightly toward the back. Smaller plants are placed around them, trailing plants at the edges so they spill over and soften the look.

Before final planting, visually inspect how you have the plants arranged so you are pleased with the look. Step back, inspect and rearrange. Once you like where the plants are positioned, place each plant in the potting soil and firm with more soil around the roots.

Water thoroughly.

Tip: You can leave plants in their original pots and merely arrange them in the washtub, remembering to water daily during hot weather. This method allows you to easily make seasonal displays.



Scotts Spreader



by McDonald Garden Center, Hampton; 722-7463



1 old lawn spreader

1 cubic-foot bag McDonald Potting Mix

1 five-pound bag Greenleaf Fertilizer 12-4-8 (1/2 cup used in planter)

2 petunias

1 Solenia begonia