Turning a Gutter into a Beautiful Planter

​My partner Danny and I own a little lake cottage at the Lake of the Ozarks that we visit every year. I wanted to make sure that I included my love for plants here as well. There is a gap between our retaining wall and the deck of our porch, so I decided to build some custom planters from drain gutters! This is something that is super simple, and anyone can do it.

​This was the view of the retaining wall and deck to our cottage. The space between the railing and top of the wall was a constant eye-sore to Danny and myself.

​We always love to go hiking anytime we are at the lake! One day we found these amazing Native Christmas Fern in the undergrowth of the path. We dug them up and decided to transplant them into our new gutter-box planters.

​When you transplant any plants from the ground into containers you always want to check to make sure that the roots are healthy, and to trim off any dying foliage. Doing this will ensure that the plants acclimate to their new homes.

​We wanted to spay paint the new planters to match the retaining wall so that it looks like an extension of it, as if it just fades into the background.. Make sure you purchase an exterior spray paint so that it survives the elements of being outside.

​My professional installer Danny loves working with me, can't you tell!

​Danny was sure to mount the gutter-boxes onto the studs or posts of the deck so that they would be stable, You should always install window boxes onto a very sturdy surface, so that as your plants grow and become larger, the boxes will not fall. Make sure you properly mount window boxes so that they do not become a danger to any of your guests, or damage your plants. Also, be sure your containers drain properly by drilling holes into the bottom approximately every six inches.

​Anytime you are planting in a container make sure you use a good potting soil. Remember, you always should have a good foundation to anything that you do to be successful.

​​I planted the Christmas Ferns pretty sporadically to make sure that they still have an organic quality to them. Make sure that you plan your designs ahead to accommodate space for the other plants to ensure that they all get the proper water, and sun exposure. I did this by placing on the ground before planting them.

​I chose some gorgeous white and fuchsia Impatiens to pop against the black of the new gutter-boxes. Next I under-planted Creeping Jenny and English Ivy to add even more depth as they will continue to trail down the entire wall. Hopefully with enough love and care the Creeping Jenny, English Ivy, and Christmas Ferns will return next spring since they are perennials, Lastly I inserted a beautiful Coleus for texture and height.

Voila! Now we have a lovely spot to relax by the lake, and a retaining wall that isn't an eye-sore anymore. Keep in mind this all started with some beautiful native ferns that we saw on one of our hikes around the lake. Creativity and inspiration is everywhere in nature!

​I love it, and I hope you love it too! ​