How to make a lead wall planter
Discover how to create a stylish and space-savvy lead wall planter.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
To do | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
This modern take on the traditional hanging basket will liven up any a dull wall. This stylish lead planter looks elegant, but it's surprisingly easy and quick to make. Plant it up to suit your location: ferns on a shady wall, succulents in a hot and sunny spot, or with pretty campanulas spilling out of the pockets, as here, for a cottage garden in partial shade.
You Will Need
- Roll of lead (45cm x 3m), from any builder's merchant
- Marine plywood (30cm x 85cm)
- Clout nails (18), large-headed, galvanised
- Pots (3)
- Saw
- Metal snips
- Hammer
- Rag, or old duster
Total time: 2 hours
Step 1
Cut a piece of lead that's 7.5cm larger than your piece of marine plywood all the way round, with metal snips. Position the wood in the centre of the lead and fold over the edges so it is held tightly to the board. If necessary, trim off any excess at the corners for a neater finish.
Step 2
Cut three triangles of lead, 30cm x 25cm x 25cm. Fold over a 5mm strip along the longest edge to give a softer edge. Cut about 3cm off the bottom point of the triangle.
Step 3
Mould the triangles into a shape resembling half a funnel - it helps to form it around a small flowerpot. Pinch the bottom edges together and leave a 1.5cm flap at each side, which will be used to attach the pocket to the lead-covered board.
Step 4
Lay the lead-wrapped board flat and arrange the three pockets. Hammer them to the board with the clout nails, three on each side of the pocket (cover the hammer head with an old rag to prevent scratching the lead). Line the pockets with plastic, piercing it at the bottom for drainage, and plant up.
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.