SPRING: repurpose tea tins as planters

 

In springtime, I focus a lot on decorating for the season with moss, plants and flowers. That includes coming up with fresh new ways to display them - and that's where this idea came from...

If you can buy food that tastes wonderful and is packaged in beautiful tin boxes that can be re-used, why wouldn't you? I not only love the intense flavors of the teas that Harney & Sons of Great Britain makes, I adore their packaging... and have found several ways to re-use the lovely tins. (This post is not an ad, or sponsored) 

Continue reading to see how I 'planted' the tins in just minutes...
DWK

I chose to use faux leaves for my project.
If you want to plant REAL plants in tins, I'll address that at the end of the post.

Materials:

tea tins in the size and color you choose - or try spice tins, cookie tins, and more!
preserved moss . polyfil stuffing . faux leaves / plants

NOTE: I chose leaves that replicate early spring bulbs - tulips, hyacinths, daffodils.

Method:

1. Fill the container with polyfil stuffing

2. Push the base of several leaves down into the polyfil stuffing.

3. Add moss into the top of the container, surrounding the leaves. It will help the leaves stand up straighter, and cover the polyfil. 

That's it! Easy-peasy! 

For a fun final detail, I added one of the tea tin lids into the arrangement:

1. I used two wood skewers, pushed into the moss and polyfil behind the smaller plant.

2. Then I leaned the tea tin lid against the skewers - they hold it up where it can be seen.

As spring progresses, I will likely add a few faux stems of daffodils or tulips to each arrangement!

If you want to plant real plants in your tins, it can be done - just know that it will probably ruin the tins eventually, as the water rusts the metal. You can TRY to mitigate that by placing a clear plastic bag into the tin first, then following the steps below... and finally trimming off any of the plastic bag that shows above the soil.

1. Add small pebbles to the tin until @ 1/3 of the tin is full. This provides proper drainage for the plants, so they won't be sitting in water.

2. Add potting soil to the tin until it is @ 2/3 full. Don't use dirt - it's too heavy to allow roots to grow. And don't pack it down - loose potting soil works best in containers.

3. Place your plant/s into the tin, on top of the potting soil. Add more potting soil with a teaspoon so that the plant's roots & stems are completely covered. 

4. Add water carefully and slowly - use a small cup to dribble water onto the soil, wait a few seconds as it soaks in, then add more to make sure the topsoil is damp. If the soil level goes down, add a bit more potting soil to keep the plant base covered.

Misting the leaves of small potted plants is always a good idea, especially when they are kept in a heated home.

Note: Different plants and different sized tins will require varied amounts of water - check with your local nursery or online to know how much is enough for the plants you choose.

5. Make sure you place the planted tins where they will get sunlight and air... If it still freezes where you live, don't put them in a windowsill. 


It's a charming way to incorporate plants into your winter decor while looking forward to spring... you could also fill a tin with beautiful cut flowers!

The 'Birthday Party' tea is a light floral blend that tastes like spring. It's my Mom's favorite, and I'll likely be having a cup of it this week since it's my birthday week!

PS World Market carries a great selection of Harney & Sons Teas, in store and online!

related content:

my bloomin' secret

repurposed 'posie pails': tin can flower baskets / planters


shared online:

funky junk interiors | new upcyle ideas #771


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