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DIY: Cinder Block Focal Point Vertical Planter

June 7, 2010

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I work at the intersection of design, horticulture, culture, and systems—helping people and institutions think clearly, act deliberately, and create lasting impact.

Cinder blocks are not just for holding up your TV….

DIY cinder block planter

image by ecken

I think this is a great idea to build on and refine.  Create a vertical garden easily.  The stacking options of cinder blocks are endless, it can be random or full of patterns and what if you painted or concrete-stained the blocks.  Combine that with some sexy plant choices and you could really have a striking design piece.

  1. Megan says:

    Fun! It looks like it would be cheap and easy to put together too. Might have to give this a shot.

  2. Denise says:

    Reminds me of Mayan architecture, the stepped pyramids.

  3. Craig says:

    Looks like it might have a bad center of balance. I don’t see any mortar either. I think I’d make it more permanent, otherwise a good wind might topple it.

  4. Liana says:

    This is a fabulous idea! I have a root cellar dug into the side of a hill and faced with railroad ties in the back of my rose garden. It’s ugly. This would be a great way to camouflage the whole thing.
    Forget mortar – too hard. We cement all of our concrete block work together with PL Construction adhesive (exterior grade in the caulk tube) Quick, easy, water-proof and dries in a couple of hours.
    I would then use concrete colorant (about $4.00 a bottle) to dye the blocks a lovely shade of terra cotta. Then use the same PL Adhesive to line the bottom of each hollow planter section with a piece of landscape fabric. Next, I would fill each planter section with potting soil and plant cactus and other succulents like sedums.
    I am going to show this to my husband when he gets home 🙂

  5. Betty says:

    My husband and I find this to be a great idea. We will probably use dirt and rebar inside the holes of the tall portion to make sure it stays put.

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