Protect Work Surface

Save yourself the hassle of having to remove paint drips and splatters from your front porch by first maneuvering the planter onto a disposable surface, similar a flake of leftover shipping paper-thin. Tip: Enlist the help of a friend if the planter is too heavy to move alone.

Remove Existing Plants

Typically, yous tin lift the entire contents of a physical container out in one piece, equally we take here — especially if the soil is dry. Ready the old plants aside and exist sure to relocate any perennials y'all desire to plant in other locations.

Remove Peeling Paint

Using the sharp edge of the metal scraper, remove as much loose, flaking paint every bit yous can from all areas, including the top and/or inner edge of the planter (Image 1). Using the wire brush, remove any remaining stuck-on bits of old paint and go over all areas to smoothen the surface (Image 2).

Paint Planter

Outset, utilize a broom and dustpan to sweep upwardly the workspace. Give your planter a good, solid coat of paint on all exterior sides (Paradigm i). As well, add together an inner band of paint to the planter'south interior (Image 2). If necessary, let the outset glaze to dry, then brush on a second coat. Note: Look at your planter from all angles, including downward low to ensure you've evenly covered all areas. A solid coat of exterior pigment not just looks not bad just volition seal and protect the porous concrete from the elements for many years to come.

Add Potting Soil

After the paint has fully dried, add together potting soil, leaving just enough room to add the new plants.

Determine Placement of New Plants

You've probably heard it before but the successful formula for a container is thriller, filler and spiller. And so, you'll need a cardinal knockout plant/plants for the thriller (we used a unmarried majestic salvia surrounded by a pair of Farsi shield plants), filler plants that grow in to give the planter a lush wait (we used pale royal lantana) and a spiller, or a trailing found that volition spill over the container'south edge (we used lobelia). To make up one's mind placement, set the nursery pots on peak of the freshly added layer of potting soil and suit till y'all're happy with their position, existence certain to get out each found a flake of elbow room to accomodate future growth.

Unpot, Then Plant

Remove each institute from its nursery pot by firmly grasping the bottom of the plastic pot while gently pulling the found free (Epitome one). To give your plant a fresh start in its new home, gently tease apart the roots with your fingers (Image two) to encourage new growth. Identify each unpotted plant in its new location (Epitome 3) and fill in any gaps with potting soil, gently but firmly pressing the soil around each of the plants to secure them in their new home.

Add Mulch

Finally, no planter is consummate without a layer of mulch that not only serves as a decorative finishing touch but also preserves moisture (meaning you'll demand to water less often) and discourages weeds.

Admire Your New(One-time) Planters

Voila, your decades-old planters have a new lease on life and will wait neat for many seasons to come.

Sarah Busby; Styling by H. Camille Smith

Don't End at the Planters

Give your curb appeal a major boost by adding a colorful outdoor rug, cozying up a bench with pillows and popping in more plants in complementary colors (Images ane-3).