weekend project: diy potted garden

Our backyard is in desperate need of some TLC. Right now, it's nothing but weeds, old mulch and dog poop. Disgusting. The problem is I haven't a clue how to tackle. Where do you even start?

Jim's been talking about a potted garden for a while now so I'm now taking that idea and running with it. Functional + pretty = best of both worlds. Here's some eye candy to show you where my head's at. 

The trick will be whether or not I can find these containers at a reasonable price. At least I know I have plenty of wine bottles in the recycle bin to get started with some hanging herbs.

emily summers

tree hugger

TIP: You can probably use gutter material to create this, keeping lettuce away from critters that might eat it. I'm thinking this could be a good way to plant green onions and spinach as well. Basically veggies with shorter roots. 

apartment therapy

TIP: Head to a spirits store and ask for leftover wine crates. Last time I did this, I got one for only $5. Given our California location, I'm hoping I can scrounge up a few of these for free.

the vintage journal

country living

real simple

urban garden casual

TIP: Mix it up! I'm loving the various heights, sizes and shapes of these pots. Clustering in an empty corner of our yard will cozy up the space. It's also an easy way to add color to an otherwise dull palette.

real simple

flickr

real simple

By the way, these photos are from a good old fashioned Google search. My attempt to wean myself off pinterest.

Going no headboard.

I'm continuing the headboard-less conversation I started up in yesterday's post. In my opinion, headboards should only be used if you want your bed to be the focal point or need some visual interest within your space. This just happens to be the case in most bedrooms. Mine, not so much.

Having a wall of frames and a busy and brightly patterned duvet, I didn't want to draw any more attention to my bed then necessary. I think the end result may have been different if I could have painted the walls but, since I had to keep them white (thanks, landlord), I was forced to think of ways to add subtle forms of visual interest while keeping the room design from being overkill.  In the end, not having a headboard helped balance the dramatic features and blend the various parts of the room's design.

For those with a similar issue, here are some other images to help lead you to a solution. Please feel free to contact me with questions!

[real simple]

The brightly colored wall and layered patterns speaks for itself.

[decor8]

This room was one of my inspiration rooms. I love it to pieces.

[the love list]

The layers of pillow and color almost acts as a headboard but keeps the polka dot wall the primary focus.

[papers and packages]

Another one of my inspiration rooms. Thank you Emily Henderson for this lovely space.

[decorpad]

[tmblr]

Or you can always do the window thing (also discussed in this post).

It's a great way to accentuate structural detailing or add some height.