There is one concrete block that is perfect for a raised bed or pot. It is called a column block. I got a great deal on them and bought all they had at a dollar each.
Concrete block containers for raised beds.
You can stain them
Here is a bed I just put in.
Here is a retaining wall terrace done this summer. Need a few plants. LOL
Blocks are locked together with a concrete locking block that fits in the slot on each side of the block.
Oh wow that is a great idea, looks very pretty :o)
That looks great, I have an old wooden retaining wall / planter that I need to replace and may try something similar to what you have done.
wow! what a terrific eye you've got. I was kind of skeptical when I saw the first photo but
your result is just spectacular!
Tam
Oh I really like that idea!!! Where did you find the concrete blocks please? I can't even buy ugly plastic pots for 1.00 around here -and those that you stained look really great!
Thanks for sharing such a terrific idea!
~Sunny
Blocks are 19 X 16 with a 12 X 12 opening in them. You can find them where they sell concrete and concrete block. Like here it is called Rustin Concrete.
They normally sell for around 3.00 each.
Was thinking of using a tuffa concrete mix to paste on the blocks to give them a rough appearance like this pot I made. Using twisted newspaper around the outside mold wall.
How cool! Great job with those! I like the last picture.....especially the shallow container......did you also make that with concrete, TA?
Light weight concrete called Tuffa. Use peatmoss instead of rocks.
Thanks TAR, I'll see if I can shop around :)
~Sunny
Heres another flower bed with them not painted, I put in for my mother.
I never knew they sold weird concrete blocks like that.
Interesting. I will have to look into that myself also.
I am goin to make concrete block grow beds between now and spring. 6 of them that are 3x80 feet.
Each bed will cost $315.00---compared to 2x8 lumber price of $306.00. I rather spend a few extra dollars and it last forever. My grow beds are for growing Tomatoes (produce sales).
Happy Gardening.
Cricket
Cricket go down to your local concrete plant and ask for a deal on blocks, they do not want. They have a large assortment of overstock or obsolete ones, they will make a deal on. The standard 9 inch wide block is 1.64 here. At 1.00 each you save 64 cents and get a larger 11.5 inch wide block.
Tar I really like the way you did your Mom's garden. I sure hope I can find a good place to purchase those here. We have a lot of terracing on our lot and these would really fit the bill. (although it looks like extra work for DH!) Right now we have old creosote timbers held in place with rebar; but the timbers are starting to break down in some areas.
I really appreciate the feedback on this topic.
~Sunny
the concrete blocks here---8"x16" is $1.15.
And having a problem finding a concrete plant here too. closest one is 45 miles away.