Sherry8
Wisconsin...zone 4
Posts: 2321
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 9:09 pm Post subject: My THYME balls.. |
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I was looking through a Better Homes & Garden magazine and they had a planter that was a round ball. I decide to use thyme to put in the holes of the planters because it is a short plant. I couldn't decide what flower would look good in it so the thyme with a small pink flower won...I made two of these ...and the only real problem is keeping the top ones watered..I replaced some of them already and hopefully they will grow and it will look like a full fluffy ball.
You take 2 planters and connect them together after you cut holes where you want the plants..Fill as you cover the plants and when you get to the top put a piece of cardboard over the one you will be flipping for the top. Carefully pull it out so one is on top of the other...do this outside because it can get messy. I used potting mix but it is quite heavy so if you can find something lighter it would be better.... I will show you what they look like after they grow and fill in...in a month or so...
A new item in the garden... ( photo / image / picture from Sherry8's Garden )
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Frank
 Administrator
Originally Galway, Ireland
Posts: 12349
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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Really great idea and implementation Sherry. Be sure to post progress piccies 
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Sjoerd
West - Friesland
Posts: 6915
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| Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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I really like to see things like this. The idea is seemingly a really good one--even if the thyme doesn't fill out like we hope, it would STILL be a good idea with a very pleasing appearance.
I take my hat off to you for implimenting this and showing us. Like Frank, I can hardly wait to see it in 4-6 weeks.
It's going to be a winner in terms of the visual, the fragrewnce and the attractiveness to bees and butterflies.
As far as I know, Thyme doesn't really need very much water once they have established themselves.
BTW--did you include a little calcium with the potting soil? Many types of Thyme like a bit of calcium.
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Netty
Regular Plants Contributor
Southern Ontario zone 5a
Posts: 9959
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 12:44 am Post subject: |
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Oh how cool! Can't wait to see it all filled in Sherry. Great idea!
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Droopy
Regular Plants Contributor
Western Norway
Posts: 9272
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 6:39 am Post subject: |
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What a lovely idea Sherry.  I also want to see it later.
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eileen
Forum Moderator
Scotland
Posts: 18013
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 10:24 am Post subject: |
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We have balls on sale in some of our garden centres that look like yours Sherry. They are horribly expensive though so I've never even considered buying them. However, I love your idea as it looks great and won't be nearly as hard on my pocket. What type of clips did you use to hold both parts together?
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Sherry8
Wisconsin...zone 4
Posts: 2321
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 1:04 pm Post subject: |
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eileen...I used the plastic ties my husband uses in his workshop for different projects. I cannot remember the exact name of them but they do come in different colors and lengths. You can use them to hold wires together too. I sometimes use them to hold my clemantis to the fence.
Just looked and one of his packages calls them cable ties. I am not sure what they would be called where you live.
And remember...use a light weight product inside so it isn't as heavy as mine. I am so glad my husband built the shed with heavy planters in mind...it takes a lot to pull it up even on my pulley system..
I did see one made with impatiens in the magazine but I don't have enough shade for them here.
I hope this helps..
oops....no calcium sjoerd, first time growing thyme. Thank you for the information.
Thyme Ball ( photo / image / picture from Sherry8's Garden )
Here is the other one I made...
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eileen
Forum Moderator
Scotland
Posts: 18013
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 1:20 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Sherry. I already have a tub of cable ties in the greenhouse. I use them for staking my tomato plants and have lots of different colours.
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stratsmom
Southern Oregon
Posts: 2282
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| Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 3:36 pm Post subject: |
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Good job girlfriend!!  I love that!
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