Growing things on an outdoor spiral staircase!

Discussion in 'Garden Design' started by S-H, Oct 31, 2010.

  1. S-H

    S-H Hardy Maple

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    No, these pictures are not of my garden/home. They were emailed to me by someone a long time ago - So I think this here is the best place to share such ideas. :)

    Basically, it's an ordinary outdoor spiral staircase (made of iron). But attached to it is a flexible plastic pipe of about 6 inches in diameter (that is packed with soil) - On top of which there are small holes made, and so through them the plants are growing.

    Just an idea I found very interesting. And I think it also saves a lot of water too. Perfect for growing tomatoes!

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    Growing outdoor spiral staircase design ( photo / image / picture from S-H's Garden )

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    Growing outdoor spiral staircase 1 ( photo / image / picture from S-H's Garden )

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    Growing outdoor spiral staircase 2 ( photo / image / picture from S-H's Garden )

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    Growing outdoor spiral staircase 3 ( photo / image / picture from S-H's Garden )

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    Growing outdoor spiral staircase 4 ( photo / image / picture from S-H's Garden )
     
    Droopy, bunkie, Jewell and 3 others like this.
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  3. Droopy

    Droopy Slug Slaughterer Plants Contributor

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    Oh, yes, that's an idea I would definately adopt if I had a staircase long enough out there. :D I like it when people think up ideas to utilise an empty space.
     
  4. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    Oh so do I Droopy!! :-D Now if only I had a spiral staircase I would have plants growing on it just like that.
     
  5. S-H

    S-H Hardy Maple

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    Well, I too don't have a spiral staircase. But after seeing that, I sure am tempted to add one into my home! :D

    However the best thing about this idea,(which I like very much) is that it really saves a lot of water from being wasted! Water of course is a prized commodity where I live...
     



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  6. stratsmom

    stratsmom Flower Fanatic

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    That is the coolest idea I've seen in a really long time!!!
     
  7. bunkie

    bunkie Young Pine

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    very cool idea indeed! thanks for sharing s-h!
     
  8. Droopy

    Droopy Slug Slaughterer Plants Contributor

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    I had to giggle. What I like best about this is that there would be good drainage since plants are in danger of drowning where I live. :D
     
  9. S-H

    S-H Hardy Maple

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    Well, plants in my area can also drown - But in salt water. That anyway is what ground water over here in Karachi is like (as I am close to the ocean). It also doesn't rain a lot, well actually it does now (the weather pattern has changed a little in the last 6 years), but only during the Monsoon season - So collecting rain water is not practical, unless you've got a very large tank that would last you a year...

    See these 2 videos which I made myself about what it's like when it rains in Karachi. :D

    So usually it doesn't rain, but when it does, it pours!

    Karachi during Monsoon 2010.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qalwgPL3Lcw
    Karachi during Monsoon 2009.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unOTmG-vRl0
     
  10. EJ

    EJ Allotmenteer Extraordinaire

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    I love it. Imagine it filled with trailing, flowering plants. If only I had a spiral staircase.
     
  11. S-H

    S-H Hardy Maple

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    Wish I knew who's idea this was originally. That way it would have been really fun if we could invite that person over here too!
     
  12. cherylad

    cherylad Countess of Cute-ification Plants Contributor

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    Now I want to add a second story to something just so I could "steal" that idea. Someone came up with a real keeper!
     
  13. S-H

    S-H Hardy Maple

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  14. FlowerFreak22

    FlowerFreak22 In Flower Plants Contributor

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    Hey, this is a really cool idea. I really wish I had some stairs to use it on. Even though I don't have any stairs, I can already see some ideas popping into my head about how to use this in other ways. Now weather they will be good, practical, or even look nice that is another story and up for trial and error. :p
     
  15. daisybeans

    daisybeans Hardy Maple

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    Go for it, Flower Freak! It makes me think about some trials and errors too. Very neat idea, S-H, and your avatar is very pretty, by the way.
     
  16. S-H

    S-H Hardy Maple

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    It would be great if those who try out this idea - Also post pictures of their trials (and errors) over here in this string! :)

    That way we I will get to learn a lot before giving it a try myself! ;)
     

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