Beautiful Cinder-Growing Projects

Single Planters

• A single cinder block planter allows urban residents to grow fresh herbs on their high rise balconies. The planter accommodates 2 to 3 herbs, depending on the cinder block size you choose, and fits comfortably along a balcony wall or railing. The weight of a cinder block keeps it grounded in high winds and rocks laid on top of soil prevents dirt particles from fluttering away. Consider the amount of sun your balcony receives to determine suitable herbs. Purchase seed packets to start from scratch or pre-grown plants to reap the benefit of fresh herbs immediately.

Multi-Unit Planter Wall

• Standard, rectangle cinder blocks with two large openings stacked with some blocks perpendicular to the others to create juts, results in a multi-unit and multi-dimensional planter wall. Block caps, which are available at home improvement stores, cap the bottom of cinder block openings that act as planters. Drill a few holes in each block cap for drainage and use construction adhesive to glue the caps to the bottom of the cinder blocks. Place soil and plants in the top cinder blocks and those that jut outward. Climbing ivy in one or more planters near the wall's end can cover all or a portion of the cinder block growing wall over time. A mixture of small flowering plants near the center and in the juts brightens up the foliage.

Retaining Wall

• Retaining walls require heavy stones to hold mounds of dirt in place, which is an ideal job for cinder blocks. The benefit of using a cinder block retaining wall is that the top has openings to plant lush greenery. Plants in a retaining wall that grow low to the ground and full blend into the surrounding foliage creating a seamless appeal. Secure cinder blocks at the bottom and near the middle of the wall with cement, rocks or dirt. A Dwarf Asparagus Fern is a dense short plant for tropical conditions and an African Boxwood thrives in Mediterranean climates.

Driveway Edging

• The purpose of driveway edging is both aesthetical and functional: it neatly outlines the driveway and keeps drivers from rolling over your grass. A lightweight nudge from a car wheel can move even weighted cinder blocks, so digging a trench to hug the cinder block planters creates a sturdy edging. Fill the cinder blocks with dirt and tall, flowing grasses such as the Dwarf Maiden or short, dense and weeping grass such as the Bunny Blue Sedge.