Weekend Project Ideas for a Forest Green Planter Box

Miniature Greenhouse

• Staple thin, flexible plastic rods to the side of a planter box and create a framework for the greenhouse by bringing up over the top and attaching them to the other side. Tape a sheet of clear, clingy plastic food wrap to the side and bring it over the framework, taping it to the other side. A larger planter box might use a clear poly-film plastic instead. Seal both ends with the plastic, with one end slit open, so that you can reach into the greenhouse. This is perfect for starting seedlings in the late winter, or growing lettuce, greens and herbs late in the year.

Crib

• A larger, never-used planter box makes a wonderful crib with the additions of rockers. Outline two rockers on a sheet of 1/2-inch plywood and use a jigsaw to cut them out. The rockers merely need to be a U-shape large enough for the box to slide down into, with extended flares to both sides of the bottom for the rocker portion. Paint the rockers a dark brown to provide a "back to nature" look with the forest green planter box, and then attach them to the box with wood glue. A small version can be made for a child's dolls.

Cat Dwelling

• Cats love to have a private place of their own, where they can watch the world go by, yet feel protected from harm. Convert a planter box into a secure place for your cat, safe where people cannot step on her but she still feels part of the family. Cut a U-shape large enough for your cat to easily pass through into the end of the planter box . Set the planter box upside down and glue a piece of carpet onto the top of the box for the kitty to rest on if she desires. The carpet will also double as a scratching area. The cat will consider the inside of the box to be her own private cave, and will spend hours peeking out and feeling safe.

Yard Animal

• A forest green animal planter fits well as a decorative piece in many yards. A few minutes with a piece of plywood and a jigsaw will give a creative person mouse ears and a nose, elephant ears and a trunk, or the long neck of a giraffe. Legs are also easily made. Paint the animal pieces to match the forest green, or use a contrasting color for emphasis. Glue the parts on, attach a rope tail, and fill the planter with soil and flowers.