I was hauling out all my pots out of the shed, and I got a little too excited. I grabbed a ceramic one by the top edge, rookie move, and it cracked. A huge chunk taken out of the side, but the rest seemed in tact. I could have tossed in in the trash, or broke it up more to use in other pots as drainage blockers. I saw an opportunity to change the broken into something usable. I had a whole tray of hens and chicks, succulents, that I had intended to use elsewhere. I decided to make the best of it, use the plants, and make it beautiful. Here is the process with pictures, I chose the succulents as that is what I had, but really the possibilities are endless for outdoor pots. As long as you don't mind the dirt escaping through the sides on occasion- place it where that would benefit other plants too.
This was the pot after the incident- still enough room in the bottom to hold dirt and water.
I broke up the succulents carefully into a big chunk, leaving a good amount of dirt they came with. I started at the base and worked my way up. Added dirt to the top to secure the side plants. On the top, I carefully pulled out each individual plant, and planted those with enough room to grow. My daughter helped me with the whole project, so she got a lesson in how to make the best with what you have. I am sure she could have cared less- but one day, she will remember. Once it was planted and all the plants were secure, we watered it really well. Once she saw the water collecting on the plants, she saw the beauty, stole my camera, and took some photos. She saw the beauty in the broken, and it made my day.
I try to add a big lesson, in small amounts, and at the correct age level. These are the photos she took, and I know that small moment, that meant a lot to me, registered to her.
Planting little seeds of positive thinking, dreaming, and making the best of any situation you are given are really important ideas to share with the kids. Especially in the day of YouTube and Instagram where everything appears to be way better than in reality. When I saw the beauty register in her eyes, it made me really happy, hopefully each of these small lessons will stay with her throughout her journey in life.
I chose a sunny location for this planter, and an area that would benefit from dirt run off as that will be inevitable. Stay tuned for part 2 of turning a bad thing into a beautiful thing.