Tired of those boring, plastic flower boxes that fade in the sun and crack in the cold? Yearning for a natural touch that adds warmth and elegance to your garden? DIY cedar flower boxes are the perfect solution! Not only are they stunningly beautiful, but cedar’s natural oils repel insects and resist rot, ensuring your flower boxes last for years to come.
From Bland to Bloom: 3 DIY Cedar Flower Box Projects for Your Garden
Before: Your garden is a blank canvas, begging for a splash of color and texture. The ground is bare, the air is still, and the only sounds are the distant rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds. You yearn for a burst of life, a symphony of scents, and a haven for buzzing bees.
After: Your garden now bursts with life, brimming with vibrant blooms spilling over the edges of handcrafted cedar flower boxes. The air is sweet with the fragrance of lilies and roses, while the gentle hum of bees fills the space. You’ve not only added beauty and fragrance, but also provided a welcoming habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects. The once-empty space now vibrates with color and life, a testament to your hands and your passion for creating something beautiful.
Bridge: You’ve caught the DIY bug, and you’re ready to transform your garden with the timeless charm of cedar flower boxes. Cedar is a fantastic choice for your boxes, offering natural resistance to rot and insects, as well as a beautiful, rustic appeal that only grows more charming with time. And let’s be honest, crafting something beautiful with your own hands, while saving some cash, is incredibly rewarding.
Here’s your guide to crafting three stunning and functional DIY cedar flower box projects for your garden:
Project 1: The Classic Cedar Flower Box
Before: You’re envisioning a simple, elegant design that complements your existing garden decor. You want a project that’s easy to build and provides ample space for a variety of flowers.
After: Your classic cedar flower box stands proudly against the backdrop of your garden, showcasing your favorite blooms in a timeless, elegant fashion. It’s a project that you’ll enjoy building and that will add charm to your garden for years to come.
Materials:
- Cedar boards (1×6 or 1×8)
- Wood glue
- Exterior wood screws
- Stain or paint (optional)
- Landscape fabric
- Potting soil
Instructions:
- Cut the cedar boards to the desired length for your flower box.
- Assemble the box using wood glue and exterior wood screws. Secure corners with corner brackets for extra strength.
- Add optional stain or paint to enhance the natural wood color.
- Line the interior of the box with landscape fabric to prevent soil from escaping.
- Fill the box with potting soil and plant your favorite flowers.
Project 2: The Tiered Cedar Flower Box
Before: You’re looking for a more dynamic and visually interesting design that adds vertical interest to your garden. You want to showcase a variety of flowers and create a multi-layered display.
After: Your tiered cedar flower box is a stunning focal point, drawing the eye upwards and showcasing a captivating cascade of blooming color. It’s a project that demonstrates your creativity and adds a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space.
Materials:
- (2) Pieces of cedar boards (1×6 or 1×8) for the top and bottom tiers
- (1) Piece of cedar board (1×6 or 1×8) for the middle tier.
- (4) Metal L-brackets for each tier
- Wood glue
- Exterior wood screws
- Stain or paint (optional)
- Landscape fabric
- Potting soil
Instructions:
- Cut the cedar boards to the desired length for each tier.
- Cut boards for the middle tier to be slightly shorter than the top and bottom tiers to create a tiered effect.
- Attach the L brackets to the back of each tier.
- Use screws and wood glue to secure the boards to the L brackets.
- Add optional stain or paint to enhance the natural wood color.
- Line the interior of the boxes with landscape fabric to prevent soil from escaping.
- Fill each box with potting soil and plant your favorite flowers.
Project 3: The Cedar Flower Box Planter Bench
Before: You’re searching for a functional and stylish addition to your garden, a place to relax while enjoying the beauty of your blooms. You want a project that combines the beauty of flower boxes with the comfort of a bench.
After: Your custom cedar flower box planter bench is the perfect spot to unwind, enjoying the vibrant display of flowers while basking in the warm sun. It’s a project that embodies both beauty and function, a true testament to your DIY skills.
Materials:
- Cedar boards (1×6 or 1×8)
- 2×4 lumber for the legs and supports
- Wood glue
- Exterior wood screws
- Stain or paint (optional)
- Landscape fabric
- Potting soil
- Cushions (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the cedar boards to form the sides, back, and front of the flower box, creating a large rectangular box.
- Cut the 2×4 lumber to create the length of the bench seat and legs.
- Attach the legs to the seat using wood glue and exterior wood screws.
- Attach the seat to the top of the cedar flower box using wood glue and screws.
- Add optional stain or paint to enhance the natural wood color.
- Line the interior of the box with landscape fabric to prevent soil from escaping.
- Fill the box with potting soil and plant your favorite flowers.
- Add cushions for extra comfort (optional).
Beyond the Basics
These are just a few ideas to get you started. You can customize your DIY cedar flower boxes further by adding decorative elements like trellis panels for climbing vines, copper accents for a touch of rustic charm, or even decorative hardware like hinges and handles. Remember to always prioritize choosing sealant and paint that’s suitable for outdoor use to ensure your flower boxes withstand the elements.
Enjoy the Journey
Crafting DIY cedar flower boxes is a rewarding journey that allows you to express your creativity and personalize your garden. Each project offers an opportunity to learn new skills, develop your woodworking prowess, and create something truly unique. So, gather your tools, embrace the process, and let your garden blossom with the beauty of handcrafted cedar flower boxes.
