Claret cup cactusToday I gave a tour at the Wildflower Center and it was my chance to see some of the changes that have been made since I was last there in the fall. As I guided my group through the archway into the theme garden area, I let out a gasp. The Wildflower Center has joined the tank brigade.
Not just one tank but multiple tanks welded together and at different levels. Absolutely wonderful. In the area that were once the sunburst gardens, with rays of damianita and yellow hesperaloe, now boast the latest in tank construction.
New plantings. Oh, what happened to that gorgeous damianita. (Julie told me they potted it up and some did survive)
A third tank grouping in the center bed to agree with the theory that everything in the garden should be in odd numbers.The gentleman who cut and welded these tanks together also made the square metal beds in one of the other theme gardens.
OK Bob, at Draco - looks like you may be getting a call.
I would never have thought of using stock tanks for garden beds, but I can see that they work very well. Lovely gardens!
ReplyDeleteJenny, it makes my one tank look rather meager! I love the way they staggered them and pulled them together. Thanks for posting that photo, it's awesome. I gotta get out there and see that.
ReplyDeleteWell, the place that inspired me to first use a stock tank in the garden has outdone itself. I love it, Jenny! I might just have to run out there tomorrow to see it for myself.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, you should call Bob to see if he could weld something like those metal planters for your garden. What an exciting thought!
I still do NOT like stock tanks in the garden.
ReplyDeleteI really like the looks of the flat sided metal beds. I would think that they would have to have something running across the beds to hold the sides together to keep them from pushing outward.
ReplyDeleteThe look of having them at different levels looks really good. Did you notice the little space between the two on the right that make a little dead end walk way to tend the larger bed. Needed and aesthetically pleasing as well.
I'm getting ready to plant my garden in 2-3 stock tanks this summer toe eliminate the problem with bindweed and some other difficult weeds here on our farm in SW Kansas. It should make anbig difference in keeping my dogs and the rabbits out of my garden. Watering and weeding will be simplified as well as picking. It won't be a large garden but I'm anxious to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, beets and possibly strawberries, watermelon and canteloupe. Can't wait to get my hands in the dirt!
ReplyDeleteWhat about drainage? It seems like the stock tank would be like a planter without a hole in the bottom.
ReplyDeleteI imagine they drilled holes in the tanks but will ask next time I am there. One is a water garden.
DeleteMost stock ranks are fitted with a drainage hole near the bottom. My husband removed the plug and filled the bottom of the tank about a third of the way up with drainage rock before adding garden soil. We've had over 2" of rain the past two weeks here in north central Oklahoma and we have had no issues with drainage. My tomatoes and peppers are looking great.
DeleteThanks for your great suggestion. I have passed it on to my gardening friends.
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