Repurposing a leftover tree stump into a vibrant flower planter offers a sustainable and visually appealing solution for the garden. This process transforms a remnant of nature into a unique, living container that adds vertical interest and texture to the landscape. By modifying the wood and selecting appropriate plants, you can create a miniature ecosystem that acts as a garden focal point.
Assessing and Preparing the Tree Stump
The initial assessment of the tree stump determines the feasibility of turning it into a planter. A partially decayed stump requires less effort, while a solid stump needs more intensive work. The goal is to create a cavity large enough to support a healthy root system while leaving a sturdy perimeter wall for structural integrity.
To begin hollowing the stump, first put on safety glasses. For a solid stump, use a powerful drill with a large auger or wood-boring bit to create a series of holes in the center of the top surface. Drill these holes to the desired planting depth, which should be between 4 and 8 inches to accommodate most shallow-rooted flowers.
After drilling, use a hammer and a sharp wood chisel or a mattock to chip away the wood between the holes. Work from the center outward, maintaining a consistent depth across the entire cavity. Leave a solid wood border of at least three inches around the perimeter of the stump to ensure the planter walls remain robust and contain the soil.
If the stump is very old and already soft, a sharp mattock or adze may be sufficient to chip out the rotten wood without extensive drilling. For any method, the final cavity should be wide enough for flowers to spread their roots, and the inner walls should be relatively smooth. The depth achieved will influence the type of plants you can successfully grow.
Creating Optimal Drainage and Soil Conditions
Proper drainage is required for a stump planter, as the wood naturally retains moisture, which can lead to root rot if water accumulates. To ensure excess water can escape, use a drill with a 3/8- to 1/2-inch bit to create several drainage holes. These holes should be angled downward and drilled from the bottom of the cavity through the side wall to the outside.
The planting medium should be lightweight and highly porous because the stump acts like an enclosed container. Traditional garden soil is too dense and heavy, inhibiting root growth and drainage. A better mixture is a high-quality, sterile potting mix blended with amendments like perlite, coarse sand, or peat moss.
A ratio of approximately 70% potting soil to 30% compost or a lightweight additive will provide both structure and necessary nutrients. This mixture prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged while remaining light enough to minimize the stress on the decaying wood structure. Before adding the soil mixture, place a thin layer of small gravel or coarse material at the bottom of the cavity to prevent the drainage holes from clogging.
Selecting and Planting Suitable Flowers
The limited depth of the stump planter necessitates selecting flowers with shallow root systems and a tolerance for container life. Annuals are often chosen for their season-long color and ability to thrive in a contained space. Excellent choices include petunias, which offer a wide color range and a trailing habit, or impatiens and begonias for shadier spots.
Drought-tolerant plants like sedum, hens and chicks (Sempervivum), or small succulents also perform well due to their minimal root requirements. Incorporating a variety of plant forms creates visual complexity and depth. The design technique known as “thrillers, fillers, and spillers” can be adapted for the stump’s size.
The design technique uses three elements. A “thriller” is a single, upright plant that provides a vertical accent, such as a small ornamental grass or a dwarf canna lily, placed in the center. “Fillers” are mounding plants like marigolds or lobelia that surround the thriller and add volume. “Spillers,” such as creeping jenny or trailing verbena, are planted near the edge to cascade over the sides.
Due to the limited soil volume, stump planters dry out much faster than in-ground garden beds, especially in warm weather. Daily watering may be necessary to keep the flowers hydrated, particularly for thirsty annuals. Regular, diluted applications of a balanced liquid fertilizer will be beneficial, helping the plants maintain vigorous growth and continuous blooming.