A Garden Project

I like to have containers of flowers and small sculptures in my garden. They add interest even when plants aren't blooming. However, I have very sandy soil and whenever it rains sand is kicked up and dries on the pot or sculpture. Then there is the problem of the sculpture or pot being too low for the surrounding plants and ending up hidden, or tipsy because the ground shifts with every rain storm.

I came up with a solution which I'm sure isn't original, but works. I put small foundations in place where I can always place my pots or sculptures and know they are level and at the height I want them. For ground level you can use concrete stepping stones, or if your want to adjust the height, get a concrete pier like the one pictured. These are available at most do-it-yourself box stores. Turn it over and there is a nice flat surface on which to place garden objects.

The tools you need are a shovel (or trowel for a stepping stone) and a level. Place the pier, level it, and it is ready to use. The piers can take an amazing amount of weight without changing location of without tilting. Plants often grow to cover the pier, but when raised six inches above the soil line, the piers make an attractive structural base for just about anything placed on them.

Installation takes less than thirty minutes and can be left in the ground for years marking where you want your pot or sculpture placed. The piers are also easily moved to another location when you change your mind, and if you are anything like me, this happens frequently. Yet, having them in place means you don't squish plants that haven't yet emerged in the spring, so this makes a good solution every way you look at it.