Build a Flower Tower

Add architectural beauty to your landscape with this simple project. This flower tower adds a beautiful, unusual touch to any garden or patio.

Step 1 Shape the wire fencing into a cylinder. Wear gloves when handling the fence to avoid injury from the sharp edges. You may also want to have a helper at this step to help control the wire fencing as you make the cuts.

You can use the outside of a slightly smaller container as a guide to help round out the cylinder as you bend it into shape. Overlap the length of one section of fencing to make the seam stable, then cut the fencing to the desired diameter using the aviation snips. Be sure to choose a diameter that will fit inside the flower pot you want to use as a base.

Step 2 Overlap one rectangle of the wire fencing and snugly zip-tie the two sides of the cylinder together. Continue tying the rest of the tower together across the joints in the fence. Use enough ties to keep the wire rigid and stable once it is filled. Cut the excess at the ends of the ties, leaving about 1⁄4 inch.

With your wire tower frame built, check to make sure it fits into the selected container. The tower should fit about a half to three-quarters of the way into the container to increase stability once filled. If you need to cut down the height, simply use the snips.

Step 3 Wrap the landscape fabric around the outside of the tower to measure how much you will need, letting it overlap an inch or two so soil cannot spill out through the seam. Cut the fabric to size using a pair of scissors, then roll the fabric and slide it inside the tower. Smooth the fabric along the inside of the tower. Cut the excess fabric from the top of the tower, leaving 2 inches of overlap at the top of the tower. This will help secure the fabric in place.

You can use the outside of a slightly smaller container as a guide to help round out the cylinder as you bend it into shape. Overlap the length of one section of fencing to make the seam stable, then cut the fencing to the desired diameter using the aviation snips. Be sure to choose a diameter that will fit inside the flower pot you want to use as a base.

Step 4 Fold the 2-inch flap of fabric over the top of the tower. Using your utility knife, make small slits in the fabric just under the metal rim, cutting through both layers of the fabric. Cut one slit in every third rectangle of the fencing, and then insert zip ties through the slits and tie down the top of the fabric. Cut the long ends to a 1⁄4 inch, just like you did the previous zip ties.

Step 5 Fill the tower up about one-third with soil. Add water to settle the soil. Fill to two-thirds full with soil, and add more water. Fill to about 1 inch from the top of the tower with soil and add water. Lightly press the soil into the tower to prevent sinking. (Note: Another option is to pour enough soil in to reach the level you want to insert your first row of plants, then gently press the plant or seedling into the space. Then layer on more soil, and gently press the plant or seedling into the space for the next row and repeat, layering the soil in between as you go.)

Step 6 Use your garden spade to fill soil around the outside of the tower inside the container.

Step 6 Cut a vertical slit and a horizontal slit into one of the top- level rectangles in the tower to create a “+” shaped hole cut in the side of the tower. These holes are where you will plant the flowers.

Cut one hole in every other rectangle and stagger them as you work your way down the tower. Leave the bottom row just above the soil line free of holes. This will allow the plants to cascade over the edge of the container.

Step 7 Now it’s time to add your flowers. Using your finger, poke holes behind the fabric openings. Gently press the plant or seedling into the space. It should fit snugly, but you shouldn’t have to force it. Once the plant is inserted in the tower, make sure the flaps of fabric close around the stem of the flower. This will help hold soil in the tower when watering.

Step 8 Plant the top of the tower with a few plants to finish it off.