I like to call this color Brady Bunch green. I think the technical term is avocado green though.
I see these types of planters all the time in the thrift stores.
They have a sort of retro hip vibe to them now, I think.
I guess you can't actually call this an "upcycle" or "repurpose" or any of those fancy terms for making something that was intended to be used for one purpose into something used for an entirely different purpose.
I mean, it was a planter and now it is a planter. Not a lot of change-a-roni there.
But I thought it was another good example of how you can rescue some of those items that are multiplying like rabbits at thrift stores. Like those vintage glass snack sets I used on my bird feeder post.
I may have a series going here if I can think of 20 more things that are commonly found at thrift stores. Or it could just be a two-fer.
I know my attention span. Let's just plan for a two-fer.
I planted it with Hens And Chicks Green Wheels (to the left), Hens And Chicks Cobweb (to the right) and a sedum (bringing up the rear).
The Hens And Chicks Cobweb has really cool looking web-like stuff hanging off it.
Really cool, unless you have an irrational fear of spiders and then it'd just be horrifying.
The sedum will grow quite a bit this year, but I'll pull it out and plant it in the ground in the fall like I did with the stonecrop from my toy truck planter last year. Sometimes I'll throw something in a planter just to make it look fuller right now with every intention of moving it later.
Like musical chairs, but with plants and dirt. And spiders. Can't forget the spiders.
UPDATE: A few of you have mentioned that this doesn't look like the avocado green of your childhood. And you are right. I think I have my greens mixed up!
Like I mentioned to Russell in the comment section below, it is doubly weird in that my parents had avocado green appliances when I was growing up! I should know THAT color.
Ivy and Elephants
Whatever green you call it, it looks really cool! Love the plants you chose to use too.
Hugs,
Patti
JunkStuffTreasures
I love green planters! I admit it- I have way too many. Greens vary so much that I try to display those with the same tones. I currently have 40 on display in my living room (so many more are put away in containers). The variety of sizes, shapes, and decoration in one color family make a big impact. Yea for you actually using a planter for plants!
Russell Stone
Hey Pam, I've been following your blog for a while and I really enjoy your posts. I have to thank you for sending me on a color tangent this morning. I had to research the color of your planter because I grew up in the 70's and this is not the avocado green that I grew up with. I put it up against a Pantone color chart and it falls in the Emerald category, much more of a 1940's color. At any rate, I've just spent the last couple of hours looking at and capturing different color palettes to use in my various artworks and I thought I'd like to share how you've inspired me today.. HUGS, Russell
Pam Kessler
I'm glad I gave you something interesting to do today 🙂 And yes, I think you are right. What is even stranger is that my parents had avocado green appliances when I was growing up and, now that I have looked them up online, it is definitely NOT that color. I have my greens mixed up (and decades apparently). Thanks for searching for that for me!
LoriU
I love that planter! But I have to say, I don't think it is avocado green like we had in the 70's! THIS is 70's avocado green: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/374924737699131547/
ThrifterSisters
I have lots of those green planters laying around my house. Now I just need to acquire a green thumb!
Erica
TARYTERRE
The hens and chicks look perfect in this planter.
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
I love these tones of green together...and I have started using planters as planters, too! Such a novel idea lol.
Musings from Kim K.
Totally loving your planter and I think you should know that I'm the spider killer in the family. Chris lets me take care of those things.
PS. I thought of you tonight. I went to an estate sale and got rusty gold. A fabulous rusty toy truck came home with me. After that, we went to buy chicks/hens (sedums) tonight and they didn't know what we were talking about. Clearly, we need a new nursery.
Pam Kessler
I can't wait to see the truck! And yes, find a new nursery. Even K-Mart knows what hens and chicks are.
NanaDiana
I'm not talking about spiders. As a matter of fact I am not even going to MENTION spiders...okay? No spiders- got it?
I don't think that is a true avocado green. Avocado is kind of a pukey color (sorry) and I really think the planter is pretty...more like the colors you see in majolica. So- I LIKE It! lol xo Diana
Anonymous
Yes, pukey green is exactly what I was thinking also, aka avocado green. Your planter isn't pukey green lol
Cozy Little House
Can't forget those spiders! They do their part in nature too. I love this! The color I really like. Such a pretty green. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to upcycle we just forget to use something that it was meant for.When I was in the antique mall last week, I saw a toy truck and immediately thought of you.
Brenda
heidi defaut
i like to use those kinds of things in different ways like for silverware on the table of party food, or napkins or candy, dinosaurs[little ones] for favors.but i am weird so there you have it
Pam Kessler
Not weird at all! I have a dog planter in my living room that holds my remote controls 🙂
mzzbev
I grew up in a green house. The walls, the exterior, the kitchen appliances were all shades of green, especially avocado. So for you years after I never liked green but as of late, I'd say the last two years, I am being drawn to green. Especially the earthy color greens like light sage, and ASCP's Olive. Brightens up a room like no other. We're in the middle of a move and I will again incorporate my fav green in the new home somehow some way. Now, if I could only find a beautiful vase like yours, I would be set! 🙂 -Bev
Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures
Let's leave the spiders out of the scenario and enjoy the plants in that fabulous old planter. I buy those old planters whenever I can find them at a good thrifty price. Love them.
Stacey
That planter has the pretty color of majolica and sedums are perfect in there.