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Look! Irrigation Pipe Planters
Austin, Texas

Hello to Ana who's trying out to be a member of the Southwest team representing Austin. Leave us your comments and tell us what you think!
071108_planter.jpgTo liven up an outdoor space, here's a good rule of thumb: If it holds (or once held) water, it can be a planter. In their former life as irrigation pipes, these planters funneled water to crops. Nowadays, irrigation systems are much smaller and more sophisticated so these old guys lost their jobs. Then Elle Green, the owner of Austin Modern, decided to use them to fill in a bare, sun-drenched corner outside her store in Central Austin.

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The pipe planters, which she painted red, yellow, blue and orange, really make a green statement. Not only do they incorporate recycled materials, but they hold drought-tolerant plants like cactus, succulents and native grasses and shrubs that require little to no maintenance.

Things like this are great for homes in the South and Southwest, where many areas currently face watering restrictions and shortages. You can get creative if you decide to paint them (stripes, anyone?) or leave them raw for a more industrial look. Check with local nurseries for the kind of plants that do well in your climate.

So ... what kind of things have you used for planters?

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Look!, green ideas, garden, look!, green idea

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Comments (11)

Oh this is fantastic. I love succulants and that big plant in the first photo, Aloe Vera perhaps? Either way, it's lovely and I love the strong architectural shapes of plants like this.

Even here in Seattle, going more drout tollerant isn't a bad idea at all - and as you say, they take little to no maintenance.

posted by ciddyguy on 2008-07-11 14:34:41
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There is a barrio tradition of using all sorts of things handy, including tin cans as planters. I like to save metal cans with bright colors, like enchilada sauce or italian tomatoes, to use for little succulents.

posted by jen_g on 2008-07-11 15:01:34
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ciddyguy,

That first plant is an agave -- my favorites are the ones that are as big as cars!

I drove by Austin Modern the other day. Are they going out of business? I saw a For Lease sign in the window.

Sarah

posted by prettybirdpress on 2008-07-11 15:27:48
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Ahhh, you are killing me with your Austin posts! I miss Austin and I know exactly where that store is too (I am currently living in Houston, boo).

Have you checked out Big Red Sun? It's a great store with wonderful design and a vast array of succulents. Maybe I'll drive to Austin this weekend for a visit.

http://www.bigredsun.com/cd_portfolio/index.html

posted by pie on 2008-07-11 17:13:36
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Sarah: Austin Modern is going to be a web-only store, according to an e-mail I got a few weeks ago. But Elle will maintain a booth at Gypsies Antiques on Burnet Road. I just hope she leaves the planters -- they really brighten up that stretch of street.

Pie: I'll probably go to Big Red Sun this weekend to take some pictures and do some research for upcoming posts. It's a great place. Plus I need to liven up my bare little patio. So look out for some kind of feature next week.

Thanks for the feedback! And if anyone has suggestions of Austin places they'd like to share with AT, please let me or one of the other Austin bloggers know. There's a lot of ground to cover, so ideas are always welcome.

posted by palindrome on 2008-07-11 17:25:07
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Palindrome: Have fun at BRS. Don't forget to visit Pacha on Burnet (order the Pacha latte). Anyone in need for a Houston blogger at AT? ;)

posted by pie on 2008-07-11 22:14:11
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My gran has an agave plant in her front yard it was okay when it was smaller but now its taking over her entire yard (my whole family tells her to chop it down).

As pretty as it is its not cool because it has little pins on the edge like a cactus and when you help her unloading groceries at night a graze of it by your arm is not fun :( It would look better at my cousins ranch.

A few months back while walking around nyc I saw a bathtub full of flowers. it was nice. I don't really see that here down in south south texas tho.

posted by witchbaby on 2008-07-11 22:42:44
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I've drilled holes into chipped pyrex mixing bowls (i'm big on drainage), and I've seen old collanders used for epiphytes/bromeliads and hanging succulents like donkeys tail.

SO excited to see Austin on AT, great posts Ana, I'm wavin at you from the 45 ;) Good luck!

posted by southof290 on 2008-07-12 08:39:25
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Oh wow! A page ago I was looking at the Galaxy post thinking "What city is this?"

THIS is Austin. Memories.

posted by john m on 2008-07-12 10:55:28
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Ana -- I love your posts! Austin looks amazing! I can't wait to see what else you share with us. Keep up the great work!

posted by Sardy on 2008-07-13 21:09:28
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Those are fun :-)

Here in Dallas, there is place that's done something similar with huge painted tractor/truck tires.

posted by margie on 2008-07-15 09:48:35
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