How to make a DIY concrete block planter

You will need

• Resene testpots in your choice of colours; Fleur used Resene Porter, Resene Bi Hoki, Resene Courage, Resene Red Herring, Resene Influential and Resene Valour
• 8 rectangular concrete blocks (39cm x 19cm x 19cm)
• 2 small square concrete blocks (19cm x 19cm x 19cm)
• Masking tape and small paintbrush
• Weed mat and silicon adhesive
• Potting mix and plants

Instructions

Step 1:  First, measure the space that you want the planter to go in and work out how many blocks you need. It’s helpful to sketch it and even make a mini version out of Lego!

Step 2:  Use masking tape to make your pattern.

Step 3:  Using a testpot paintbrush, paint on your main Resene colour. This is Resene Porter. Do two coats of paint and remove the tape while the second layer is still wet.

Step 4:  Repeat this process for all the blocks. We painted some blocks with just Resene Porter, then added other colours to three of the blocks. Fleur used Resene Porter, Resene Bi Hoki, Resene Courage, Resene Red Herring, Resene Influential and Resene Valour.

Step 5:  Turn the block over and cut a piece of weed mat to cover the hole at the bottom. Use silicon adhesive to attach it. This will help keep the soil in place. Position your blocks how you want them, fill the holes with good quality potting mix and add flowers.

Top tip: Try using a Resene FX Metallic colour as one of your chosen colours. The metallic effect will add extra shimmer and shine in the sunlight.

Styling and images by Fleur Thorpe, 2018.