How to Make a Floral Piece Out of a Shoe

Rather than throw out your old shoes, put them to use as floral pieces in your outdoor garden space. Shoe planters are a growing trend among gardeners for their quirky, rustic, and unexpected appeal. Almost any shoe will work for this project, provided there's enough of an opening at the top of the shoe to grow plants. For a sassier look and a wider space to grow several plants, choose a high heel. For a single plant, old work boots add humor and country charm to your garden.

Old shoe
Drill
Small rocks
Soil
Seeds or pre-grown plants

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a shoe and the type of plant you'll be using for your shoe-planter project. Pick smaller plants -- succulents are ideal for their hardiness and compactness -- as your space will be limited.
- 2
  Drill 2 to 4 tiny holes in the sole of the shoe to let the water drain out. Don't make the holes too big, as you don't want the dirt to spill out.
- 3
  Fill the bottom of the shoe planter with a thin layer of rocks. This will help the water drain out and prevent water from collecting and drowning your plant. Pack potting soil on top of the rocks. If you're using seeds, pack the soil to about 1/4 of an inch from the top of the shoe. If you're using a pre-grown plant, pack the soil halfway, position the plant and pack the soil on top of the plant to secure it in place.

What Is Loamy Soil Used For?

Hedge Plants With Small Yellow Flowers

Outdoor Growing