How to Make a Moss-Covered Planter Chair

An old wooden chair makes the ideal planter for brightly colored flowers and creates a whimsical focal point for any yard. Although many people simply place a pot or basket in the seat, creating a moss-covered seat to hold your prized specimens adds charm to this rustic garden chair planter.

Things You'll Need

• Old wooden chair
• Chicken wire
• Staple gun with staples
• Moss
• Potting soil
• Plants/flowers

Instructions

1. Prep the chair by removing the seat. If the seat is not easily removable, cut a hole in the seat to the dimension of the plant pot you intend to use. The directions for this garden chair assume that you have removed the seat and have the supports intact.

2. Measure the dimensions of the seat and add several inches on all sides. Cut a section of chicken wire to these dimensions.

3. Staple the chicken wire to the seat to form a beveled seat. This allows the plant to set below the seat level and gives the appearance the plants have sprung up from the base of the chair.

4. Place a layer of moss (with the root side facing upward) over the chicken wire seat. Press to anchor the moss into the wire and to make a smooth layer. Check that all areas are covered completely.

5. Cover the moss with several inches of all-purpose potting soil. Plant your flowers in the soil and firmly press down with your hands. Make sure you are providing a layer of soil deep enough for the root system of the plant you wish to grow.

6. Cover the top of the soil with the second layer of moss so the roots contact the soil. Tuck it in around the base of the plants and work into the corners of the seat. Your finished layer of moss should look like one complete sheet of moss.

7. Press the moss down to remove any air pockets.

8. Water thoroughly and keep moist.

Tips & Warnings

• Any chair will do, but a high back chair with an interesting design adds to the appeal. You may even have a chair or two lurking in the corners of your attic or tucked in a storeroom. Look for discarded chairs at junkyards or search flea markets for that perfect find. You can often pick one up for a few dollars.

• Paint the chair, if preferred.

• Gather enough moss to completely cover the chicken wire two times. One layer serves as the base and the other covers the soil.

• Wear protective gear when cutting and working with wire.