Cement Illusions

Creating focal points in outdoor spaces is as important as it is indoors. Treat these spaces as you would decorate rooms by separating conversation areas with plants. We used 8-inch square cement blocks to create a large planter on an outdoor patio. If you think about the cement blocks as a gardening container either for indoor or outdoor use, your imagination can run rampant. The design possibilities are endless.

Materials:

• 8-inch square cement blocks
• Potting soil
• Variety of plants, grasses and ground covers
• Polished river rocks or stones
• Bucket and gardening trowel
• Garden shears

1. Start by drawing a sketch on paper, keeping in mind that the blocks we're using are 8-inch square cement blocks with hollow centers. Try clustering blocks on each side, stretch planking in between for a bench and add tall plants with uplights behind them to add height and scale to an outdoor space.

2. Indoors, protect a tabletop with plastic and run a line of blocks gallery style down the center of the table. Plant with a couple of different flowers in each container with some moss around the edges, dripping slightly down the sides.

3. A great way to divide one area from another is to build a tonsu with each stairstep planted with greenery. Add dimension by building the tonsu out to the sides as well. It makes a fabulous focal point.

4. Stack the blocks outside with space in the center for piping and a pump to make a wonderful fountain.

5. Place the first row of blocks in position according to the pattern with the center hole facing upward. Stack the blocks in desired pattern with holes up.

6. Place gravel or stones in the bottom of the cement block holes for drainage. Completely fill the holes with potting soil.

7. Transfer plants to each individual planter block within the structure. For grasses, cut a section from a planting tray using gardening shears and press the square onto the soil. Be sure to keep the grass moist and trim it often.

8. Add polished river rocks or stones to a row of planter blocks or alternate them with plants every other block.