A garden art project started when a Master Gardener friend gave me a small tricycle planter. Since it had been sitting outside, the first thing that was needed was to clean it, so it would be ready to paint-a wire brush was used for this. After it was cleaned, the decision needed to be made what color should it be painted?

A search of spray paint in the garage turned up purple, red and yellow of course not enough in one can to paint it one color. So as the picture shows the frame is purple, the 3 wheels are red, and because it will hold a pot, the yellow paint was used on a clay pot.

Now the empty pot needed a plant so a white Abutlon ‘Canopus' was purchased. Abutlons are also known as flowering maple. ‘Canopus' abutlon has white bell shaped flowers with shiny green leaves. According to the tag on the plant it will grow in pots. These plants can grow 4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. They takes average watering in the ground, but as we know most plants in pots need to be watered more often, especially in the hot weather.

It probably will be a good idea to check every few days to be sure the soil is not bone dry. I have a water meter so I will test the soil with that before watering.

Unfortunately this planter and plant is not staying in my garden. It is a surprise for my granddaughter's garden.