Many people are faced with the classic problem of a boring wall in the backyard. Don added some fun and colour to the wall with a modern piece of artwork, which he created using plywood and living plants.
How it was done
1. Don cut a sheet of marine grade ply to the desired size (1200 x 800mm). He then applied two coats of exterior low sheen undercoat, making sure that the edges were thoroughly covered.
2. When the undercoat was dry, the board was divided into six sections, each 400 x 400mm. Don painted each section a different colour using sample pots of exterior all weather paint (Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen Acrylic). (Tip: when painting the squares use masking tape to help get a clean edge.
3. Don constructed a ‘rustic’ frame for the artwork using old timber palings. Using a handsaw and mitre box, the palings were cut to size (1280 x 880mm) and the ends were cut at opposing 45° angles. Before assembling the frame, Don made sure that it was absolutely square. He then screwed rust resistant corner braces to each corner. (Tip: screws should be shorther than the thickness of the timber, otherwise they will come through the other side.)
4. The artwork was attached to the frame using self tapping screws, and a chain was attached to the back of the frame so it could be hung on the wall.
5. A tillandsia (Tillandsia tricolor) was glued in the centre of each square. Using a hot glue gun with non toxic glue sticks, Don applied a small dab of glue (about the size of a 5 cent coin) to the stem of each plant. The plants were held in position for approximately 30 seconds. Don explained that the glue would form a permanent attachment but would not harm the plants. Tillandsias do not need soil to grow – they obtain all the nutrients they require from air and rainwater.
6. The finished artwork was hung on the wall midway between two standard durantas (Duranta erecta).
Cost and availability
Hardware
- 2400 x 1200 x 6.5mm marine grade ply, $112.00
- Corner braces, $8 for a packet of 4
- Glue gun, around $50
- Exterior low sheen undercoat, $20 per litre
- Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen Acrylic, $22 per litre
- Sample pots, under $8
Plants
Tillandsias (Tillandsia tricolor), around $15 for mature plants. Available through your local nursery or specialist bromeliad nursery.