Ever since I repainted my deck a few weeks back I have been itching to create an environment that both myself and my family will want to frequent on a regular basis. There are so many projects to choose from that it’s been hard to figure out where to even start!

So, since I haven’t decided on the table situation (it’s a mess!) I figured I shall head on over towards the plant life. With that being said, I would absolutely love to have a deck that is covered in beautiful flowers, plants and herbs. I’ve started a nice little collection, but I want way, WAY more!

First things first, my herbs! Today I’m going to be using two of my favorite materials (rope and wood) for this two tiered herb planter tutorial.

Thankfully I never have a problem finding random boards around my household so I just selected two of my choice. These particular boards just so happen to be 14″L x 5″W, but you could use just about any size you’d like for this project.

I wanted to use pint size mason jars (wide mouth) so I selected a hole saw based on these measurements. This particular one is  3 1/4.

Before you get started though I would suggest drawing an outline of the circle on your board so you know that it is even and exactly where you want to put it. Obviously once you make the hole there is no going back!

Now, since Mike and I have an entire area devoted for woodworking for both of our businesses (wall decor and taxidermy) we have a drill press to make it easier to create holes quickly.

However, I completely understand that this is not the norm. So, I bet you’re wondering how you do this without a drill press then? Well, you can use the same hole saw, but just in your drill.

It’s definitely going to be a little trying, but if you clamp down your boards like I have done in the below picture you can definitely make this happen!

Next, after you’ve created your holes in both boards you’ll need to drill four holes in each of the corners of each board. How big your holes should be will ultimately depend on the rope or twine you use. For instance, I used twisted sisal rope (100ft x 1/4in.) so a 5/16 drill bit did just the trick!

Once again, I highly suggest that you keep your boards clamped in place while you drill all of your holes. Make sure that whatever you’ve clamped it down to can also handle any mistakes. For example, if you drill through the board and into the countertop… oops. I mean, I’ve never done anything like this before 😉

I have to admit that this next part took me a few tries to figure out. Mike (aka. super talented hubby) kept coming in the room suggesting ways to do it, but unfortunately I was feeling a little stubborn that day.

In the end though, I figured out the best way with the least amount of knots. Here it goes:

1.) Cut two pieces of your rope in equal lengths.

2.) Working with one rope at a time your goal here is to be able to make a loop underneath the bottom board and then pull your rope through the two holes on the same side of the board (the shorter side). You’ll then make a knot on each side of your rope so your top board can rest on this knot.

3.) Do the same thing with your other rope and the other side of the board.

Hint: Measure out where your knots are on your first side to ensure that they will be the same on the other side as well. An unleveled planter would not be good!

4.) Worse case scenario–use hot glue to keep your knots together!

After you’ve finished both sides hold all four strands together and tie them up.

And that’s it! I really like the natural look to this shelf, but think of the endless possibilities you could do to change this beauty up?! You could not only use it outdoors, but in a window as well as practically anywhere in your home. Love all of these options!

I started these little babies from seed so I’m very proud how big they already are.

A little bit of mint going on in the above picture.

Note: to all of those who think they can’t grow plants… mint is so hard to kill. Seriously. I almost threw mine out this winter, but just left it in the pot instead. This spring, it sprung back up! Literally.

As for the bottom mason jar, I’ll be honest. I have no idea what it is. That sounds horrible, doesn’t it? When Ava and I planted our beginner seeds (basil, oregano and rosemary) she kind of just threw them all together.

Oh well, it’ll be a surprise!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend,