How to Use Shutters to Make a Unique Flower Pot Trellis

Are you tired of displaying your spring and summer flowers on a plain trellis the same way every year? Do you wish there was a unique, one of a kind, trellis type approach that you could use that would make an architectural statement that would accent your house while showcasing your summer flowers? There is a simple, straightforward way that involves using the plastic shutters found in the major home supply centers such as Lowe's and Home Depot. The same thing can be done with old wooden shutters so let your imagination run free and you will enjoy your summer flowers even more!

The first step involves going to the store of your choice and picking up a copy of their brochure showing the colors their plastic molded shutters come in. Most likely you'll find a color that will blend in well with the accent colors either of other shutters you might have or accent colors that you might have used on your windows and doors. If you have special colors of flowers you will use that can also be taken into account when choosing the color of your shutters for your trellis.

These are three different trellis configurations you can make with two, or more, shutters. While the size can vary we found that 30" long shutters are easy to work with.

Hanging Panels

In this trellis configuration one or more louvered shutter panels will be suspended alongside the house from the soffit or eaves. Start by inserting two screw eyes separated by the width of the shutter, which is often 15". Thin metal cable or nylon rope is then fastened to each of these. In each corner of the shutter drill a hole so that the rope will pass through it. If you are only suspending one shutter for your trellis, terminate the rope at the height you chose and either tie a knot or put a screw type tightening collar on the metal cable so that the shutter is suspended vertically from the two upper corners. If you will be making a trellis using more then one shutter continue to run the rope down through holes drilled in the lower corners and repeat the configuration on another shutter spaced perhaps a foot lower. Once the panels are suspended terminate each rope or cable at the bottom of the lowest shutter. If you are concerned over the shutters moving in the wind continue the rope or cable to large spikes buried in the ground at least 6" deep. It is preferable to use lightweight plastic pots for your flowers and plants. These can be anchored at random locations on the shutters using large nylon cable ties circling each pot and held in place on the back side of the shutter by looping them over a think stick of wood. The resulting flower display pot trellis will be a unique up to date design statement made with the classic louvered shutter.

Corner Panel Display

Rather then hang the louvered shutters as a trellis two will be used to create a stylish corner display stand for potted flowers and plants. To achieve this look take two shutters of the same size and drill small holes in the sides and use galvanized wire to hold them together at right angles. Tie them together at the top, middle and bottom. Next cut two right angle right angle pie slices that will form a shelves. Also cut a number of openings that will support the pots you choose to use. One will go at the near the top and the other near the bottom of the shutter panels. Fasten them by screwing galvanized drywall screws through the back of the shutter into the flat edges of each shelf. Attaching the shelves will add rigidity to the plant display trellis stand but you should also anchor it to the ground by running long spikes through the bottom lip of the shutter and into the ground. Once anchored, the flower pots can be inserted as you wish.

Sign Board Type Display

In this example the shutters are wired together at the tops of the two shutters with the fronts facing out. This is positioned and anchored to the ground using spikes at the corners. Flower pots are then mounted to the shutters using nylon cable ties as described earlier. This trellis approach is useful for smaller areas such as on balconies found on apartments.

Obviously shutters can be used for other approaches such as mounting the shutter horizontally on the siding or fence and mounting the flower pots at intervals to provide a color coordinated display that breaks up the expanse of fencing. Let your imagination run free and experiment with different arrangements. In addition to potted flowers this trellis approach can be used with vines such as ivy. Who knows, you may find yourself on HGTV one of these days!