As seasons come and go, I like to update my fireplace area with things I already have or that I can create. So far in this sealed area I've place some urns filled with Ivy plants for Christmas, recycled jumbo bottles in tones of amber and light brown for the beginning of the year; and now some ferns in honor of Spring.
To place these plants inside the firebox I've create a simple planter with some "Common Board" and "Sande Plywood" from The Home Depot.


The sizes I'll be using to make this planter are based on my firebox space. To start, I cut one piece of the "Sande Plywood" to 30" x 36", this was going to be the back of the planter. Using the same material, I cut 3 pieces of 33" x 8" for the front part that will hold the plants. For the corners, I cut 6 triangles from the "Common Board". Each of these was 6" x 6" x 8" (using a 45 degree angle).
Using these materials I was able to make 3 rows for the plants. For each row, I started accommodating the corners, each 1 1/2" from the edge of the wood that was going to be the back of the planter (as shown in the image). After these pieces were glued and nailed, I placed one of the 33" x 8" piece to finish the row. Between rows I left 3" for spacing.


After all the rows were finished, all I had to do was fill the planter. The reason I chose ferns, besides being so lush, was because they imitate the beautiful stone engraving of my fireplace. Also, when I was looking for options I took into consideration the fact that these plants were going to be near a big window, were they'll be receiving sunlight for the most part of the day.


I love having this pop of green in my living room. The best thing about this planter is that I can change the plants and hang it to the kitchen wall replacing the ferns for some herbs.
Do you like to keep plants inside your home? Which are your favorites?