Inexpensive ways to create a lead effect in the garden

We love using lead in the garden. However lead is expensive. So to get round this we fake it. Within our designs we regularly use acid etched metal to create baseless containers, obelisks, green vaults and for furniture.
This video shows Bunny visiting a lead foundry some 20 years ago, see how they hand-cast pots. Then we see Bunny creating the two lead planters that were either side of the front door in the video ’How to transform your front entrance’. You would never have known that they were made from 2 old tea chests. Bunny also shows off her lead water butt, made from a plastic water butt covered in Code 4 lead. Last but not least, Bunny talks about liquid metal paints.
#lead #decorativemetal

[@helenachase5627]

Thanks Bunny. Here in North America we cant source the European style water tanks, etc. Other than the styrofoam and more standard clay. I really struggle to afford nice planters. Especially large ones.

[@joyscott374]

I really enjoy seeing your garden ideas, the trough looks so good. The gazebo inspired me too, & with some help I had one fitted over my courtyard. It never fails to impress. I'm looking to build a path now, then I remembered you making a small path leading to a greenhouse. It was made of cement/soil, a technique you learnt in Japan. I would love to give that a go but I can't find the video on your playlists. Do you recall this was you or am I dreaming?

[@2010lrain]

Great idea 😊

[@DavidBride-wh3pe]

Hello!!! How are you doing? Hope am not being rude for writing you first???

[@tgardenchicken1780]

I live across the pond. I don't understand the idea of adding anything lead to the garden. Lead is poisonous to children. Not sure why I would add anything in lead to my garden where it can leach into the soil and contaminate it. (Will the leached lead injure the soil communities or our wildlife that eat parts of those communities or drink the water?)
Do the pots leave marks on the concrete as they weather?
Here we worry about the lead levels in our soils.
But I understand enjoying the look of it and like the idea of 'metal looking paints'. That way I can use my current containers and just overhaul the look of them very inexpensively (and with lots less work on my part.)

[@bunnyguinness]

Lead develops a patina , an oxidation coat so it is safe to handle once this has developed. This oxidation hardens the lead and stops the lead getting on your skin. Hence I used gloves when handling the new lead. If you breath in lead particles or ingest it into your body then it is toxic. Lead used to be used for pipes but the acid in the water, but then it was found that hot water and very acidic water can dissolve it. For more detailed information see the The Lead Contractors Association guide lines. Hope this helps!🐰

[@tgardenchicken1780]

@@bunnyguinness ah, that makes sense Thank you.

[@elisaangel9789]

The paint is a good idea too.

[@krisbaker9427]

Isn’t lead a risk? If it degrades won’t it get into the air, the water, the soil? How can it be made safe?

[@bunnyguinness]

No not a risk, does not degrade, it forms a patina, by oxidation, which basically protects you.🐇

[@Jane-3229]

Brilliant ❤

[@DavidBride-wh3pe]

Hello!!! How are you doing? Hope am not being rude for writing you first??

[@Bluemagilla]

I’d love to see other ideas for planters. I get rid of lead in my environment as much as possible, any amount is dangerous from what I’ve heard.

[@bunnyguinness]

No it is only dangerous if you ingest it , ie breath in the dust or consume it. Lead quickly develops a patina, oxidation, and this forms a barrier between the lead and the skin. See the guide lines from The Lead Contractors Association for more information. Its a fabulous material that has been used for many hundreds of years. 🐇

[@user-ti2mb9uq9l]

Hi, As always fab achievable ideas. you show the pewter colour paint is that the shade you use for the lead finish? Thank you as always for the inspiration. I have a roof terrace so I am anxious to reduce weight might you recommend a brand of plastic classical ornate pots that you like? Many thanks

[@bunnyguinness]

I love the Capital Garden Products range, but they are not cheap! I will hunt some down and do a video on it next year. The heaviest bit is the soil, so you can add 50% LECA to this to lighten it . I did a video on 'How to Make your own Baseless Pots' which shows a reworked plastic pot. 🐇

[@bunnyguinness]

ps the best lead colour from the Liquid Metal Paint is Graphite. 🐰

[@GardeningGroomer]

❤

[@sheilagavin6536]

❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@RoseMary-vs3io]

👀💪

[@DavidBride-wh3pe]

Hello!!! How are you doing? Hope am not being rude for writing you first?