As the resident of a tiny city apartment, it's safe to say that I can't bring my dream garden to life just yet – but that doesn't stop me from trying. In fact, my favorite pastime is searching for planters and accessories that will transform my patio garden into a real haven this spring.
Currently claiming top spot on my wish list is IKEA's ASKHOLMEN flower box. Crafted from acacia wood, it features an adjustable shelf and a scalloped design. It's guaranteed to give any patio a makeover – and you would never believe that it's only $50.
I've been doing plenty of shopping recently, and I'd say this flower box is a real highlight of IKEA's spring gardening collection. Plus, since it combines a boutique look with a budget-friendly price tag, it's also one of the best outdoor planters I've spotted in a while.
Forget sacrificing style for function: this flower box is sturdy, adjustable and portable, but it will also make your garden look gorgeous. I love the scalloped, picket fence-style finish.
How to Use Flower Boxes to Elevate Your Patio Garden
When does a patio start to feel like more than a patio? When it's filled with stylish planters and gorgeous blooms, of course.
To me, elevating a small outdoor space is all about picture-perfect storage – particularly in an urban setting. I might occupy a city apartment, but I can still give my patio garden a lush, whimsical feel with a few careful touches.
That's why I've been on the hunt for something like the ASKHOLMEN flower box: it might look the part, but it's also guaranteed to make my life easier, whether I use it for herbs, berries or even a tiny vegetable garden.
At just over 25 inches wide, it's big enough to create a handsome flower display without taking up too much outdoor real estate.
Add a trellis and it can even help create a vertical garden. (In fact, for less than $100 you can pick up a bundle deal featuring the ASKHOLMEN flower box and a matching trellis, so there's no need to spend time scrolling different sites.)
The flower box is also complete with a handy adjustable shelf – helping you create a host of different displays with minimal fuss – and, crucially, it is sturdy but portable.
I'm always on the lookout for durable flower boxes, but they can feel like a bit of a commitment if they require a small army to move them around once they've been built. This one, however, seems blissfully simple, and it's even pre-treated with wood stain to ensure that it remains weather-resistant.
Blending style and practicality with an unbeatable price, this IKEA hero might have finally ended my search for planter box ideas – and as spring bursts into life, I know it will help me create a real patio paradise.
Why Shoppers Love the IKEA ASKHOLMEN Flower Box
The ASKHOLMEN flower box has received plenty of positive online reviews, with customers praising its sturdiness and appearance.
'I absolutely love how it complements the other outdoor furniture on my porch,' reads one five-star review, with another customer describing it as 'a cute addition to my new suburban garden'.
A small handful of reviewers note some difficulty in putting the flower box together, but others were more impressed.
'IKEA supplied the tools I needed, and I don’t know how they could have made the instructions any simpler,' says one reviewer.
Shop More Flower Boxes
This handsome planter features two drainage holes and it has been pre-treated for weather resistance. There's no assembly required, and it would make a great addition to a deck, patio or porch.
You can't get much more practical than this planter box. The wheels will help you reconfigure your patio in no time, and the trellis is perfect for vertical gardening.
If you're particularly short on space, try a square planter like this one. It's chic but compact, and it has a removable base and a folding design for easy storage. It measures 15 inches wide.
Want to show off your plants without losing storage space? I recommend a planter like this one, which comes with a handy shelf. It's made from solid wood with reinforced metal brackets and support bars.
Coming in under $40, this is a brilliantly affordable option. Like the ASKHOLMEN planter, it's crafted from acacia wood, but the slatted panels offer a more contemporary look.
If classic wood planters aren't your style, why not opt for a stylish steel version like this one? The exterior will naturally rust, creating a gorgeous patina finish, but the interior will remain sturdy and hard-wearing.
Stocking up on planters but not sure how to make use of them? We've compiled a list of our favorite raised bed garden ideas to provide you with plenty of inspiration.
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