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Make an Easy Colorful Fence with Dollar Store Flowers

ByJane & Sonja

DIY lattice flower wall. If you don’t have a green thumb this lattice project is a great alternative, using items from the dollar store.

This month I was challenged by some blogger friends to come up with a project using dollar store items. Now our Dollar Store is pretty limited so I went there with a closed mind. But believe it or not I was able to come up with some pretty basic items to make an easy lattice flower wall with dollar store flowers.

Corner view of lattice flower wall and greenery.

In my town we have one little Dollar Store.  Actually it’s called the Spanish Store. Because there are no dollars here in Greece. But everything sells for one Euro. So I would say it is the equivalent. 

​At the end of this project you’ll be able to see what my friends did with their dollar store finds. 

What I Used to Make a Lattice Flower Wall:

Disclosure: I was compensated for doing this post with product.  However, all the opinions stated here are my own. I only use products I love and would recommend to my viewers.
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​Here is one of the most basic items you can find at the dollar store.  A bouquet of 12 flowers. I was feeling rich so I bought 2 bunches. 

2 bouquets of artificial red roses.

How to Make a Lattice Flower Wall

This old lattice fence panel was left behind when my tenant left and neglected to pay the rent. Instead of rent I got this! As you know, I am a positive person so I took a bad situation and turned it around. I would use this in my lattice flower project and make it awesome!

​I found it outside and it had been out there for a few years. A good cleaning was in order. And I also needed to replace some of the wood because it had disintegrated. But all in all, it would work well for my project!

Lattice panel leaning against a wall.

Because the wood was in very bad shape, I painted it using Old Fashioned Milk Paint in Oyster White. I always use the Safe Paint version which does not chip. Maybe one day I’ll be brave and try the regular milk paint!  😉

I knew this fence would be placed outdoors so I wanted to know if this was a good paint to use. Would I need to spend more money?  Did I need a protective coat? Because lets be honest, I may love my projects but I’m also super thrifty.  I didn’t want to have to shell out any more money for this project except for what I bought at the dollar store.  

Old Fashioned Milk Paint in Oyster White.

It turns out the Safe Paint is wonderful for outdoors. The wonderful folks at the Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company were a big help in answering my questions. This light color once painted onto the porous wood was able to cure and bond like concrete! And because it’s white I don’t have to worry about water spots when it rains. That’s just what I wanted to hear!  

I painted one coat of it and then went over it lightly to get this weathered look you see below!  I’ve also used oyster white on a mirror makeover project.

Painting the lattice strips with Oyster White.

Here it is the lattice all painted! Next to it are lemon tree branches that I picked up on my recent visit to the farm. 

The painted lattice panel.

Using some thin wire I attached the top of the lattice flower panel to the top of the balcony rail.

Attaching the lattice flower wall to the balcony rail.

Then I cut the branches into clumps and randomly inserted them into the lattice flower panel slots.

Adding greenery to the lattice flower wall.

So now because you know I’m a big spender I took out my faux flowers and pulled them apart. I used pliers because they were stubborn but you can also cut them off. And yes, I’m showing you a scissor in the photo, but it didn’t work for me. The plastic holding the wire stems together was really tough.

Separating the flowers of the red rose flower bouquet.

The stem of the flowers is made of wire which I just bent into the shape of a hook and hung them up.  Sort of like a backwards “C”. 

Placing the plastic stems as hooks on the lattice flower wall.

And for the final touch! A yellow tea light lantern that I had bought from the same dollar store last year! I hung it to the lattice flower wall with a piece of wire. 

Yellow lantern on the lattice flower wall.

This is the entire lattice flower wall! Isn’t it beautiful?

Finished lattice flower wall with red roses, greenery and yellow lantern.

Now you’re probably scratching your heads wondering why not put real flowers in there or have them grow from a pot and climb up? This is where I have to hang my head in shame.  

I cannot be that renaissance lady who does it all.  I am totally incompetent when it comes to flowers and gardening. In fact I have a huge brown thumb… slowly inching its way to black! That’s why this lattice flower wall is the perfect compromise.

Close up of faux flower.

In fact the only things that grows on my balcony are succulents and aloe vera plants. Oh and those weird pointy plants, the yuccas. You can see all of that here. ​They have all managed to survive despite my best efforts to do away with them. Oh yes, I know my limitations!

Greenery and faux flowers on the lattice flower wall.

Sadly this is as good as it’s gonna get for my balcony! But you have to admit those pops of red look pretty fantastic against the white and green! And they’ll last all summer and maybe more which real roses don’t do!  

Corner view of lattice flower wall and greenery.

Here is a shot of my rose fence with the tea light lit. 
​

Lit tea light lantern on lattice flower wall.

I believe if you are not paying close attention that you might actually be fooled into thinking they are not fake. For a dollar I’m pretty impressed with them myself!

Close up of flowers peeking through green leaves on the lattice flower wall.

And that was my easy colorful lattice flower wall made with dollar store flowers. I hope I have inspired and given you ideas for your summer outdoor space. And remember, aside from the dollar store, Old Fashioned Milk Paint is my best friend. 

How is your green thumb?  Would you consider coming over to give me some lessons?

​Scroll down some more and visit with my blogger friends for more dollar store craft ideas. 

Picture
Corner view of lattice flower wall with red roses and greenery, under text overlay.
Dollar Store Craft Challenge Blog Hop. www.theboondocksblog.com

Make sure to hop on over and visit my blogging friends to see what they have come up with for this dollar store craft challenge. 
​Across The Boulevard
My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies
Purple Hues and Me
Stone Cottage Adventures

More Balcony ideas

A bowl of cherry tomatoes next to a red flowers.
Balcony Tour 1
Close up of rocks and plants.
Balcony Tour 2

Hello, we're Jane & Sonja, sisters, moms and lifelong crafters.

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123 Comments

  2. Nope – no green thumb here either. Luckily the plants in the house (spider plants) are very forgiving – first they do not get water in days (read: “more than a week”) then they’re getting drenched. They did survive so far.
    Out in the garden we’ve got mostly perennials, they need not that much care. And as for the flower tubs and the rest… I’ve got the most wonderful husband in the world…
    I like your easy fence very much – I’m gathering ideas for crochet highlights in the front garden and these flowery highlights on the might be perfect!
    Have a lovely week,
    Marjan

    1. Marjan I am so happy to hear that I’m not alone in my brown thumb misery! Haha.
      I can just see your crocheted flowers on the lattice panel. They would look amazing!

  3. Ahhhh Mary it does look beautiful on your balcony. So bright and cheerful. The perfect way to capture a bit of nature all year around and you don’t have to remember to water them either, which means more time to create something awesome 😉

    1. That’s the best part Michelle. the not watering them. Because I am capable of either drowning them or starving them. There is no in between!

    1. I’m so glad to hear I’m not alone. And you know that is very bad for us Greeks! 😉 My mother-in-law had the midas touch with plants, sadly it didn’t rub off on me.

  6. Your fence looks wonderful, Mary. What a great way to use something that was left behind. The pops of red are pretty. You’re right, those flowers will last all summer! Pinning and sharing.

  7. I will honestly admit that when I saw your first full photo of your fence I went ‘wow.’ It really is lovely, and the joy of using fake flowers, as you said, they will last all summer and not need any care. Well done, fabulous project.

    1. Thanks Anne. I am always looking for easy solutions. And it does add some interest to the balcony.

  8. I love the look on your balcony. The red flowers add a nice pop of color and you can change it out to suit your moods. Plus it gives you some privacy. Very nice.

    1. Yes I was going for color in this one. If we would have placed it on another rail we would have had more privacy because this balcony is on the main road but the hubs wanted it there to admire so who am I to argue.

    1. It certainly does Doreen and its pretty big about 5 feet across so it makes quite a statement!

  10. Mary, This is so very pretty! Such a pretty idea with dollar store flowers! Cute pop of color with the yellow lantern too! Pinning.

    1. Thanks Laurie. I liked adding that yellow lantern just to throw everyone off! 😉

    1. Thank you Jeanie. I always try to be thrifty with my projects and simple too. I don;t have much fancy machinery here.

  14. Mary, how cute your lattice is with the red roses! You will enjoy seeing that every day! Maybe you can find a protected area on your porch to display it so the sun won’t fade those pretty flowers! I love ❤️ how you’ve done it though!

    1. Florence we had a tent in the upstairs balcony and it ripped in two this past winter. The winds are incredibly strong. So now we just switch sides. When the sun is on one side, we go to the other side of the balcony, and in the afternoon we switch sides.

    1. Thank you Marci. Now if only I had a fairy garden like yours my balcony would be complete.

  17. I think your balcony must be the perfect spot to while away an afternoon…and you never cease to amaze and entertain me with your thrifty projects.
    I’m not sure you could be thrilled with a lattice instead of rent, but at least you were able to make something positive out of it!
    Well done my friend…
    Hugs…

  18. Mary this project is breathing. However, I do have a question. What are the plans once the live leaves dry out and die?

    1. Ivory I was waiting for someone to ask that question. I have a farm full of lemon trees so I can always replace the green leaves when they wilt. In my case it’s easier that trying to keep a plant alive. I am such a brown thumb.
      Or I may add some more faux flowers and fill it up like that. We will see how it goes.

      1. Mary, couldn’t you use artificial (faux) ivy vines instead of the lemon branches. then you wouldn’t have to keep replacing the dried out branches.

    1. Thanks so much Carolann. I really wanted to use that fence somewhere in the house. It would have been a shame to have it go to waste.

  21. Such a great way to repurpose your former’s clients lattice screen! Love the pops of red against the white and green. I don’t have much of a green thumb either but I’d be willing to learn on your balcony in Greece.

    1. That tenant left more than just the lattice so I needed to turn these sad reminders into something positive Marie. You can come over any time but don’t take any gardening advice from me.

    1. You know what I’m talking about Carlee! No more fussing about how much water to add to the pot.

  23. No wilting, fading, or watering required! I say this is a lovely idea and I love that snow white milk paint.
    Great job Mary.

    1. I too am glad that I painted the lattice and now it really stands out against the balcony railing.

  24. Your fence looks great. I love to do things like this. When you get tired of it, you don’t feel bad changing it up – it didn’t cost that much. The yellow lantern is a great touch.
    Hugs,
    Bev

    1. Exactly Beverly. It cost me two euros. And I believe I gained a lot for that price.

  26. I love the lattice fence with the greenery and roses on your balcony. It all looks very pretty, and the red does give it a pop of color. Once the roses fade you can replace them with another dollar store flower.
    I use to have a green thumb, but over the last several years I do believe that it’s turning brown. I always had a garden that provided plenty to share and can. Now I do good to even get enough to eat for one meal.

    1. It is an easy way to add some life into a formerly boring balcony Linda. I’ve never had the gift of gardening but my father does and he produces lots of food to this day.

  28. That’s very beautiful and very clever!! I like the lattice white, so fresh and bright. Lacing the roses on there is a wonderful idea! It’s beautiful Mary!!

    1. Keri it’s the next best thing to the real flowers. Maybe I can add some perfume and make them smell nice too. But that might actually attract bees. Lol!

  29. Very resourceful of you, Mary to come with such a charming presentation! Great job on the white lattice fence!
    Poppy

    1. Poppy if I had your gardening talents I wouldn’t have to resort to such drastic measures.

    1. Thank you Gigi. I am very happy with the outcome too. It looks so much better bright white than before.

    1. Jas that area needed a bit more color. This was the best way to do it. No need to kill any more plants.

    1. Bes they turned brown within a week. Yes and I threw them out and replaced them with fresh branches. For someone like me it is easier to replace the branches than to kill off some real plants. I have a plenty of trees so getting branches is no problem.

  36. Oh wow Mary! You did a great job with this “dollar” store challenge! I love the addition of the yellow tea light candle holder!
    On my blog, I nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award. It’d be awesome if you joined in, but I totally understand if you can’t for whatever reason. 🙂

    1. Thank you Mandy that is so sweet of you to nominate me. I will be over to your blog to check it out.

  37. Mary,
    I think your blooming fence turned out great! It’s perfect for summers where it’s hot and doesn’t require water, so it’s good for drought areas. 🙂 I’m finding that Texas heat where we are at is a killer of plants unless watered daily and sometimes twice to three times per day (new friend warned me about this).
    Happy just about summer!
    Barb 🙂

    1. That;s how it is here too Barbara. But I never seem to get the watering right. Either they don’t get enough or they get too much and turn mushy and brown. I have raised my hands in defeat!

    1. Thanks so much Maria. Sometimes you start out with a vague idea of what you want to do and it slowly comes together till it all fits in. I am really happy with how it turned out.

  39. I love it. I stay in a camp ground over the summer in Maine. I would love to do this on my little back deck. I’ve been known to stick a faux flower in my gardens here and there.

    1. Any why not Peg, a bit of color never hurt anyone. And it’s easier than having to water them.

  41. Mary, judging just by the picture and before I read the post, I thought those flowers were real 🙂
    A great idea! I love white fences – and coupled with vivid colored flowers they really stand out and make any yard / garden beautiful!

  42. Mary, I don’t have a green thumb either and I am all for cheating when it comes to DIY. Fabulous!

    1. I am so happy to hear that Cynthia. I was aiming for a bit of color but if I can fool you in the process then all the better. Lol!

  45. I love your pretty trellis update. It reminds me of those pretty pictures of English cottages with red roses growing over the front door.
    Not everyone can be a gardening genius, some times a little cheating is required!

    1. Oh I know what you mean. I watch a lot of English period dramas. Lots of Jane Austen in my house. Lol!! I probably got this idea subconsiously from those.

  46. Mary, this turned out so pretty. It looks great on your balcony, and I could sit there and admire the scenery and attempt to sniff the roses! The Dollar Store really does have amazing finds, especially if you have a talent for looking at the items with a creative mind for repurposing. You are the queen of taking a dollar and making it into a Priceless piece!

    1. You know I could spray them with perfume so that when you do get here you can actually sniff something besides the cloth! 😉
      Thanks so much Nikki! You know what they say, Necessity is the mother of invention!

  47. In Spain, we call the Dollar Stores “Chinos”, regardless of who owns and operates them.
    I think the yellow lantern is the crowning touch of your project. It really looks nice and it will be easy to swap the flowers and greenery depending on the season. Thanks for sharing with us at Creatively Crafty #ccbg 🙂

    1. Thanks Lydia. I too love that touch of yellow! And thank goodness for those dollar stores!!

  48. I have to say it looks fab Mary and at least you don’t have to worry about Greenfly !!

  49. Mary, this is the sweetest fence I’ve ever seen, how genius to use those dollar store flowers in it, they look real and so so pretty! Great upcycle!

    1. Thank you Katrin. You know how I’m always talking about my brown thumb! Well here is the proof!

  51. They look awesome, Mary! I should do the same for my from my front windows, where is the sunniest side of the house and no flower would resist too well… Lovely, project, as usual! 🙂

    1. Thanks so much Gabi. I had no other way to bring some bright color to the balcony.

  52. I think your lattice panel is beautiful. You did a great job,& as long as you love it that’s all that matters anyway.
    I have a lot of “luck” with growing green things. I’d be happy to help your brown thumb out – and was I right reading that you’re in Greece? Beautiful country!

    1. Thank you Laura. I suspect because of the heat I tend to over water them, thinking that they are like me and need lots of liquids Haha!

  54. You created a lovely alternative to fresh flowers that looks quite realistic! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!

  60. This is such a pretty project, Mary, and perfect for breathing new life into a garden! Thank you for sharing, and for your support of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Hope to see you again this week. I hope your week is off to a good start!

  61. Wow, I am sure that this is pretty old but good decor is just like wine, the older it gets the better it looks(tastes).

    Well, I got inspired by you and plan on doing something similar. The only problem I see is that branches will start to dry up in a matter of days and I don’t like to do all this work for the sake of few days. Instead of using real plant branches I will use artificial ivy https://designerplants.com/products/artificial-boston-ivy-green-wall-11sq-ft-uv-resistant
    and the cheapest artificial flowers I can find online.

    Will report next week how it turned out!

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