Flower Pot Umbrella Stand

by Ronna Farley

5.7K7514

Intro: Flower Pot Umbrella Stand

My husband has always wanted an awning for the far portion of our deck behind our house. The evening sun back there in the summertime can be brutal! Instead of that, we decided to buy a large patio umbrella to put in that area. But how could we prop it up so it won't fall over? I had seen a project similar to this on a home and garden show about 20 years ago using a large flower pot and putting the umbrella inside. I think this idea is so very cool and I was anxious to share it here with you. I hope you enjoy following along how we made this unique project!

STEP 1: Place the Umbrella Base

Place the umbrella base down into the pot, making sure it is centered. Add the umbrella pole to the base. Pour the marble chips over the base.

STEP 2: Add Sand

Add and spread the sand over the marble chips.

STEP 3: Now Add Soil

Add enough soil so that the pot is as full as you would like it to be. Use your hand to smooth the surface of the soil.

STEP 4: Mulch on the Top

Add enough mulch to make it about 1 inch deep.

STEP 5: Supplies for the Plants

shovel

flowers

greenery

watering can

STEP 6: Dig Out the Greenery

I knew I had extra greenery I could use that was in my flower bed in the front yard. Use the shovel to dig down under the plant. Gently scoop it out of the ground. Dig out enough greenery to make 3 sections of plants in the flower pot. Plan the arrangement of the greenery.

STEP 7: Plant It!

Push away some mulch from where you would like to dig the first hole. Using the shovel, dig the hole deep enough for the roots to fit. Add the plant and cover the roots with the soil. Press the soil gently. Replace the mulch around the plant. Repeat with remaining sections of greenery.

STEP 8: Plant Flowers

Plant the flowers using the same method as you did with the greenery, moving the mulch, digging the holes, adding the flowers to the hole and covering the roots with soil, pressing gently and replacing the mulch around the flowers.

STEP 9: Now Water It

Using the watering can, water all around each plant.

STEP 10: Add the Umbrella

Place the umbrella into the pole and the project is complete!

STEP 11: Enjoy It!

There are so many things to enjoy about this umbrella in the big flower pot. You have created a shady area that will be appreciated on a hot summer day. You can enjoy the beauty of the flowers growing in the flower pot. Your guests will find it an interesting addition to your deck! And, you can remove the umbrella from the pole to store it in the winter.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing how we made this for our deck! If you decide to make one, please post a photo! I would love to see it!

12 Comments

Ronna Farley 11 months ago

We love ours. It’s a beautiful day today and I am sitting under it now.

Marita 12 months ago

Hi Ronna, So in Step ID 2 it looks like you bolt the umbrella through the pot into the decking is that correct? PS we also have that umbrella and had to wait for it to be shipped from Germany.

Ronna Farley 12 months ago

It’s not bolted to the deck. We put a heavy metal umbrella stand in the bottom, then we put the bottom pole from the umbrella into the stand. Next was a bag of heavy stones followed by 2 bags of heavy sand, potting soil and mulch.

Where_to_Begin 1 year ago

Looks great! Where did you get that huge umbrella??

Ronna Farley 1 year ago

Thanks! We got the umbrella from Wayfair online.

QAGeek 1 year ago

Procrastination for the win! My husband and I moved into our home last fall and could not agree on what to do on the deck for shade. We both agree this approach is genius! Your idea is practical and beautiful, thank you for sharing it!

Ronna Farley 1 year ago

Aw! That is really why I did this Instructable!!! We love it! We got the umbrella on Wayfair and it is very big. Make sure the flower pot is very heavy inside so the umbrella can’t blow away and tighten it well. I would love to see a photo when you make one!

Penolopy Bulnick 1 year ago

That looks great! Would you say it's pretty heavy? I'm always worried about them falling over since ours always wants to :P

Ronna Farley 1 year ago

Thanks! Yes it’s super heavy but we still won’t keep the umbrella open on very windy days.

bicktasw 1 year ago

What a great idea!!! Looks easy, too! Thanks for sharing...