I love a backyard project that looks sculptural and practical at the same time, and this planter wall does exactly that. By tucking small orange terracotta pots into the openings of large gray cinder blocks, you get a sturdy vertical garden feature that adds color, texture, and a surprisingly polished look without requiring fancy masonry skills.
This is a wonderful build for anyone who wants more planting space, a little privacy, or a strong focal point along a patio or fence line. I’m especially fond of projects like this because they let you play with arrangement the way you would plate food: simple ingredients, thoughtfully composed, and suddenly the whole thing feels special.
Materials
12 large gray cinder blocks, standard 8 in. x 8 in. x 16 in.
Instructions
1. Choose a flat, well-drained spot for the planter wall, and measure the footprint so you know exactly how wide and deep your layout will be.
2. Clear the area of grass, weeds, and loose debris, then level the ground as much as possible so the first row of blocks sits solidly.
3. Spread a 1-inch layer of pea gravel over the footprint to improve drainage and help with leveling, then tamp it down by pressing firmly with the flat side of a block.
4. Lay the first row of 6 cinder blocks side by side, checking each one with a level and adjusting with gravel underneath until the row is even.
5. Cut strips of landscape fabric and place them inside the block openings that will support pots, creating a little barrier so soil stays where you want it.
6. Add a small bead of exterior construction adhesive between touching blocks if you want the wall more secure, especially for a two-row arrangement.
7. Stack the second row of 6 blocks on top, staggering the joints slightly if your layout allows, and check again for level from side to side and front to back.
8. Test-fit a terracotta pot into each selected opening, making sure it sits snugly and straight; if a pot sits too low, add a little gravel beneath it for support.
9. Fill each terracotta pot about one-third full with potting mix, set in a plant, then add more potting mix around the root ball until the soil sits 1 inch below the rim.
10. Slide the planted pots into the cinder block openings, rotating them slightly so the best side of each plant faces outward for a balanced look.
11. Backfill any visible gaps around the pots with a bit of extra gravel or folded landscape fabric so the pots stay steady and don’t wobble.
12. Water each pot gently until moisture runs through, then brush off loose soil and step back to check the overall arrangement before making small spacing adjustments.
Variations & Tips
Plant choice: I like using a mix of trailing plants such as creeping jenny or ivy with compact bloomers like marigolds or petunias so the wall looks lush quickly.
Herb version: This design also works beautifully as a kitchen-garden wall with thyme, basil, parsley, and oregano, especially if you place it near a back door or patio.
Color balance: The orange terracotta against cool gray block is what makes this project pop, so I’d keep the pot color natural and let the plants provide the rest of the palette.
Stability tip: If you’re building taller than two rows, anchor the wall more formally and check local guidance for safe retaining or freestanding garden structures.
Drainage tip: Terracotta dries out faster than plastic, which can be wonderful for many plants, but in peak summer you may need to water daily depending on sun and wind exposure.
Budget-friendly option: If buying all new plants stretches the budget, start with smaller nursery plants or divide established plants from elsewhere in the garden and let them fill in over time.