This project was built and designed by Josh Wright. It’s a creative and eco-friendly herb planter made from a naturally fallen tree, blending rustic charm with functional design.
Instead of using fresh lumber, Josh chose to repurpose a log already on the ground—an approach that not only preserves resources but adds character to the final piece. The result is a unique live edge planter that brings natural texture and fresh herbs into any outdoor or indoor space.
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Using What Nature Provides
Josh begins this build by assessing a fallen tree for usable material. While some parts of the log were too soft or rotted, enough solid wood remained to shape the base of a compact herb garden.
This choice to reuse a downed tree is not just practical—it’s a reminder that woodworking doesn’t always have to start with store-bought boards. By working with what’s available, each piece becomes more personal and story-driven.
Cleaning and Preparing the Log
The first major step is removing bark and any decayed material. Josh uses a spokeshave to strip the bark and expose clean, solid wood beneath. This step also helps him better evaluate the grain patterns and ensure the base will hold up over time.
Once the log is cleaned up, it’s cut in half using a chainsaw. Although the rough cut left the surface uneven, a few passes with a hand plane help flatten the top, making it more suitable for layout and drilling.
Shaping the Planter Top
The core of the planter design involves carving out spaces to hold potted herbs. Josh drills large circular openings using a hole saw, then finishes shaping them with a chisel to ensure a snug fit for standard plastic herb pots.
The combination of power and hand tools here reflects a balanced woodworking approach—efficient where needed, but careful enough to preserve the wood’s natural feel. This shaping process also ensures the pots won’t wobble or shift once inserted.
Dealing with Moisture and Dry Time
Because the log had not fully dried, Josh made the decision to continue building before the moisture had fully equalized. This is a trade-off many woodworkers face—balancing excitement and creative momentum with the risk of future movement in the wood.
In this case, letting the log sit for about a month reduced the moisture content enough to proceed. Although ideal drying times can be longer, not every project requires absolute perfection, especially when working with rustic or reclaimed wood.
Making the Support Structure
To elevate the log planter off the ground and provide stability, Josh cuts supports from the second half of the original log. These pieces are flattened with hand planes just like the top, ensuring they sit evenly on any surface.
A key design detail is the semicircular notch cut into each support. This shape cradles the main planter body and prevents it from rolling—a clever, minimal solution that adds both safety and visual appeal.
Final Sanding and Finish
After the structure is fully assembled, Josh gives the entire planter a light sanding to smooth rough edges without removing too much texture. He applies a flat protective finish to preserve the natural tones and keep the wood from drying out or cracking.
This type of finish doesn’t add gloss, keeping the look organic and matte—perfect for a rustic outdoor piece. It also highlights the live edge grain and surface variation, turning the log’s imperfections into visual focal points.
A Functional Garden with Character
The completed planter holds multiple herb pots and serves as a striking addition to a patio, deck, or windowsill. Its live edge form, recycled origin, and simple joinery make it both visually interesting and practical for daily use.
Josh’s build is a great example of how woodworking projects can be both environmentally conscious and beautiful. By rethinking how materials are sourced and using every part of the log, he turns what might have been firewood into something long-lasting and useful.
Inspiration for Future Projects
This project offers more than just a place to grow herbs. It’s a reminder that creativity in woodworking often starts with reimagining everyday materials. A downed branch, scrap board, or old post can become something valuable in the hands of a thoughtful builder.
The techniques used—flattening with hand planes, carving precise openings, shaping notches—are all transferable to other types of furniture or decor. Whether you’re new to woodworking or experienced, there’s something to take away from this build.
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