Brighten up plant pots

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Create an eyecatching display of potted herbs or small plants with this easy and inexpensive way to transform your containers. Paint them in a palette of toning colours, chosen from tester pots or leftovers from decorating projects.

Before you begin

Buy terracotta plant pots and dishes from the garden centre, revive some you already have, or even try using large washed-out yogurt pots. It will take about two hours with drying time.

What you'll need

● Small paintbrush
● Three small terracotta plant pots with dishes
● Three sample pots of emulsion or water-based eggshell paint

How it's done

If the pots have been used previously, start by washing away any dirt and dust.

Once dry, paint each pot and dish with a small brush, using gentle strokes. For a smooth finish, apply several fine coats rather than one thick one.

Leave to dry for a couple of hours then fill each pot with fresh compost and plant with your herbs. We used parsley, oregano and dill here.

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