Make a Chiki Torch (aka Chicks-on-a-Stick)

Shopping List:

1 Funnel (or 30-100 if you like this idea!)
1 Tomato Stake per funnel you purchase
Pine Bark: You may want to decorate your funnel in order to disguise the fact that it is a Funnel: Pine bark works well and seems to fall from the tree for me to use.
Construction Adhesive/Hot Glue: I used hot glue, but for added strength you may want to use construction adhesive. Try using a drop of hot glue to hold the bark in place while the construction adhesive dries.
Plants: I used Sempervivums and Sedums because they don't need lots of water.
Soil: Mix up your own potting mix, depending on the plants you select.
Drill: You need to drill drainage holes in the side of the funnel at the bottom because the tomato stake will block the hole in the bottom of the funnel.
Screw: Use one screw per funnel to connect it to the tomato stake. If your stake fits tight to the stake, there is no need for the screw.
Water Sealant: I used Thompson's WaterSeal to preserve the bark I glued to the funnel.

Directions:

The finished torch in the photo was made using a cheap, gray funnel from Autozone. It required a screw to keep the funnel from sliding down the stake because the end of the funnel was larger than the stake. However, the large black funnels (shown in the before photo) found at AutoZone fit the green tomato stakes from Lowes perfectly. You may still want to use a screw for extra strength.

After the funnel is attached, you may use bark or other items to cover the funnel and make it look more natural. Be careful not to cover up your drainage holes with the bark. I just went around them with the bark, and you can't see them! You could also try painting it with the stone-effect paints for a different effect. You may want to leave your funnel as is. You are in charge! If you use wood to cover the bark, spray it with Thompson's WaterSeal or other water proofing treatment.

Stick the stake at least 1 foot into the ground to prevent it from falling over. After it is in place, add some gravel to the bottom, add some soil, add your plants, and then fill the funnel up the rest of the way to the top. Example: I used Sempervivum 'Red Lion' and then placed Sedum cuttings around the perimeter of the funnel.

I hope you will come back and share photos of your Chiki Torch with all of us!



Example of the black funnel