A few years ago I got the supplies to make one of those tipsy pot things-where the pots are stacked on top of each other at angles, usually up a pole or something. The thing (the post has been sitting on my deck and the pots I bought for it have been otherwise commissioned. Yesterday I was playing around with it, thinking that I could put impatiens or something in the pots. Then, I started thinking that if I got clay bulb pans (they are shorter versions of standard clay pots) that I could plant sempervivums in the pots and then during the cold winter months I could just take the thing apart and let the snow cover the pots on the ground. I stopped and got some pots on my way home tonight. They are short, but they are still 6-8 inches tall. Do you think that I should fill the pots halfway with rocks or some kind of filler that will help with drainage and then just use succulent mix in the top half? Do you think this would work at all or should I stick with impatiens? I'm anxious to hear your thoughts:)
Thanks!
Deb

Deb, I'm assuming you had in mind a location for your tipsy pot? It it was going to be a shady location, Impatiens would work better but if there's at least several hours of morning sunlight then sempervivums could be an option. Will there be holes on the bottom of the pots? If yes, then maybe the rocks, if small enough, could be mixed in with the soil. Will the rocks at the bottom help or hinder the pots staying in the desired tipsy position?

Hi Deb. Could you give us a photo of the pots and place they will be displayed?

Is this what you want to make? Not sure if this would work in zone 4, I'm in 7.

Deb I like your idea! And yes it would need to be in a sunny spot...taking it apart so they pots could be on the ground is a good idea! I don't think you even need rocks. I use soil, pumice and some sharp sand, and chicken grit. The pots would certainly be heavier than impatiens, but probably not a problem!
Keep us updated!