Alternatives to Setting a Post for Sidewalk Joy
Interested in displaying a Sidewalk Joy spot that needs a post but can’t or don’t want to set a post in concrete?
Maybe you’re renting and your landlord doesn’t want you installing something permanent. Or you might be moving and want to be able to bring your display with you. Whatever the reason, here are some alternatives!
Idea #1: Utilize an existing fence!
The St. John’s Mug Exchange is installed on top of existing fence post
Most fences are posts set in concrete so if you can take advantage of those already-installed structures, great! If the fence is low and you don’t have a fence post cap, you could install your display directly on top of one of the fence posts.
If your spot is narrow, you can install it right onto the top of the fence post. If it’s wider, you’ll want to use a bit of 4x4 to create a cross-brace (see picture of the St. Jon’s Mug Exchange) along with a galvanized 4x4 post cap. Here’s a link to what I use.
The Downtown Hillsboro Mug Exchange is installed into an existing fence
If your fence is tall, you can attach your Sidewalk Joy spot to the front of the fence like the Downtown Hillsboro Mug Exchange.
Make sure to attach your installation to the fence post itself, not the pickets (thinner wood boards).
Idea #2: Use a no-dig metal post
Use a no-dig metal post like this one. You essentially hammer it into the ground and then can attach a post to it.
Idea #3 Set a post in a planter or raised garden bed
The Bee Stop post is set in concrete in a planter
You can set a post in a planter or a raised garden bed! Look for pots on sale as they can be pricey but look lovely.
Small wooden planters are cheaper and can be made yourself (here’s a good example).
Ensure that enough of the post is set in concrete that it is stable and won’t tip.
If you want to grow plants in either, don’t forget to add some drainage. I’m sure there are many ways to do this but what I did was put some gravel in the bottom, followed by a layer of wood. Then I ran some rubber tubing around the edges of the wood into the gravel and filled the concrete only up to the top of the tubes. Now when I water the plants in the Bee Stop pot, the water can drain out the bottom.
I hope these ideas are helpful and facilitate the installation of your own Sidewalk Joy spot. If you have any questions, please let me know! And as always, if you have or make a joyful spot, I’d love to have you on the Worldwide Sidewalk Joy Map!