Planter umbrella stand

1. Measure depth of pot, and cut pipe to extend 8 inches above top.

2. Cover drainage holes in pot with screening. Pour in about 1 inch of lava stone and work one end of the pipe into it, centering pipe vertically in the pot. Pour or shovel in remaining lava stone around pipe to hold it in place (see left).

3. Use water from hose to mix concrete in wheelbarrow according to directions on the bag. Shovel 2 to 3 inches of concrete in over lava stone, using hoe to create a slight slope away from pipe.

4. While concrete is still wet, use levels to check that pot is horizontal and pipe is vertical; also hose out wheelbarrow.

5. Cut dowel to six 6-inch lengths and push them vertically into wet concrete at equally spaced intervals around pipe to create drainage holes. Wiggle the dowels around when the concrete is wet so they?ll be easier to remove when it hardens.

6. Let dry overnight; pull dowels out. Use a dolly to move pot to final location before filling with potting mix, adding plants, and sliding in umbrella. If it is loose, add wood shims around pole to keep it vertical.