Discarded household items and worn-out crockery are among the many objects that creative gardeners can transform into unique plant pots and garden containers. A few drainage holes and a decorative touch can create an attractive and serviceable garden ornament that can last for several seasons.
Simple craft supplies can be used for decorating these items, although a few creative choices (like cinnamon) can add a surprisingly authentic "antique" touch to metal items. Basic carpentry skills are helpful for some adaptations, such as the box frame wagon design.
Gourd Shells
While many crafters and gardeners treat these as a seasonal display item, hollow gourd shells are creative choices for biodegradable planters. Small bottle varieties will do for young or small varieties, but large basket choices like "calabash" varieties work perfectly for larger plants.
Decorate the outside with vegetable-based paints or dyes or leave natural for a wood-like appearance and subtle decorative touch that won't compete with colorful plants.
Rusty Buckets and Coffee Can Planters
Antique or vintage metal buckets make great planters for displaying in the midst of tangled flower beds; large metal coffee cans work as well, forming pseudo-buckets with holes drilled in the sides and metal wire handles looped through them.
Create a faux rust using brown outdoor paint, all-weather glue, and dried ground cinnamon. Coat the metal surface in glue mixed with brown paint, then sprinkle liberally with dried cinnamon.
Once the surface is dry, it should have the look and feel of rust. Coat the surface with a protective sealant so the look lasts longer or leave natural for display in an organic garden.
China, Porcelain, and Crockery Plant Pots
Cracked teapots, soup tureens, and other large crockery pieces make great choices for ornate planters. Carefully drill a few holes in the bottom using a specialty drill bit and drilling technique, then fill with soil for planting a small plant or seasonal choices like bulbs.
Recycled porcelain and ceramic pieces make good choices for indoor planters, since the shiny finish and decorative surfaces resemble traditional domestic planters.
Box Frame Wagon
A rusty or worn-out toy wagon is perfect for creating a whimsical moveable planter that can hold rows of petunias, tulips, or other choices. The thin metal bottom makes drilling drainage holes easy with a medium-sized bit and drill; a rusted bottom can be replaced with a wood panel cut to fit, with pre-drilled drainage holes.
Since the depth of the wagon is minimal, a simple box frame identical in width and length to the wagon is perfect for increasing the growing space. Be sure to include the thickness of the boards in the calculations when sizing the box. Secure to the top of the wagon using short stakes driven into the soil at each corner to steady the frame.
Reusing forgotten items can enhance the charm of the garden and help "junk" items live up to their maximum potential. These second-chance garden planters and pots have a personality all their own when displayed in garden beds or landscaped scenes.
Sarah Briggs - For the last two years, I have designed primitive dolls and folk art sculptures (such as Edwin Drood and the Ghost of Marley) for Cordwood ...
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