Gardening is a delightful hobby that brings a sense of peace and accomplishment. One of the joys of gardening is finding unique and creative containers to showcase your plants.
Let’s explore a world where anything can be a garden container, right from the comfort of your backyard.
1. Vintage Suitcase Planter
A quirky twist on traditional planters starts with an unexpected object. A vintage suitcase makes an excellent container for your garden. The weathered look of an old suitcase adds character and charm to your garden space. Fill it with colorful blooms like petunias or marigolds for a vibrant display. Make sure to drill drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Elevate it on a stand or place it directly on the ground for varying heights. This creative planter can be a conversation starter at your next garden party. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to recycle old suitcases.
2. Teapot Herb Garden
Imagine a garden that’s both functional and decorative. A teapot can be an adorable herb garden container. With its delicate spout and handle, it adds a touch of whimsy to your garden setup. Fill it with soil and plant herbs like basil or thyme.
Ensure the teapot has a drainage hole, or use a layer of pebbles at the bottom to avoid root rot. This charming container fits perfectly on a sunny windowsill or a patio table, ready for your culinary adventures. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to upcycle old teapots that no longer serve their original purpose.
3. Tin Can Flower Tower
Unleash your creativity with simple materials. Tin cans, often discarded, can be transformed into a stunning flower tower. Collect various sizes, paint them in vibrant colors, and stack them for an eye-catching display. Fill each can with soil and plant trailing flowers like nasturtiums or petunias.
This vertical garden approach saves space and adds height to your garden design. It’s an eco-friendly project that repurposes cans while creating a beautiful focal point. Perfect for small patios or balconies, this idea turns everyday objects into extraordinary garden features.
4. Wooden Crate Vegetable Box
Bring rustic charm to your garden with a wooden crate. These boxes are ideal for growing vegetables. Sturdy and spacious, they allow ample room for root systems to develop. Fill the crate with nutrient-rich soil and plant vegetables like lettuce or radishes.
Position the crate in a sunny spot to maximize growth. The natural wood complements any garden setting and adds an earthy feel. Plus, it’s an easy DIY project that can be adapted to various sizes. With minimal effort, transform simple crates into productive vegetable gardens.
5. Hollow Log Succulent Display
Nature meets creativity in this sustainable container idea. A hollow log can become a striking succulent display. Its natural texture and shape provide a perfect backdrop for succulents. Fill the log with cactus soil and arrange an assortment of succulents like echeverias or sedums.
This setup requires minimal water, making it ideal for drought-tolerant gardening. The log blends seamlessly into the garden, creating a harmonious look. Place it among rocks or other logs for a cohesive design. A hollow log is not just a planter; it’s a piece of art in your garden.
6. Wine Barrel Water Garden
Water features add tranquility to any garden space. A wine barrel can serve as a unique container for a small water garden. Saw it in half to create a basin for aquatic plants like water lilies or lotus.
Incorporate a small fountain to enhance the soothing ambiance. Ensure it’s placed on a level surface to maintain water balance. This container not only adds beauty but also attracts wildlife like birds and insects. A wine barrel water garden invites a sense of calm and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
7. Basket with Coco Liner
Elevate your garden style with a hanging basket. Lined with coco fiber, it provides excellent drainage and root aeration. Hang the basket at eye level, adding instant color and life to your garden.
Plant cascading flowers like lobelia or ivy geraniums for a stunning effect. The woven texture of the basket paired with vibrant blooms creates a picturesque scene. Perfect for pergolas or porches, it brightens any space effortlessly. A basket with a coco liner is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, offering versatility in plant choices.
8. Boot Planters
Transform old boots into charming garden planters. They’re quirky and add a personal touch to your outdoor spaces. Fill them with potting soil and plant flowers like daisies or pansies.
Position them along a garden path or near a door for a playful statement. The boots’ unique shapes provide interesting angles and visual interest. Ensure drainage holes are made to prevent soggy soil. Using boots as planters recycles items that might otherwise be discarded, infusing your garden with personality and creativity.
9. Colander Spice Pots
Kitchen meets garden with this inventive idea. Colanders, with their perforated surfaces, make perfect spice pots. Hang them on a wall or fence to create a vertical garden. Fill with soil and plant spices like cilantro or parsley.
The built-in drainage allows for healthy root systems. This setup is not only practical but adds a pop of color to dull spaces. Ideal for small areas, it allows you to have fresh spices within reach. Colander spice pots combine functionality with creativity, making them a favorite for home cooks and gardeners alike.
10. Birdcage Flower Arrangement
Repurposing can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. An antique birdcage can be transformed into a floral masterpiece. Suspend it from a tree branch or garden hook, allowing the flowers to spill gracefully through the bars.
Use a variety of blooms for a lush, romantic look. The cage provides structure while the flowers add softness. This container idea exudes vintage charm and can be adapted to any theme. A birdcage arrangement is not only a planter but also a decorative element that elevates garden aesthetics.
11. Concrete Block Herb Wall
Functional meets modern with concrete block planters. Stack them to create a vertical herb wall. Their geometric shapes add a contemporary feel to your garden.
Fill each block with soil and plant herbs like mint or rosemary. This setup maximizes space while providing easy access to fresh flavors. Position it against a sunny wall for optimal growth. Concrete blocks are durable and weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. They offer a clean, minimalist look that suits urban gardens perfectly.
12. Wagon Wheel Succulent Ring
Creativity thrives in unexpected places. A wagon wheel can become a unique succulent ring. Lay it flat and fill the spaces between spokes with soil and succulents like hens and chicks.
This design creates a circular garden feature that’s visually intriguing. The rustic wood of the wheel complements the hardy nature of succulents. It’s an inventive way to repurpose old farm equipment. Place it in a sunny spot for best results. This succulent ring is a conversation piece that brings rustic charm and artistic flair to your garden.
13. Old Tire Flower Bed
An eco-friendly project that also beautifies your garden space. Old tires can be transformed into colorful flower beds. Paint them in bright hues to add a pop of color to your garden.
Fill the tire with soil and plant vibrant flowers like zinnias or daisies. Lay it flat on the ground or stack multiple tires for a layered effect. This project recycles materials while providing ample space for your plants. An old tire flower bed is a fun and sustainable way to display your blooms, adding personality to your garden.
14. Hanging Mason Jar Lights
Lighting transforms a garden into a magical oasis. Mason jars, with their rustic appeal, are perfect for creating hanging lights. Fill them with LED lights and tiny succulents for a dual-purpose container.
Hang them from tree branches or pergolas, casting a warm glow in the evening. The combination of light and greenery adds a cozy ambiance to your space. This idea is ideal for garden parties or quiet evenings outdoors. Mason jar lights are easy to assemble and offer a charming way to illuminate your garden.
15. Barrel Planter with a Twist
Traditional meets innovative with this container idea. A wooden barrel, cut in half, creates two distinct planters. Fill each with different flowers for a contrasting yet harmonious look.
Set them against a garden wall or along a path to define space. The natural wood complements the surrounding greenery, adding warmth and texture. It’s a versatile container that suits various garden styles. A barrel planter offers ample space for roots, and its unique shape draws the eye. This creative twist on traditional planting adds depth and interest to your garden.
16. Rock Garden in a Pot
Merge the rugged beauty of rocks with the delicate charm of alpine plants. A large pot serves as the base for this rock garden. Fill it with rocks of different sizes and nestle in plants like sedums or saxifrages.
This low-maintenance setup requires minimal watering and care. Place it on a rocky bed for a natural look. The mix of textures and colors creates visual intrigue, drawing attention without overwhelming the senses. A rock garden in a pot is perfect for those who appreciate subtlety and elegance in their garden design.
17. Repurposed Trough Planter
Industrial meets rustic in this container garden idea. A galvanized metal trough makes a sturdy and spacious planter. Fill it with wildflowers like poppies or coneflowers for a cottage garden feel.
Position it in an open space for a striking display. The trough’s metallic sheen contrasts beautifully with the vibrant blooms. It’s a practical choice for large-scale planting and fits well in rural or urban settings. Repurposing a trough as a planter adds an industrial edge to your garden, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
18. Vintage Bicycle with Baskets
Whimsical and nostalgic, a vintage bicycle can become a mobile garden. Attach baskets to the front and back and fill them with flowers like geraniums or daisies.
Lean it against a fence or tree for stability and charm. The bicycle’s classic design adds a romantic, old-world feel to your garden. It’s a unique way to display plants and can be moved to change the garden’s layout. A bicycle planter combines creativity with nostalgia, offering a delightful twist on traditional gardening.
19. Toolbox Garden
Utilitarian meets artistic in this toolbox garden. An old metal toolbox can be repurposed as a succulent planter. Its compartments provide perfect spaces for different succulent varieties.
Fill it with cactus mix and nestle in plants like echeverias or haworthias. Place the toolbox on a garden workbench for easy access. It’s a functional and decorative piece that adds character to your gardening area. A toolbox garden is ideal for those who appreciate practicality and creativity, turning a simple item into a thriving plant display.
20. Umbrella Stand Planter
Unexpected objects can become beautiful planters. An old umbrella stand offers a unique shape and structure. Fill it with trailing ivy and colorful flowers like pansies.
Position it in a garden corner or near a seating area for a touch of greenery. The stand’s design allows for interesting plant arrangements and adds visual interest. This container idea is a clever way to upcycle items that might otherwise be discarded. An umbrella stand planter is both functional and decorative, bringing a hint of surprise to your garden.
21. Painted Dresser Drawer Garden
Breathe new life into old furniture with this idea. A painted dresser drawer becomes a vibrant garden container. Fill it with a mix of plants like ferns or begonias for a lush display.
Position the drawer on a deck or patio for a pop of color. The varied plant heights add depth and interest to the arrangement. This project recycles furniture and creates a unique planter that stands out. It’s a playful and creative way to add greenery to your outdoor space, blending style with sustainability.
22. Kettle Cactus Garden
Kitchenware can serve unexpected purposes in the garden. An antique kettle makes a charming cactus garden. Its aged metal and handle add character to any space.
Fill it with cactus soil and plant small cacti like mammillarias or rebutias. Place it on a sunny table to catch the light. This setup is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water and care. A kettle cactus garden combines nostalgia with practicality, offering a quaint and quirky touch to your outdoor decor.
23. Birdbath Flower Display
Birdbaths aren’t just for birds anymore. Transform one into a stunning flower display. The basin’s shape is perfect for an overflowing arrangement of blooms like petunias or marigolds.
Fill it with soil and plant a mix of flowers for a vibrant effect. Position it in a garden center to draw the eye. This idea repurposes a common garden feature, adding beauty and color. A birdbath flower display is a delightful way to enhance your garden’s allure, merging functionality with visual appeal.
24. Hanging Coconut Planter
Island vibes come alive with this exotic planter. A coconut shell makes an ideal hanging container for air plants. Lightweight and natural, it complements tropical garden themes.
Hang it with twine from tree branches or pergolas. The open design allows air plants to thrive, adding a touch of greenery overhead. This project is easy to assemble and maintain, offering a breezy, island-inspired look. A hanging coconut planter is both eco-friendly and charming, perfect for creating a laid-back garden atmosphere.
25. Reclaimed Window Box
Windows aren’t just for views—they can be part of the garden too. A reclaimed window box offers a rustic charm. Fill it with seasonal flowers like pansies or violets for a vibrant window display.
Mount it on a sunny ledge to enjoy from indoors and out. The weathered wood adds texture and warmth, enhancing cottage-style decor. This idea combines functionality with style, creating a seamless flow between house and garden. A reclaimed window box is a charming way to bring nature closer to home.
26. Old Boat Garden
Nautical meets nature with this creative idea. An old boat becomes a unique garden bed. Fill it with a variety of plants and flowers for a lush, eclectic look.
Position it on sandy or gravelly ground for a coastal feel. The boat’s wooden structure provides ample space for roots to spread. It’s a striking feature that captures attention and imagination. An old boat garden blends maritime nostalgia with botanical beauty, offering a distinctive focal point in your outdoor space.
27. Metal Washtub Flower Basin
Industrial charm meets floral beauty in this container idea. A metal washtub makes a spacious flower basin. Fill it with a mix of blooms like dahlias or sunflowers for a vibrant show.
Place it in a garden nook or near a seating area to enjoy up close. The tub’s metallic finish contrasts beautifully with the soft petals. It’s a durable option that withstands weather while enhancing garden aesthetics. A metal washtub flower basin is both practical and eye-catching, making it a standout feature in any garden.
28. Clay Pot Tower
Vertical gardening at its best. A clay pot tower maximizes space while offering a charming display. Stack pots of different sizes, filling each with herbs like basil or chives.
Position the tower in a sunny spot for optimal growth. The terracotta’s warm hues complement the greenery, creating a rustic yet elegant look. It’s an efficient use of space, perfect for small gardens or patios. A clay pot tower is both functional and decorative, providing easy access to fresh herbs while enhancing your garden’s appeal.
29. Wheelbarrow Flower Cart
Repurpose old tools with this delightful idea. A wooden wheelbarrow becomes a mobile flower cart. Fill it with a mix of colorful blooms like tulips or pansies.
Position it on a garden path for easy movement and display. The wheelbarrow’s rustic charm adds character and whimsy to your garden. It’s a practical way to showcase plants and can be repositioned as needed. A wheelbarrow flower cart combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, bringing a playful touch to your outdoor spaces.