Creative Ideas for Garden Planters

Add a wonderfully unique touch to your garden by creating imaginative recycled garden planters – there are a surprisingly large number of things we throw away which could be used for practical and fun solutions. Not only does this provide you with a trendy garden makeover, it’s also environmentally friendly.

Container gardening is becoming increasingly popular, offering space saving properties and added flexibility. Most of us think of terracotta pots when it comes to outdoor planters, however the possibilities for creative planters are endless! Provided there is adequate drainage (to prevent your plants from becoming water logged) and your chosen item doesn’t leak any harmful chemicals, there are numerous household and outdoor items in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials which can be recycled into garden planters.

Always be sure to make sure your garden planter is strong enough to support the intended plant, follow instructions for individual plant type care and remember, container plants need lots of water.

Recycled Oak Barrel Planters

A rustic oak cradle made from a repurposed whisky barrel truly is an excellent way to recycle used goods as well as creating an eye-catching feature for the garden.  Strong and robust, oak cradle planters are suitable for a wide range of purposes and can be used for larger and heavier plants as well as flowers or herbs.

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Birdbath Planters

Transform an unused bird bath into a beautiful focal point by planting your favourite plants or flowers in this raised space.

There are many different options available, if you don’t fancy flowers why not try herbs, or a tough coastal plant – bring the beach to your garden by adding pebbles and shells to your birdbath planter.

Shoe Planters

A quirky but fun idea, using shoes as planters isn’t as tricky as it sounds; provided your repurposed shoes or boots have drainage, this is easily done by poking or even drilling a hole into the soles, numerous plants will thrive in show planters.

Smaller plants tend to work well in shoes, such as succulents, smaller herbs and smaller flowers e.g. pansies.

Be sure to water your shoe plant regularly, as they have a tendency to dry out quicker in shoe planters than others.

Recycled Kitchenware

Most of us have got a couple of pots and pans we keep meaning to get rid of, why not repurpose these and create some fun outdoor planters with a rustic touch?

Buckets and Tins

An easy and readily available solution for alternative planters, buckets come in all shapes and sizes and can host just about anything, from flowers, to herbs and even vegetables.

For the ultimate vintage look, try recycling old tins. Anything from plain tins to old fashioned tea or biscuit tins will work – these also make great indoor plants as well.

Watering Cans

Introduce instant fun to the garden by recycling an old watering can – a wonderfully rural feature, useful for growing a range of plants.

Hollowed Out Tree Trunks and Stumps

A beautiful one of a kind product, hollowing out an old tree trunk may involve a bit more effort, but the results will definitely be worthwhile, providing a wonderful focal point for your garden.

Wooden Crates

Instead of breaking down any unwanted wooden crates, why not create a stylish and versatile planter for the garden? Crates vary considerably in size and can support a wide range of different plants, flowers and vegetables.

Half Oak Whisky Barrel Planters

What better use for old whisky barrels than to transform them into rustic garden feature, oak is extremely strong and hard wearing, making ideal planters suitable for cultivating a wide range of plants, flowers or vegetables.

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Furniture Planters

Using furniture for planters provides a fun natural focal point, allowing us to incorporate living things with recognisable everyday objects.

Baths

Unwanted bath tubs are a fantastic solution for heavier plants, providing larger portable planters and fantastic aesthetics.

Chairs

An old wooden chair can make a great home for plants.

For an even more striking look, actively growing vines, creepers or even moss can be used to cover the entire chair!

Chests

This old chest is transformed into an eye catching, portable and compact planter.

Repurposed equipment

Get the vintage look by transforming unwanted equipment or machinery into something beautiful with a softness only nature can provide.