If you’re looking to add something a little different to your garden, container planting is an easy way to introduce some creativity. Containers are not only practical for growing plants in small spaces, but they also offer a chance to experiment with different shapes, materials, and arrangements. With the right container, you can turn a simple plant into a statement piece.
From vintage buckets to repurposed furniture, there are endless ways to think outside the box when it comes to container gardening. These unique container ideas will help you add personality to your garden, all while keeping your plants happy and thriving. It’s an affordable way to refresh your space and get a little creative with what you already have at home.
Vintage Tea Tins
Using vintage tea tins as plant containers adds a nostalgic charm to any garden. Their colorful designs and aged patina offer a delightful visual contrast to the greenery.
Choose tins with different shapes and heights to create an interesting arrangement. Drill holes at the bottom for drainage to ensure healthy plant growth.
These tins work best for small flowers and herbs, bringing a quaint and cozy feel to your outdoor space, all while recycling old materials.
Old Boots
Transform worn-out boots into quirky planters, giving them a second life in your garden. Their rugged texture complements the natural surroundings.
Plant vibrant flowers or trailing vines to create a striking visual effect. Ensure proper drainage by adding small holes in the soles.
This idea not only recycles old footwear but also adds a touch of whimsy to your garden. Each boot tells a story, making them perfect conversation starters.
Wooden Wine Crates
© Southern Napa Fine Wine House
Wooden wine crates make excellent planters, offering a rustic aesthetic. Their sturdy structure is ideal for a variety of plants.
Line the crates with a breathable fabric to retain soil while allowing excess water to escape. Arrange them at different heights for a tiered effect.
Perfect for vegetables or flowers, these crates add a vineyard-inspired elegance to your garden. They’re practical and stylish, combining functionality with beauty.
Hollowed Logs
Hollowed logs bring a piece of the forest into your backyard. Use them as planters to highlight their organic texture and natural look.
Fill them with wildflowers or ferns to maintain a woodland theme. Their earthy appearance blends seamlessly with outdoor landscapes.
These logs add character and depth, turning any garden into a nature lover’s paradise, while emphasizing sustainability by utilizing natural resources.
Metal Buckets
Galvanized metal buckets provide a timeless, industrial feel to gardens. Their metallic sheen contrasts beautifully with lush greenery.
Use them to plant flowers or herbs, and arrange them in groups for visual impact. Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes at the bottom.
These buckets are versatile, durable, and add a touch of rustic charm, making them an excellent choice for both traditional and modern garden designs.
Old Wheelbarrow
An old wheelbarrow offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal when used as a planter. Its mobility allows you to easily rearrange your garden layout.
Fill it with seasonal flowers or cascading plants for an eye-catching centerpiece. Its weathered look complements both rustic and contemporary garden styles.
This creative use of an old tool not only recycles but also adds a nostalgic element, embodying the spirit of inventive gardening.
Painted Ceramic Pots
Painted ceramic pots are a staple in creative container gardening. Their vibrant colors and patterns can be tailored to suit personal tastes.
Use them to house succulents or small ornamental plants. Arrange them in clusters for a lively, artistic display.
These pots are perfect for adding pops of color to patios or balconies, offering endless customization options to reflect individual style and mood.
Bicycle Basket
Repurposing a bicycle basket as a planter adds whimsical charm to gardens. It’s an excellent way to breathe new life into unused bikes.
Fill the basket with bright flowers or trailing plants for a cheerful display. Position the bicycle along a garden path or entrance for added intrigue.
This idea combines movement and stillness, creating a dynamic focal point that’s both nostalgic and visually appealing.
Colander Planters
Colanders make unique hanging planters, thanks to their built-in drainage holes. They add a quirky touch to any garden setting.
Plant trailing greenery or small flowers to take full advantage of their shape. Hang them at varying heights for a playful effect.
These planters are ideal for gardeners who appreciate innovative designs and love incorporating everyday objects into their landscaping.
Birdcage Planters
Antique birdcages offer a Gothic elegance when used as planters. Their intricate metalwork provides a perfect frame for delicate plants.
Line them with moss and plant ivy or small flowers inside. Hang them in shaded areas for a mysterious, enchanted garden feel.
This idea embraces vintage aesthetics while providing a unique way to showcase plants, capturing the essence of romantic gardening.
Tin Can Lanterns
Turn tin cans into dual-purpose lanterns and planters. Punch holes to create designs that cast enchanting shadows when lit.
Place small plants or succulents inside, and light candles in the evening for a magical atmosphere. Line them along paths or patios.
This project is perfect for those who enjoy DIY crafts and sustainable gardening, adding both light and greenery to outdoor spaces.
Suitcase Gardens
Vintage suitcases provide a whimsical touch when transformed into mini gardens. Their portability allows you to move them easily.
Fill them with soil and plant small shrubs or flowers, adding decorative stones for a miniature landscape effect. Keep the lid open for display.
These gardens are perfect for patios or porches, offering a delightful mix of nostalgia and creativity, reminiscent of travel and discovery.
Chair Planters
Old chairs can be upcycled into charming garden planters. The seat is ideal for holding a pot or directly planting flowers.
Paint the chair in bright colors to add a cheerful touch, or leave it weathered for a rustic look. Position them in garden nooks or as focal points.
This creative reuse not only recycles furniture but also adds vertical interest, making it a unique accent in any garden.
Tire Planters
© Gardening On – Jardineria On
Old tires can be transformed into vibrant planters, adding an urban edge to gardens. Paint them in bright colors for a playful touch.
Stack them to create tiered plant displays, ideal for flowers or climbing plants. They’re durable and withstand various weather conditions.
This project promotes recycling while offering a bold, contemporary look, perfect for those looking to make a statement with their garden design.
Kitchen Sink Garden
A vintage kitchen sink makes a quirky and functional garden container. Its basin is perfect for creating a contained garden area.
Plant herbs or small flowers, taking advantage of the sink’s natural drainage. Position it in a sunny spot for the best results.
This unique idea combines practicality with whimsy, offering a fun, retro twist to outdoor spaces, perfect for gardeners with a penchant for the unusual.
Basket Planters
Woven baskets bring a natural, rustic charm when used as planters. Their textures complement the soft lines of plants.
Hang them from pergolas or place them on patios, filled with vibrant flowers or leafy greens. Line them with plastic to retain moisture.
These planters are versatile and aesthetically pleasing, ideal for enhancing outdoor living spaces with a touch of organic beauty.
Fish Tank Terrariums
Fish tanks make excellent terrariums, providing a controlled environment for exotic plants. Their transparency allows for creative layering.
Fill them with succulents, moss, and decorative rocks to create a miniature ecosystem. These terrariums can be kept indoors or outdoors.
This idea is great for those who enjoy detailed, small-scale gardening, offering a fascinating glimpse into plant ecosystems and design.