We’re all looking for ways to reuse and recycle and there’s no better place to do so than in and around the garden.
Old worn out scraps can be turned into wonderful decor items, functional furniture and garden containers. I mean, did you ever think old tires could be made to look like lovely garden containers? This is actually the remnants of rubber tires that would have otherwise been tossed into the landfill. Until this creative company out of the UK got hold of them, that is!
It’s made by Vivid Arts and you can learn more about this container and others by checking into this website.
And while I’m not sure if these tires turned chairs are still available, they’re worth mentioning. Talk about groovy! Do these look like comfortable garden seats or what? For you ingenious types out there with some spare time, it’s certainly an idea worth making your own.
Speaking of sitting, how this idea for turning old pallets into chairs? This one came from digginfood but it’s an idea that has gone mainstream as you can find versions of it most anywhere on the web. You could get crazy and expand upon this idea by adding ottomans and side tables–the works! Better yet, how about painting them to match your patio decor? Perfect weekend project for dad and the kids.
Another great project for dad and the kids (they do love to work together, don’t they?) is to use some scrap wood and make a bird house. Maybe even add some twine and sticks? Shoot, add whatever the heck you want! The birds won’t mind so long as you make it large enough for them to hang out and stay awhile. Oh, and don’t forget a place for the bird seed. They’re hungry guests and won’t stay long without food.
This one shown was crafted by Brenda Kyle out of old fence boards and featured by Yanzum Gardens. Pretty cool, if you ask me.
For you wine drinkers, here’s a great way to recycle old wine bottles. Sure you can stick a candle in the top and dine alfresco to a lovely glow, but how about growing something with that old bottle instead? This makeshift hydroponic garden is a sure winner in my book because its easy on the memory cells when it comes to watering the plants–mine are usually occupied elsewhere, only to be reminded by the unfortunate brown curl of the leaves–and does so with sleek and beautiful lines. Nice. If you can’t make your own, you can buy them from uncommon goods.
While you’re cleaning up after that dinner party and saving old wine bottles, why not take another look at that old steel tub? It may be a bit dinged up to fill with ice and drinks but it sure would make the perfect container for some brightly colored flowers. Won’t mind being left outside in the rain, either.
I do like an independent planter that doesn’t need my constant supervision. I have kids, a husband, a career–I can’t be everywhere at every moment! This photo is from Kerry Michaels, a woman who appreciates a garden container as much as anyone.
So there you have it–some ideas to get you started thinking about your refuse in new and exciting ways.
Also avoid timbers that are likely to rot or be attractive to termites, which also could be a liability in the garden. If you haven’t had a tetanus shot recently, make sure your shots are up-to-date before you get too far down the garden recycling track.