Friday, August 15, 2014

Utilizing Garden Decorations From Junk

By Linda Ruiz


What one person's idea of trash may be another individual's perception of treasure. This is very true when you are decorating a lawn or yard and you use garden decorations from junk. You will so amazed at the result of your efforts when you can get creative with articles that don't cost anything.

An old fashion wheelbarrow may seem like it needs to go to the junkyard but there are still ways to utilize it. Purchase or grow a variety of flowers, vines and foliage in several pots. Place the pots in the wheelbarrow and situate the entire creation in a corner of the yard where it can get the right amount of rain and sunlight. You can even grow herbs or lettuce and place the wheelbarrow close to the kitchen door for easy access. When the weather is bad or a cold snap rolls in, the entire unit can be moved inside.

Old tin or aluminum buckets, beach pails, colorful olive oil tins, or country crocks are easily used as unusual pots and planters for your favorite blooms such as geraniums, daisies, roses or zinnias. Those with handles can be hung from trees or fences for even more color and interest.

An old washtub on legs may seem to be headed for the dump but it too can be lined and then filled with a variety of plants. The depth of this piece of equipment may make it the perfect spot to grow cherry tomatoes, carrots or chives. It is also an excellent and complete place for a salad garden.

An old red wagon is a handy place to place your vintage gardening tools on display. It also makes a great mobile herb bed or flower garden. Larger wagons can even be utilized as extra seating for youngsters if a wooden top is added. If you happen to own an old tricycle, it can make a wonderful prop in a flowerbed. If it has a small basket attached to the back seat or the handlebars, fill it with potting soil and plant some colorful miniature flowers inside.

Remove the legs of an old wooden or metal baby crib and you will have an instant flower bed. You can paint it to match your other decor or leave it the way it is for a unique look. Choose your favorite colorful blooms to plant or transplant inside the enclosure. Add some climbing vines for extra pizazz.

If you own some old bicycles, hang them on your wooden fence for some visual appeal. Fill the handlebar basket with potted blooms for even more color and interest. The bikes can be painted to match the surrounding furniture and pots or left in their rustic state for a vintage look.

With today's emphasis on recycling, these types of projects will help keep unwanted articles from landfills and dumps while helping create an intriguing yard. Before you throw an item out, take a second look at it to determine if there is still some use for it in your home or backyard. You will surprise yourself at how creative and resourceful you can be.




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