Transform Your Garden Using Everyday Items

I have recently been out to yard sales, junking I like to call it, because you just never know what you are going to come across when going through someone else's, well, junk. On these little adventures of mine it never ceases to amaze me how one person's trash really is another person's treasure.

Where some people see old pieces that have worn out their practical use, I see potential! Just a couple of weeks ago I came across an old wrought iron pot, a bit rusted, and I thought what a lovely planter it would make! It kind of looks like a miniature witch's cauldron and I realized how perfect it would be for some fall flowers, to use in my Halloween decor. I planted some super small, very inexpensive chrysanthemums in my cauldron and voila, perfect for adding some color to my fall atmosphere.

Mums are great because nothing says that autumn is on it's way more than seeing these vibrant blooms on a front porch or in the landscape. 

Now I had my cauldron all squared away, but I also had an old jambalaya pot that I acquired from who knows where, buried deep in the depths of my shed. I used it in my garden last year and loved the unique, vintage look it had as a planter. It was time to reinvigorate the old pot by once again planting a mum to bring some beautiful color to my patio area.

This mum is much bigger than my cauldron mums and the color was such a gorgeous sunshine yellow that I could not resist planting it in the old pot. The jambalaya pot also happened to be the perfect size for my flower, so it worked out nicely. I had planned on using the pot this past spring, but spring never really sprung where I am, in the South, and we went from winter to summer almost straight on. Anyhow, I had been meaning to plant some pollinator friendly flowers in it, but time got away from me and it never happened. I'm glad I waited though, because this Mum just looks gorgeous in it!

You never know what may be buried in your cupboard, garage or shed that just might make a wonderful addition to your outdoor ambience.

Some other items that make awesome, non-traditional planters are any kind of metal tubs, bins or buckets. It doesn't matter what the size is, you can always find the right plants or flowers to fill them and they always look great. I prefer a pop of color myself, but lush greens also look so pretty in galvanized containers of any sort.

Old colanders make amazing hanging planters and you can find them practically anywhere, whether they are brand new or vintage. Plus they have built in drainage holes! Just remember to think outside the box when you need a pot for your flowers or plants. You probably already have an awesome old pot or bucket that you would have never even considered as a planter. These touches give a rustic and unique feel to your space and make it all your own. Happy planting! 

Teresa Filgis is a freelance writer with specialties in parenting, gardening and camping/outdoor living. She is a wife and mother of two and she loves spending quality time out in nature with her family. Teresa is a graduate of Austin Peay State University.