If your garden is starting to look a bit dull, it might be time to refresh it with something creative. But what if you don’t want to break the bank or buy new planters? Well, the solution could be right under your nose! Upcycling is a fantastic way to give new life to old items and turn them into beautiful garden decorations. Upcycled flowerpot ideas are perfect for those looking to add personality to their outdoor spaces without spending a fortune.
The good news is that there are countless upcycled flowerpot ideas you can try, and many of them are incredibly easy to make. From turning old tin cans into planters to transforming broken flower pots into unique garden sculptures, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll walk you through 33 creative and fun ideas to bring your garden to life with upcycled flowerpots.
1. Transform Old Tin Cans Into Beautiful Flowerpots
One of the simplest upcycled flowerpot ideas is using old tin cans. These are easy to find and can be turned into beautiful planters with just a little creativity. You can paint them in vibrant colors or wrap them in twine for a rustic look. Old coffee cans, soup cans, or even decorative tins make excellent flowerpots.
Pro Tip: Add some drainage holes to the bottom of the cans using a nail or drill, and then fill them with your favorite flowers or succulents.
2. Wine Bottles and Corks: Upcycled Planters with a Twist
If you have a collection of wine bottles and corks gathering dust, it’s time to put them to good use! Wine corks can be upcycled into small flowerpots, while wine bottles can serve as unique hanging planters or even self-watering planters. This is an excellent idea for adding height and interest to your garden or patio.
Design Insight: Create a vertical garden using wine bottles as planters and corks as decorative accents. They look especially striking when grouped together.
3. Mason Jars as Flowerpots
Mason jars are incredibly versatile and can be upcycled into charming flowerpots for your garden. Use them to plant small flowers or herbs, or turn them into hanging planters along your patio railing.
Pro Tip: For a vintage touch, paint the mason jars in pastel colors or wrap them with burlap or lace for a rustic, farmhouse look.
4. Repurpose Broken Pots Into Miniature Gardens
Instead of throwing away your cracked or broken flowerpots, use them to create miniature gardens or fairy gardens. Broken flowerpots can be placed in the ground to create the effect of flowers spilling out, giving your garden a whimsical look.
DIY Tip: Arrange the broken pieces in a circular pattern, adding plants that spill over the edges, like Creeping Jenny or Sedum.
5. Upcycled Bathtubs: Large-Scale Flowerpots
For a truly unique and eye-catching upcycled flowerpot, consider using an old bathtub. This larger container works great for planting bigger plants or creating a water garden.
Design Idea: Fill an old clawfoot bathtub with water-loving plants like water lilies or lotus flowers for a serene water feature in your backyard.
6. Tin Cans with Rope Wrapping: Rustic Flowerpots
Old tin cans can be given a rustic makeover by wrapping them with natural rope or twine. This adds texture and charm, making the tin cans blend seamlessly with your garden’s aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Pair these rope-wrapped tin cans with vibrant flowers like pansies or petunias for a bright, colorful look.
7. Upcycled Teapots: Vintage Flowerpots for Your Garden
If you have any old teapots lying around, they make perfect upcycled flowerpots! Teapots can be used as quirky planters for flowers or small plants. They add a vintage, whimsical touch to any garden or patio.
Design Idea: Display several teapots as planters along your porch or patio railing for a charming, shabby-chic vibe.
8. Wooden Crates: Stylish Herb Planters
Old wooden crates can be upcycled into flowerpots, especially for growing herbs. They’re ideal for creating a small garden on your patio, balcony, or windowsill.
Pro Tip: Line the inside of the crate with landscaping fabric to protect the wood and prevent soil spillage, then fill it with your favorite herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme.
9. Upcycled Bird Cages as Planters
Old birdcages are a creative and whimsical way to showcase flowers. Simply remove the door, add a small potted plant, and hang it from a tree branch or post.
Design Insight: You can also place several small potted plants inside a birdcage to create a floating garden centerpiece for your table.
10. Upcycled Shoes: Quirky Flowerpots
Turn those old boots, sneakers, or sandals into unique upcycled flowerpots. Shoes make great planters, especially when you’re looking for something fun and eccentric to liven up your garden.
Design Tip: Choose shoes with large openings like boots or clogs. Fill them with your favorite flowers or succulents for an unexpected pop of color in your garden.
11. Upcycled Wheelbarrow Planter: A Rustic Touch
Old wheelbarrows make fantastic large-scale planters. These charming containers work well with flowers, vegetables, or even small trees. Position a wheelbarrow in your garden for an antique touch with a rustic charm.
Design Idea: Fill a wheelbarrow planter with sunflowers, petunias, or geraniums for a vibrant and welcoming look.
12. Repurposed Tires: Eco-Friendly Flowerpots
Old tires can be transformed into durable, eco-friendly flowerpots. Paint the tires in bright colors, stack them, and fill them with plants to create an industrial yet playful look for your garden.
Design Insight: Stack tires for a multi-level garden or cut them in half for smaller planters. They’re perfect for adding height and dimension to your garden beds.
13. Upcycled Picture Frames as Planters
Transform old picture frames into creative planters by adding chicken wire or mesh to the back. Fill them with flowers or ivy for a beautiful, framed garden look.
Pro Tip: Hang a picture frame planter on a fence or wall for a vintage-inspired garden display.
14. Upcycled Logs: Natural Flowerpots
Large logs or tree stumps can easily be hollowed out and filled with soil to create rustic and natural flowerpots. These upcycled logs bring a woodland charm to your garden.
Design Idea: Create a log flowerpot by hollowing out a stump and planting colorful flowers like daisies, pansies, or petunias.
