A flower garden is not just a place to grow plants—it’s a place to relax, unwind and connect with the environment. Therefore, creating a welcoming environment that invites you to sit, breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the natural beauty around you is beneficial.
There are countless ideas for turning your garden into an oasis with the perfect flowers, plants and layout. However, it can be tough to know where to start when dealing with limited space, a tight budget or just a lack of inspiration.
If you’re looking for simple ways to transform your garden, cheap outdoor furniture is a good option. With some creativity, you can convert these essential pieces into something unique and eye-catching. Read on for six upcycled garden furniture ideas to help you maximize your flower garden.
1. Transform a Chair Into a Hosta Planter
One unique way to upcycle an old chair is by turning it into a chair hosta planter. A chair hosta planter is an eco-friendly way to add personality to your garden and an excellent technique for repurposing old furniture.
Hostas are popular for shade gardens and work great in a chair hosta planter. The plant has various leaf colors and shapes that can add a lush, textured look to any garden. Plus, they’re perennial, meaning you can enjoy their beauty year after year.
Creating a chair hosta planter is simple and fun. All you need is an old chair, a pot or planter box that fits snugly in the seat, and some potting soil.
Remove the center of the chair, place the planter box or pot in the space you’ve created, and fill it with soil. Then, choose your favorite hostas and plant them in the planter. You can add annuals or trailing vines with extra color and texture to spruce it up.
2. Turn an Old Desk Into a Herb Garden
Using a desk as a planter is another eco-friendly way to repurpose an old piece of furniture that may have otherwise ended up in a landfill. It provides ample planting space for various herbs, adding a touch of whimsy to your garden.
To create your desk planter, you’ll need an old desk, some tools and a bit of creativity.
Start by removing any drawers and lining them with landscape fabric or plastic to create individual potting areas. You could remove the surface of the desk to create an additional large planting area, as well, cutting a piece of plywood to create a snug bottom for the desk planter.
Drill drainage holes in the plywood, add some potting soil and plant your favorite herbs.
3. Upcycle an Old Metal Bed to a Flower Garden
If you’re looking for a unique and charming way to add rustic flair to your garden, consider using an old metal bed frame as a flower garden. A metal bed planter is visually appealing and provides ample space for planting various flowers and plants.
You can keep the headboard and footboard or remove them to create your metal bed planter, leaving only the frame. Place a sheet of landscaping fabric inside the frame to prevent soil from spilling out. Then, fill the frame with potting soil and plant your favorite flowers or plants.
If you’ve kept the headboard and footboard, you could choose climbing plants that will trail up and over them to give the piece a flowing, romantic look.
4. Repurpose a Broken Chair and Create a Succulent Planter
If you have an old chair, don’t throw it away. With some artistry, you can turn that broken chair into a stunning succulent planter that’ll add a unique touch to your garden seating area.
To repurpose a broken chair, select a chair with a broken seat and remove any remaining seat or fabric. You’ll want to expose the seat bottom for planting, so remove any debris or upholstery that may be in the way.
Once you’ve cleared the seating area, sand the chair to remove any rough spots or paint. This step will ensure a smooth surface for planting and help the succulents adhere better.
Next, drill some drainage holes in the seat bottom. Succulents need well-draining soil, so make sure to create a few holes in the bottom of the seat to allow water to escape. Fill the seat with soil and choose your favorite succulents to plant.
You can mix and match different types and colors of succulents to create a unique and eye-catching arrangement. Finally, water your new succulent planter sparingly, as succulents prefer drier soil.
You can add some decorative stones or gravel to the top of the soil to help retain moisture and add some texture to your planter.
Succulents are an excellent choice for a broken chair planter because they’re low-maintenance and can thrive in various conditions. Also, they come in multiple colors and textures to create a visually appealing display.
5. Get Creative With a Bathtub
A bathtub provides a unique and spacious planting area for your flower garden. Bathtubs are perfect for growing various plants, including vegetables, herbs and flowers. Also, they offer excellent drainage, essential for maintaining healthy soil and water levels.
It’s essential to clean and prepare the bathtub when turning it into a planter. You can drill holes in the bottom for additional drainage if necessary.
Add a layer of gravel or rocks to the bottom of the tub to aid in drainage, and then fill it with high-quality potting soil. Then, plant your favorite plants. Consider adding decorative elements like trellises or climbing vines for amplified visual interest.
6. Turn a Cupboard Into a Smart Potting Bench
This upcycled idea provides a spacious surface to work on, complete with shelving for storage and display. It’s a great way to repurpose an old piece of furniture while being environmentally friendly.
Transforming a cupboard into a brilliant potting bench is straightforward. You can choose a cupboard with shelves and a flat surface for working on. Then, remove any hardware and sand the surface to ensure a smooth finish. Line the shelves with plastic or landscape fabric to protect the wood and make cleaning spills easy.
Finally, fill the shelves with soil and choose your favorite herbs or flowers to plant. You can use the flat surface of the cupboard as a workspace for potting and planting and even add hooks or baskets to the sides to hold your gardening tools.
When you upcycle an old cupboard into a smart potting bench, you give new life to an old piece of furniture and create a practical and stylish workspace for your gardening endeavors.
Plus, the possibilities for customization and creativity are endless, making it a fun project to tackle on a lazy weekend afternoon.
Conclusion
A flower garden is more than just a beautiful display of nature’s colors and scents; it’s a place to find peace, relaxation, and a connection to the world.
Incorporate one or more of these six upcycled furniture ideas to create a comfortable and inviting space that allows you to enjoy the benefits of outdoor living. Take the time to explore these upcycled furniture ideas and don’t be afraid to experiment and customize them to fit your unique vision.
With creativity and basic gardening skills, you can transform your flower garden into a true oasis that nourishes your body and soul.
Feature image: Depositphotos; Image 1: Annie Spratt
