GARDEN: Unusual Containers For Your Garden

 

Re-using containers and recycling other items for use in your garden is a great way to add a splash of colour, a dash of whimsy and some frivolity to your garden space. Containers in any size can be absolutely gorgeous but small to medium size containers work especially well in spaces such as balconies and small patios. 

 

 

If you have young children, you will probably have a few pairs of wellington boots that they have outgrown given the speed at which they grow. If this is the case, why not think about using them as a container for your planting? To prepare them, simply remove any inner soles or linings, pop them in soapy detergent for a thorough cleaning and, once dry, drill some holes in the bottom. The wellington boots are now ready for you to pop in your plant and hey presto, one pair of colourful, weatherproof containers. I scoured some boot sales (no pun intended) to find my red and blue mobile herb garden – I’m still looking for a pair of slightly larger yellow ones for my rosemary and chocolate mint to complete my Willie boot collection.

 

 

The idea for the Wellie planters came from a wonderfully quirky houseleek (sempervivum) display I photographed a few years ago at RHS Hyde Hall. An old, battered work boot makes a good home for houseleeks – especially if you poke a few extra holes in strategic places to add more than one variety for colour. 

 

 

Houseleeks are an ideal plant for shallow containers – they like well drained soil and don’t grow particularly big. This old house brick was part of a row used for edging along a path edge. An ordinary house brick with the v-shaped dip or a brick with holes all the way through is big enough for small houseleeks and, as you can see, they thrive on the crowded space. You can also pop houseleeks into cracks in old rockery walls, into old butler sinks and into broken terracotta pots. This terracotta amphora is purpose-made but it shows how pretty and intricate a houseleek display can look.

 

 

If you fancy adding some sexy silliness and want to recycle at the same time – how about using an old brassiere as a hanging basket – by sewing the cups together, you can even pop in a large plant. This idea was featured at the Chelsea Flower Show and even made it onto The Telegraphs’ website http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/chelseaflowershow/5369423/Unwanted-underwear-donated-at-Chelsea-Flower-Show-for-Hampton-Court-Palace.html so it just goes to show – a little imagination, practical gardening knowledge and a sense of humour can decorate your garden and be eco-friendly at the same time.