Fun Containers from Salvaged Materials

Almost anything can be repurposed for a one-of-a-kind container. Think outside the terra-cotta planter with these stylish alternatives.

By Katie A. Ketelsen

view all thumbnails

Boxed Flowering Kale

Rustic Chicken Feeder

Pretty Painted Wooden Box

Oil-Free Oil Can

Green Enamelware

Video: Container-Garden Design Tips

Steel Pillars of Herbs

Sewing Desk Drawer

Galvanized Steel Trough

Glitzy Old Glasses

Rusted-Steel Pedestals

Galvanized Tub

Picture-Perfect Metal Vent

Fountain Focal Point

Water Cooler

Toolbox Cool

Mini Shopping Cart Display

Wire Wastebasket

Related Links

Create Bold, Dramatic Container Gardens

Use our plant-by-numbers guide to create bold, bea...

Fresh Ideas for Growing Vegetables in Containers

Enjoy tasty, homegrown vegetables on your doorstep...

Vintage Wall Art Inspiration

When you're looking for creative solutions for wal...

Growing Cool-Season Vegetables

Start the season extra early with these frost-tole...

Your Comment:

Boxed Flowering Kale

There is something stunning about repetition and contrasting colors, shown here by planting gorgeous flowering kale in a distressed wooden box.

Rustic Chicken Feeder

Whether the chickens are gone or you have a special place in your heart for all things galvanized, repurposing an old feeder could be the best way to add a conversation piece to your garden.

Pretty Painted Wooden Box

A fresh coat of paint is all that is standing between you and a new twist to your container garden. Don't be afraid to try a bold color -- you can always repaint it!

Oil-Free Oil Can

An oil can is the perfect-size container for the small areas of your garden or up on a table. Make sure you clean out any remaining oil prior to planting your favorite flowers.

Green Enamelware

An easy find at any flea market, enamelware has been around for years and comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes.

Video: Container-Garden Design Tips

Watch this quick video for ideas on putting together beautiful combinations once you find a cool, repurposed container to plant in.

Steel Pillars of Herbs

Elevate your herbs to a new level -- right next to your outdoor kitchen -- with the help of discarded steel rods. Make sure to soften any rough edges before planting!

Sewing Desk Drawer

When the needle and thread have gone by the wayside, take your sewing desk drawers to the garden to display gorgeous spring-blooming bulbs.

Galvanized Steel Trough

Sometimes size matters, and sometimes a large container is just the size needed to make an impact in the garden. This galvanized steel trough adds just the right height and weathered texture alongside a collection of terra-cotta containers.

Glitzy Old Glasses

If your old, decorative glasses aren't holding water anymore, have them hold plants such as drooping string of pearls, reindeer moss, and miniature succulents.

Rusted-Steel Pedestals

Put your plants on a rusty platter for a high-rise display. Experiment with succulents flaunting a variety of textures and growing habits to create a distinguishing arrangement.

Galvanized Tub

Galvanized steel can work for any garden style -- cottage, country, or even modern and contemporary.

Picture-Perfect Metal Vent

Add some glamour to your outdoor or indoor walls by framing miniature plants such as specialty ferns and succulents with an old metal vent. Add sphagnum moss to help retain moisture and keep the soil intact.

Fountain Focal Point

Add new life to your old fountain by filling in the cracks with container soil and planting your favorite succulents. Get creative with varieties by selecting for variegation, fun texture, or drooping growth habits.

Water Cooler

The most unsuspecting piece could turn into your new favorite container. Let color be your guide, and if turquoise is your fancy, go for it!

Toolbox Cool

Grandpa's old wooden toolbox just found new life as a memorable succulent container.

Mini Shopping Cart Display

What's great about this piece is that it's mobile! Relocate this container garden to wherever the party is.

Wire Wastebasket

Lightly line a wire wastebasket with peat moss, then fill the remaining area with potting soil. Top it off with your desired plants. Here, white delphiniums lend subtle elegance to an entry area.

Love the look but don't have an old wastebasket around? Find a wire wastebasket of preferred height at a home store.

Container Gardening Basics

Fun Containers from Salvaged Materials

Top Brands

Top Searches