| We come back to the phrase I recently introduced, which is circular economy. One of the questions I am asked is, “What are some creative ways to use recycled materials in the garden?” |
| There are many ways to repurpose some of the lost, forgotten, or abandoned materials in our gardens in an eco-friendly and creative fashion. As the saying goes, ‘One person’s trash is another person’s treasure!’ You can utilise and upcycle many items ranging from old pallets to car tyres [although be mindful of the latter] to tin cans and old flower pots! |
| Planters & Containers ***Old tyres: Stack and paint them to make colourful raised beds or flower towers. Before using them, clean the tyres thoroughly and let them air out to remove any potential toxins. [***Tyres can make cool planters, especially for non-edibles, but they leach chemicals over time. If you want to grow food, using untreated wood, ceramic, or food-safe containers is safer.] Tin Cans & Jars: Use as herb planters or succulent pots—drill holes for drainage. Toilet Paper Rolls: Start seedlings in them – they’re biodegradable! Colanders & Teapots: Turn quirky kitchenware into unique hanging planters. |
| Vertical Gardens & Trellises Wooden Pallets: Stand vertically and fill the slats with plants for a DIY vertical garden. Consider treating the pallets with a weather-resistant sealant or paint to ensure they last. Old Ladders: Lean against a wall and place potted plants on each rung. Bed Frames or Headboards: Use as rustic trellises for climbing plants like beans or sweet peas. |
| Garden Furniture & Decor Pallets: Build benches, tables, or potting stations. Bathtubs & Sinks: Use as large planters or mini water features. Broken Ceramics or Tiles: Create colourful mosaics on pots, stepping stones, or walls. |
| Wildlife & Insect Havens Old Bricks or Logs: Stack to make homes for bugs and beneficial critters. Plastic Bottles: Turn into bird feeders, watering spikes, or butterfly feeders. |
| Garden Tools & Utility Milk Jugs or Plastic Bottles: Cut into scoops, watering cans, or cloches for seedlings. CDs or DVDs: Hang to deter birds with their reflective surfaces. Old Hose: Coil into mats, plant supports, or protective edging. |
Earthly Comforts 
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