Creative Gardening

These days, with money hard to come by for nearly everyone, re-using items you'd normally toss is a creative way to not only save money, but to also express your own personality in a unique way.

Got an old bike that is beyond repair? Why not use the basket portion to plant some posies, or support a new basket behind the seat (or replace the seat) to plant some contrasting colored flowers? The bike has been given new life in your garden, and is an interesting conversation piece for visitors.

Old wagon wheels are a popular favorite in the garden and can be used in a number of ways, for ivy interwoven between the spokes, to moss along the wheel, and to mark the entrance to your driveway.

Broken items that might otherwise spend the rest of their decomposing days in a landfill can be turned into nostalgic centerpieces in your garden, things like wagons, broken chairs, discarded bowling balls (get creative! What can grow out of the finger holes?), plastic suitcases, rusted metal watering cans, the list is endless. The trick is to keep the garden looking as natural as possible (you probably wouldn't use a burned out computer monitor in the garden, it wouldn't only be unnatural but environmentally unfriendly as well).

Other items that can be added to the garden are antique wood burning stoves, vintage pots and containers and indoor/outdoor benches. Even glass light fixtures have their place in the garden when used correctly. They can be used as planters or sun catchers.

Not sure where to look? Why not start in your own attic, basement or garage for outdated, worn and rusty items. Perhaps family members have junk they want taken off their hands. Garage and yard sales are a popular place for finding unwanted pieces like this and for a steal, too. Consignment shops, repair shops, craft and hobby stores can be great sources, too.

Apply oil-based paint to items you'll be leaving outdoors (not the light fixtures, obviously!) so they can withstand the environmental conditions. Adding a basket or a hole to nearly anything can make it a great way to spruce up your garden and create a style that is all your own.

Just don't overdo the fun and creativity. You don't want your unique garden looking like a junk heap. Remember, subtlety and style are the key to a successful vintage garden.