With spring just around the corner, I’ll be spending more and more time in my small town garden. Here I have curated some cool upcycling ideas for the garden.
It’s not just my house that is full of clever upcycled treasures but my garden too. There are so many ways that you can make your outdoor space a unique and interesting oasis without having to spend a lot of money. You don’t even have to be particularly green-fingered.
I have talked before about the benefits of upcycling. Not only is it an affordable way to decorate, but also there are the therapeutic benefits of actually making stuff. Don’t forget the added satisfaction of making your garden unique with something you have personally made.
Gardens aren’t just about plants and flowers. They are also about outdoor furnishings, lighting, and decorations. During spring and summer, the garden is like having an extra living room to chill in.
In keeping with that extra living room vibe, I have a sofa in my garden. ( I even upcycled that in the past by Shibori dying the cushions). When the weather is good, I’d much rather chill in the garden than the house.
I might not be blessed with green fingers, but my garden still looks interesting and pretty. That is due to my many upcycled planters and quirky decorative features.
The Garden Upcycling Ideas
With this collection of cool upcycling ideas for the garden, there should be something to inspire you. Whether, it is looking for unique planters or clever ways to display your plants, or unique seating and garden furniture.
Besides the practical upcycling ideas, there are many ideas for creating decorations and lighting for the garden, to give them that extra interest. It is the upcycled pieces in my garden, such as my cocktail window and wall planters, that get the most comments from visitors.
Easy Upcycled Marimekko Decorative Tin Can Planters
These stunning upcycled tin can planters would brighten any garden on the dullest days. They would look great on a porch or patio too.
How To Create a Garden Chandelier
A cool upcycle of an old light fitting into a hanging planter. This garden chandelier would look good both inside and outside on the porch.
Upcycled Wellington Boot Planters
I now wished I had hung on to my children's old wellies.
How to Make an Upcycled Window Herb Planter
When replacing the windows in your home, why not upcycle one of them as a keepsake for the garden. That's what I did with mine when I repurposed it into a fun herb garden.
How To Make A Decoupage Tin Can Wind Chime
Not only will this wind chime make a lovely noise in the garden, but it's also pretty to look at.
Make Beautiful Moroccan Planters In Under 10 Minutes
This is such a quick and easy upcycle of leftover tiles. There is a Mexican version too.
Make Garden Stools That Look Like Toadstools
Old tires are used to make this fun upcycled seating for the garden.
Transforming Trash: Upcycled "Wildfire" Patio Chair Planters
Broken chairs are great to upcycle into garden planters. This metal painted chair is perfect for that.
Easy DIY - A Lucky Leprechaun Shoe Planter
This is such a fun and unique idea, upcycling an old shoe into a quirky Leprechaun planter. Michelle has so many amazing and cool ideas for the garden on her site.
Unusual Outdoor Hanging Basket Idea
Another upcycled hanging basket idea, this one uses an old lampshade.
The Making of a Mosaic and Moss Mannequin
Another one of Michelle's fabulous quirky garden ideas. Who else would have thought of upcycling a mannequin into a garden feature?
DIY Tiered Plant Stand From an Old Ladder
This is a great idea for a small container garden. Not only is it a space saver it looks good too.
A Crazy Floating Teapot Succulent Planter Tutorial
Not only does this succulent planter look pretty but it makes me smile as it is such a crazy piece.
Beautiful Painted Wood Pallet Planter
This adds a pop of color to your garden and a Moroccan feel. Great for small spaces and patios.
DIY Pallet Swing Seat
Repurpose an old pallet into a garden swing.
Vintage Seed Packets Planters
This post includes the vintage seed packets to print for free.
How to turn a chair into a garden planter and a shelf
This is a pretty way to use an old chair in the garden. The planter shelf is handy too.
Repurpose A Vintage Mop Bucket Into A Garden Planter
So many things can be repurposed into planters. Old galvanized steel mop buckets make great outdoor planters.
Build a Bee Garden from a Wood Pallet
Bees are important for the garden. Attract them with their own bee garden.
Re-purpose a Bicycle Wheel to Make a Tree of Life
Another one of Michelle's creations. Art is not just for indoors it looks fabulous in the garden too. This upcycled garden art is made from an old bicycle wheel.
How To Make A Stunning Wall Planter From Broken Plates
When you break or chip your favorite mug or plate save it. Use them to make this upcycled mosaic wall planter. This would be a cool feature in any garden.
DIY Garden Markers - Upcycle Paint Stir Sticks
These upcycled plant markers for the garden look very stylish.
DIY Repurposed Cooler Planter
I said almost anything can be upcycled into a planter for the garden, even an old cool box.
Wooden Suncatcher
This is such a clever way to repurpose a large old wood slice. I bet it looks great when the sun shines through it.
DIY Waterdrop Solar Garden Lights
Another fabulous lighting idea for the garden.
Stamped Spoon Garden Markers
I will be making some of these. Not only will they look great in the garden but I think they will also make a lovely gift.
Colourful Tin Can Planters
These are two upcycles for the garden. The rainbow tin can planters and the pallet trough to carry them in.
Fun and Unique Oriental Vase DIY flower pots
I love how these tin can planters have been upcycled to look like Ming vases.
Copper Molds as Stone Molds for Decorative Garden Stones
Use old copper jelly molds to make fun stepping stones for the garden.
DIY Teapot Bird Feeder
This is such a pretty idea. I bet it looks fabulous when the birds are all feeding.
How to Make a Unique Marimekko Bench
Seating is an important part of the garden. Why not upcycle a bench so it is as bright and decorative as the flowers.
DIY Garden Cart
One of these would be useful in my garden. I would use it as a potting bench.
Upcycled Lantern Stand
I like how this upcycled lampstand gives the planter height in the garden.
Hanging Teacup Planter Upcycle with China & Pearls
This is a very simple and sweet idea, making a pretty hanging planter out of a teacup and twine.
Bottle Cap Flower
Made from upcycled bottle caps, this is a fun decoration for the garden.
Upcycled Bird Table
This birdfeeder could double up as a birdfeeder and bath in one. Put the water into the upcycled cup and the seeds on the plate.
Spilling Solar String Lights
I love lights in my garden and this is such a cool idea.
Guitar Planter: Playing a New Tune
An upcycle for the rockstars garden.
Happy Hour Upcycled Window
On a summer evening, it's lovely to sit in the garden sipping cocktails. This upcycled Happy Hour window is a fun feature.
Coconut Shell Craft: Fairy Toadstools
A cute idea, upcycling coconut shells into pretty toadstools.
Upcycled Jar Beaded Chandelier Lantern
Turn old glass jars into the prettiest lanterns with beads and dental floss! The way the light catches the beads is so pretty in the evenings
Painting A Shed With Colour And Pattern
Instead of your garden shed being an eyesore in your garden, why not make it a feature. By painting the shed with color and pattern, you can make it a fun unique feature.
Repurposed Cabinet Into Potting Bench
Potting benches are really handy. Make one from an upcycled piece of old furniture.
Watering Can From a Laundry Detergent Bottle
This is a very simple, but clever idea, upcycling a detergent bottle into a watering can.
Easy DIY Glass Garden Art Totem
What a unique idea, making a decorative feature for the garden out of old glasses.
Upcycled Chalkboard Frying Pan Garden Markers
You certainly wouldn't miss these upcycled plant markers.
Wood Slice Garden Markers
These would be fun to make with the kids, painted wood slice plant markers for the garden.
How to Make a Recycled Plastic Water Bottle Sun Catcher
Colorful decoration for the garden to make with the kids. Upcycle plastic bottles into suncatchers.
DIY Picket Fence & Fence Post Themed Outdoor Garden Bench
Upcycle some leftover fence posts and wood into a cute bench.
How to convert a bath into an upcycled garden chair
This is a pretty crazy and unique upcycle. It would certainly be a talking point in the garden.
Vintage Tool Box Planters
Old toolboxes make nice planters. If you use a handled toolbox, the planters are easy to move around the garden.
How to Recycle Wine Corks into Plant Markers
Personalize your garden with wine cork plant markers, an easy and charming way to keep track of your herbs and flowers while adding a touch of rustic whimsy to the greenery.
Upcycled bottle planters
Add a bit of interest to your garden fence with some upcycled plastic bottle planters.
Also check out these wonderful summer crafts for adults.
Jennifer Dynys
Friday 19th of February 2021
Hey there, I am no longer doing the Embracing Home and Family link party, but I will be doing a weekly round-up of posts. This week I am sharing this post on my blog!
Claire Armstrong
Friday 19th of February 2021
Thank you for letting me know and thanks for the share.
Donna B Reidland
Thursday 18th of February 2021
I love these ideas! Pinning!
Claire Armstrong
Thursday 18th of February 2021
Thank you, that is nice to hear.
Naush Samama
Monday 15th of February 2021
Such fabulous ideas. I have not even tried 1/4 of these ideas ! Bookmarking it to some of them out. Thank you for sharing with us at Meraki Link Party. Naush
Claire Armstrong
Monday 15th of February 2021
Thank you so much, glad you liked them. There are so many wonderful ways you can decorate your garden for free.
Cecilia
Sunday 14th of February 2021
So many lovely ideas, Claire! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm--pinned!
Claire Armstrong
Monday 15th of February 2021
Thank you, glad you enjoyed them.
Ann
Friday 12th of February 2021
So many wonderful ideas! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ's.
Claire Armstrong
Monday 15th of February 2021
Thank you so much, upcycling isn't just for the home but the garden too.