Right, so today we’re talking about recycling ….. but not the boring council-bin sort of recycling. I mean the fun kind. The “I’ve got this random thing lying around and I bet I could make it look cool in the garden” kind of recycling. Sounds more fun, yeah?
I’m not here to give you a lecture, promise. I just think we throw away way too much stuff that could be proper useful ……..especially in the garden. Plus, let’s be honest, gardens with a bit de personalidade, com umas coisinhas DIY espalhadas, ficam muito mais aconchegantes do que aqueles catálogos todos combinandinho.
So let’s talk about what you’ve probably got lying around that could turn your little green space into a proper cosy corner.
Old wellies
Everyone’s got a pair of battered old wellies somewhere, right? Don’t chuck ’em! Stick a few holes in the bottom, fill them with compost and pop in some bright flowers ! boom, you’ve got yourself the quirkiest plant pot in the street.
Wooden crates
Had a delivery or found one round the back of the corner shop? Wooden crates are proper gold. You can take them apart and turn them into shelves or plant stands. Even a rustic planter, depending on the size. Depending on what it’s like, just chuck a few cushions on and voilà, you’ve got yourself a little piece of furniture — a chair or even a small table.
Glass jars and pots
These can be great for popping a little light inside, with some paint for a cool effect, planting herbs or even storing them once they’re ready to use.
You can also use them for candles, which creates a super cosy vibe and looks really lovely.
Old mugs and teapots
Being British, I’ve got loads of these — and you can find them pretty much anywhere. Give them a second chance — a bit of sanding, a lick of paint, and they’re brilliant for planting small plants or giving that tiny one a home before it goes in the ground.
Quick side note ……. some broken furniture can be repurposed as well to hold plants. Sometimes not everything’s a lost cause!
Take the drawers out, fill ’em with soil, plant trailing flowers and herbs and you’ve got yourself a proper showstopper.
Wine corks and bottle caps
Yeah I know this one’s a bit niche, but if you’ve got a few lying about (no judgement), you can glue them together to make garden labels, coasters, or even edging for pots. It’s not posh, but it’s proper fun.
Plastic bottles
Right, hear me out. Cut the tops off, paint them up, and they’re planters. Or slice ’em into strips, curl with a bit of heat and you’ve got garden tags. Not everything plastic’s evil if you give it a second chance.
Tin cans
Soup tins, bean tins, whatever — give ’em a scrub, a splash of colour, maybe a bit of twine round the top and they’re perfect for herbs. Pop a few on the fence or windowsill and job’s a good’un.
Honestly, the list goes on. I’ve even seen folk make bird feeders from loo roll tubes and peanut butter — not even kidding.
The best part? All of this makes your garden feel yours, not like it’s been lifted out of a showroom. It’s budget-friendly, good for the planet, and every time someone says “Ooh, where’d you get that?” you can just smile and go, “Made it, didn’t I.”
So next time you’re about to chuck something out, just ask yourself — can I use this in the garden? Because nine times out of ten, the answer’s probably yeah.
