Garden Glee: 35+ Unique Container Planting Ideas

Not everyone has acres of land or the zen-like patience to become a gardening guru, but fear not! Enter the fabulous realm of container gardening, where even the most plant-clueless can shine. Picture this: snag a container (or, as the green thumbs say, a “planter”), scoop up some primo potting soil, and sprinkle in a handful of plants. Ta-da! You’re now a gardening sensation. Easy, right?

Now, prepare to be wowed by the endless possibilities in the container universe—it’s so vast that you might need a gentle push to set your pots on the path to greatness. Whether you’re dreaming of fall container wonders or contemplating the whimsy of hanging container masterpieces, we’ve got a trove of ideas just waiting to sprinkle a bit of gardening magic into your life. Ready, set, let the plant party begin!

Lovely Pond

Turning a spacious ceramic bowl into a captivating water garden is simpler than you’d imagine! Start by arranging pebbles at the base for stability. Then, add a portable filtration system to create an ideal environment for your aquatic plants to flourish. Dive into the beauty of hassle-free water gardening!

Now, the fun part: selecting a variety of water plants to adorn your mini aquatic paradise. From vibrant greens to elegant water lilies, with a little care and attention, your container water garden will flourish, adding a touch of serenity and beauty to any space.

Bench and Planters

Crafting a planter bench may not be as easy as pie, but it’s an exciting chance for novice woodworkers to roll up their sleeves and dive into a rewarding project. After building the bench structure, use the cedar planks to assemble boxes for the ends of your planter bench. 

With the planter bench complete, it’s time to add a pop of color. Plant your favorite flowers or greenery in each end planter, transforming your creation into a beautiful and functional piece of outdoor furniture. With some TLC, your planter bench will serve as a charming spot to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Tea Time with Some Flowers

This ingenious planter seamlessly integrates with your outdoor décor by simply dropping into your existing furniture. With a bit of DIY prowess, you can easily retrofit most wooden patio pieces with a planter box, effortlessly elevating both style and functionality.

Harness this concept to cultivate a range of plants, from insect-repelling varieties to fresh herbs destined for your culinary creations and refreshing cocktails. It’s a win-win: enhancing your outdoor ambiance while nurturing greenery that serves a purpose beyond mere aesthetics.

Wooden Crate Flower Box

This wooden crate flower box, complete with your house number, is a surefire way to boost curb appeal and ensure your home stands out on the block. With sleek metal numbers proudly displaying the address, this charming crate adds a touch of personality and serves a practical purpose.

Filled to the brim with a vibrant array of flowers, this crate injects a burst of color into the industrial and modern aesthetic of its wood and metal design. It’s the perfect marriage of style and functionality, enhancing a home’s exterior with undeniable charm and character.

Repurpose an Old Laundry Basket

Give new life to an old laundry basket by transforming it into a stunning burlap planter. First, tend to any cracks in the planter by patching them up with sturdy packing tape or duct tape, ensuring a solid foundation for your project.

Next, get crafty with hot glue and sheets of burlap, covering the interior of the planter to conceal any holes and imperfections. Layer the burlap until the entire surface is beautifully adorned, adding texture and charm to your creation. Wrap a final piece of burlap around the top of the planter, neatly covering the handles. 

The Wheel of Charm

Turn an old wagon wheel into a stunning succulent display with this creative DIY project. Line the bottom of the wheel with cactus soil, providing a nutrient-rich foundation for your succulents to thrive. Next, add chicken wire to the wheel as a sturdy support structure for your plants. 

Carefully secure the wheel over the top of the chicken wire, ensuring it’s firmly in place. Choose a variety of succulent plants and carefully tuck them into the holes of the wheel, packing them in tightly for a lush look. With their low maintenance requirements and striking beauty, succulents are the perfect choice for this eye-catching display.

Terracotta Pots

This functional and decorative herb garden is sure to become a focal point in your kitchen, adding both beauty and practicality to your cooking space. Start by affixing metal rings to the palette using screws, creating sturdy holders for small terracotta plant pots.

Set the terracotta pots snugly inside them, ensuring they’re secure and stable. To add a charming touch and keep your herb garden organized, paint the tops of the pots with chalkboard paint. With attractive lettering, label each pot with the name of the herbs, tying your display together with a cohesive and stylish look.

Wooden Washtub

Transforming a garden with a touch of nostalgia never felt so lovely by repurposing an antique wooden washtub into a delightful flower planter. Lift its lid, securing it to avoid any mishaps, then fill it with soil and plant your favorite blooms. 

This rustic addition not only adds character but also elevates your plants, protecting them from ground damage and ensuring they flourish in style. Let this charming planter be the centerpiece of your garden, adding a vintage flair and a dash of whimsy to your outdoor space.

Vintage Mailbox Planter

Give your succulent collection a whimsical makeover as they spill gracefully from the opening of this vintage-style mailbox. The possibilities to style this beauty are endless. Hang it on your porch or back fencing to infuse your space with the charming allure of waxy greenery. 

This unconventional planter concept adds an intriguing touch to your outdoor decor, turning a mundane object into a focal point bursting with life. Embrace the creativity of incorporating unexpected elements into your garden, creating a delightful oasis that sparks conversation and admiration among visitors and passersby alike.

Macramé Planters

Crafted with intricate knots and flowing fringe, these planters add a whimsical vibe to any outdoor space. Hang them from tree branches, hooks, or pergolas to create a stunning visual display that adds depth and texture to your outdoor oasis, this way creating an enchanting display of cascading greenery. 

The natural textures and earthy tones of the macramé perfectly complement the lush foliage of your favorite plants, bringing a sense of relaxation and tranquility to your garden retreat. Embrace the free-spirited aesthetic of bohemian design and transform your outdoor oasis into a haven of laid-back elegance.

Ultra-Hip and Modern Box Planters

Designed to accommodate small decorative trees or your favorite plants, these spacious planters offer versatility and functionality.  The duo comprises two heights, enhancing the visual appeal with added drama and depth. Make a statement and transform your outdoor area into a chic retreat with these trendy box planters.

Whether you’re showcasing vibrant blooms, lush greenery, a symmetrical arrangement, or mix-and-match sizes for a dynamic look, these stylish planters provide the perfect canvas to express your personal style and elevate your porch to new heights of sophistication and charm. 

Ceramic Pitchers

Transform your garden with a touch of shabby chic charm using this effortless yet elegant idea. Hunt for a ceramic pitcher at yard sales or resale shops, adding a vintage flair to your outdoor space. Fill it with nutrient-rich potting soil, layering large rocks at the bottom to enhance drainage and minimize soil usage. 

Then, adorn the pitcher with a delightful mix of annuals, infusing your garden with bursts of vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. This simple yet stylish arrangement not only adds rustic allure but also serves as a focal point, inviting admiration and awe from visitors and passersby alike.

Floral Front Door Steps

Unearth the rustic charm of old galvanized metal watering cans for a unique garden makeover. Scour your garage or explore yard sales for these weathered treasures waiting to be repurposed. Once found, transform them into eye-catching planters filled with lush, upright arrangements, adding a touch of greenery to any outdoor space. 

For added visual interest, consider displaying graduated sizes of watering cans along a set of stairs, creating a charming cascading effect that draws the eye upward. Embrace the whimsy of this creative idea, breathing new life into forgotten objects while infusing your garden with character and personality.

A Fairy Garden

Crafted to mimic stairsteps, these three-tiered boxes create the enchanting illusion of a hidden fairy retreat nestled within your garden. Adorned with a miniature tire swing and tiny ladder, this whimsical abode beckons to any winged resident, offering a cozy and magical home. 

Enhance the visual appeal of your creative container garden and let your imagination soar as you bring to life a delightful haven where fairies can frolic and flourish amidst the beauty of nature. With its rustic allure and imaginative design, this wooden box creation adds a touch of wonder and whimsy to your outdoor space.

The Cutest Floral Arrangement

For a charming DIY project, repurpose an old laundry basket or opt for a new wicker one. Simply find a plain planter that fits snugly inside the basket, then unleash your creativity with planting. Whether you prefer a lush floral arrangement or a collection of vibrant greenery, the possibilities are endless. 

Embracing a layered approach not only adds visual interest but also ensures a tidy and appealing display. Transforming a humble basket into a stylish planter is a delightful way to breathe new life into forgotten items while adding a touch of rustic elegance to your outdoor decor.

Hands-On

This DIY project adds a contemporary edge to your garden decor, combining industrial elements with natural beauty for a truly striking display. Begin by mixing concrete in a spacious bucket, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture. Next, carefully fill sturdy rubber gloves with the concrete mixture, shaping them into unique hand-shaped planters. 

Once the concrete has dried completely, gently remove the gloves to reveal the intricate details of the hands. Finally, fill these captivating planters with your favorite greens or colorful flowers, transforming them into eye-catching botanical showcases. Who knew using concrete would bring such a graceful touch of modern flair?

Stunning Desk 

This unique design lends itself well to a combination of lush foliage and climbing flowers, adding layers of texture and visual interest to your garden. Opt for a bright color to paint both the desk and its accompanying chair, adding a cheerful pop to your outdoor space.

Arrange the drawers in a graduated fashion, creating a visually appealing display. Fill these drawers with either plant pots or potting soil, allowing for a versatile range of greenery and blooms. Embrace the charm of repurposed furniture and elevate your garden decor with this creative and functional project.

Adding Depth and Intrigue 

This design makes a bold statement with its clean lines, offering a modern twist to your garden decor. To add depth and intrigue, think about your home’s design and consider painting one of the lattice pieces black, creating a striking contrast against the natural wood. 

Alternatively, embrace a farmhouse aesthetic by leaving the lattice unpainted, allowing its rustic charm to take center stage. Pair this unique planter with ferns whose straight stems beautifully complement the geometric lines of the lattice, creating a harmonious blend of nature and design in your outdoor space.

Green Garden Nook

Nurture your garden’s imaginative flair with an array of container garden concepts. Transform a weathered wheelbarrow into a cozy retreat for a sprawling hosta, alongside vibrant mosaic pots cradling your beloved plant companions. Consider laying a terracotta pot sideways, providing a cool, shaded spot.

That would be the perfect place for a delicate fern to thrive amidst the verdant earth. Unleash your creativity and watch as your garden bursts with life and charm, reflecting your unique style and personality. Let these inventive ideas spark inspiration and elevate your outdoor oasis into a haven of beauty and tranquility.

Heart-Shaped Planters

These charming and enchanting heart-shaped planters add a touch of whimsy and romance to any outdoor space, whether nestled among lush foliage or placed as standalone accents. Their durable stone construction ensures longevity and easy maintenance, withstanding the elements with grace. 

Experiment with various plant varieties to complement the timeless elegance of these heart-shaped beauties, from cascading ivy to vibrant blooms. Let your creativity flourish as you design a garden oasis that radiates warmth and love, inviting admiration from all who wander through your enchanting outdoor sanctuary.

Pipes for Planters

Transform your space with a DIY hanging planter crafted from PVC pipe. Begin by cutting the pipe and end caps horizontally, then epoxy the caps onto each end. Construct a ladder-style arrangement using chains, ensuring stability. Hang your planters securely from the chains. 

This creative project offers an excellent solution for growing herbs, lettuce, and other tasty greens. Enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing your own edible garden while adding a touch of charm to your surroundings. Dive into this fun and practical project to elevate your home decor and embrace the joy of gardening.

An Industrial Flair

Get these simple concrete planters from the home improvement shop if you like a more subdued, industrial style of interior design. These will last a lifetime since they are so durable. Start with a bowl that is low to the ground and work your way up to a variety of levels for visual appeal. 

Arrange a towering and striking bouquet of flowers in these pots. While tulips provide a vibrant seasonal splash of color, Snapdragons add height. Complete the arrangement with a variety of gorgeous annuals, adding depth and texture to your outdoor space.

Coastal Style

Looking for coastal magic? Get a charming touch of the seaside by repurposing large seashells as unique planters. Ensure the shells have ample openings to accommodate potting soil, selecting each one with care. Before planting, drill a hole in the bottom for essential drainage, vital for the thriving of succulents and other plants. 

Arrange your chosen greenery within the shells, then showcase them in a sunny spot to maximize growth. Embrace the coastal vibe in your home or garden with this creative and practical idea, infusing your space with a delightful blend of natural beauty and functionality.

Tiny Caddy

Brighten up your spring landscape with vibrant hues even before the first pansy blooms! The unique shape of a tool caddy serves as an unconventional yet charming container for displaying frost-friendly petals early in the season. Set it atop a small outdoor table to warmly welcome your guests with a burst of color and cheer. 

This creative flower box not only adds visual interest but also serves as a delightful conversation piece, enhancing the ambiance of your outdoor space. Embrace the spirit of spring and infuse your surroundings with joyful hues, creating a memorable and inviting atmosphere for all who visit.

Simple and Effective Planters

Ideal for small spaces or individuals with limited mobility, this innovative planter offers convenience and accessibility. Crafted from vinyl gutters, it’s an excellent choice for shallow-rooting plants, perfect for adding greenery without the need for excessive bending. Its versatility and functionality create a lush oasis even in the most compact of environments. 

While plain gutters may lack visual appeal, a simple coat of paint can transform them into stylish additions to your outdoor decor. Whether adorned with vining plants to mask unsightly fences or stocked with serene succulents, this planter brings a touch of tranquility to any space. 

Revamp An Old Filing Cabinet

Inspired by the adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” this inventive container garden breathes new life into a discarded filing cabinet. Repurposed and turned on its side, the worn-out cabinet finds renewed purpose as a home for a vibrant collection of cacti. 

Not only does this creative endeavor give a nod to sustainability by repurposing old materials, but it also adds a unique and eclectic charm to any space. Embrace the beauty of recycling and contribute to caring for Mother Earth while infusing your surroundings with a touch of greenery and character.

Time for a DIY Project

Give new life to an old tire with this ingenious DIY project! Begin by drilling drainage holes in the bottom and lining it with a fabric weed barrier to prevent soil from escaping. Enhance drainage by adding Styrofoam packing peanuts before filling the tire with nutrient-rich potting soil. 

Then, get creative with your plant selection, combining hanging and vertical annuals for a stunning display of color and texture. Hang your tire planter from a sturdy tree branch for a whimsical touch reminiscent of a tire swing, or mount it securely to an exterior wall for a charming urban garden. 

Shoe Organizer

Utilize each shoe pocket in this old organizer to transform it into a thriving green space. Consider planting kitchen herbs, creating a convenient herb garden just beside your kitchen entrance. Hang the organizer on a sunlit wall for optimal growth. 

Remember to water the plants meticulously, especially to prevent the lower row from becoming waterlogged. With this setup, you’ll have fresh herbs within arm’s reach for culinary delights. Enjoy the beauty and functionality this inventive use of space brings to your home.

A Chest of Drawers

Repurpose an old chest of drawers into a charming planter for your garden or patio. Start by refreshing its appearance with a coat of paint and distressing for a rustic touch. Arrange the drawers in a graduated fashion, top to bottom. Fill them with nutrient-rich potting soil and vibrant flowers.

Remember to stick to a single color palette for visual harmony. For added flair, pair the planter with complementary vases and planters. This creative project not only breathes new life into old furniture but also adds a delightful focal point to your outdoor space. Enjoy the beauty of nature’s bounty in this unique display.

A Rustic Touch

Positioned near a window or on a porch, the rustic planter becomes a focal point, showcasing your favorite blooms in a natural setting. Its rough-hewn exterior adds texture and warmth to the surroundings, creating a cozy ambiance reminiscent of a countryside retreat.

Imagine vibrant flowers spilling over the edges, their colors complementing the earthy tones of the logs. Whether filled with colorful petunias, fragrant lavender, or delicate daisies, the planter adds a pop of life and color to your space.  Handcrafted from sturdy logs, the planter exudes a rugged elegance that enhances any room or outdoor area.

Front Door Decor

This planter isn’t just your ordinary garden accessory; it’s a statement piece that adds sophistication to any outdoor space. Crafted from durable plywood, this planter boasts both style and resilience. The faux zinc finish gives it a sleek, modern look without the hefty price tag of real metal. 

Plus, its lightweight design makes it easy to move around your garden, patio, or balcony, so you can experiment with different layouts and arrangements. Whether you’re planting vibrant flowers, lush greenery, or even small shrubs, this planter provides a chic backdrop that elevates your garden decor.

Planters on Wheels

Designed to complement and enhance the beauty of your greenery with their soft edges and simple lines, these colorful planters and their subtle features serve to highlight the natural elegance of your plants, creating a harmonious display that’s pleasing to the eye.

The convenience of having wheels on the bottom of these planters adds a whole new level of versatility. You can easily move them around to effortlessly refresh the garden whenever inspiration strikes. Whether you want to rearrange your garden layout or simply change up your patio decor, these planters make it a breeze.

DIY Log Planter

Here’s a fun DIY project that’ll add rustic charm to your outdoor space. To get started, all you’ll need is a sturdy firewood log and a hatchet. Begin by carefully cutting into the log to create a channel for the potting soil and plants.

Have fun selecting a variety of charming annuals to fill your planter. Bright blooms, trailing vines, or lush foliage look fantastic. After planting, it’s time to display your creation outdoors. To prevent the log planter from rolling over, strategically place rocks or stones around it to provide stability and support.

Sleek Planters with Cinder Blocks

Who knew that humble cinder blocks could be so stylish? With their sleek lines and textured surface, these blocks add a touch of elegance and are budget-friendly. One of the best things about cinder block garden containers is their adaptability. You can arrange them in countless configurations to suit your garden layout and aesthetic preferences. 

Get creative with how you use these blocks in your garden. Stack them to create raised beds for your vegetables and herbs, or arrange them along your patio to display your favorite flowers and succulents. Stack them horizontally or vertically, mix and match different block sizes, or even incorporate contrasting colors for added visual interest. 

Artistic Spot

Transforming old paint cans and a small stepladder into a charming garden display is easier than you think! To get started, gather your old paint cans and a sturdy stepladder. Next, select a variety of vibrant flowers in colors that complement the exterior paint of the cans. 

Matching the flower colors to the paint adds a cohesive and quirky touch to the display, tying everything together beautifully. The end result? A charming and eye-catching garden display that’s bursting with personality. So don’t let those old paint cans go to waste—give them new life as part of a colorful garden display.

Colorful Tire Planters

Time to gather up those old tires, grab your paintbrush, and get ready to turn trash into treasure with this fun and creative DIY project. Start by painting three tires in bold and exciting colors, adding vibrancy to your outdoor space. Once dry, line the inside of each tire with a platform that fits snugly.

Stack the tires in a pleasing arrangement, varying colors and heights for visual interest. With a little imagination and some old tires, you can turn your garden into a playful oasis that’s sure to impress. So let your creativity flow, and watch as your charming tire display becomes the talk of the neighborhood.

The Garden Fountain

By transforming a fountain into a planter, you breathe new life into an old feature, adding character and charm to your garden space. Imagine the tranquil sound of water replaced by the vibrant colors of blooming flowers and lush greenery. 

The fountain’s basin becomes a perfect container for a variety of plants, creating a stunning focal point that captivates the eye and delights the senses. This creative reuse not only adds visual interest to your garden but also offers a practical solution for incorporating more greenery into your outdoor space. 

Vintage Washtub Flower Planters

If you’re lucky enough to find a washtub with legs, this garden set-up will become a special accent, elevating your arrangement to new heights. With the washtubs raised off the ground, you have the perfect canvas for creating an attractive and eye-catching floral arrangement.

Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse vibe or a more eclectic look, vintage washtubs offer endless possibilities for expressing your unique style in the garden. So, scour flea markets or antique shops for these timeless treasures, and let your imagination bloom as you transform them into delightful focal points for your outdoor space.

Old Colanders

Colanders truly shine as planters, bringing a touch of whimsy and practicality to your greenery. Their unique design not only adds character to your space but also offers excellent ventilation and drainage for your plants. Small colanders are perfect for adorning countertops or tables, where they can showcase vibrant succulents or elegant jade trees indoors. 

Outdoors, they make a delightful statement when filled with fresh annuals, or kitchen herbs. Hang them like baskets to elevate your gardening game and create eye-catching displays. Whether indoors or outdoors, colander planters are a fantastic way to repurpose kitchenware and infuse your space with charm and greenery.

Whimsical Garden Feature

Repurposing an antique chandelier into a garden feature with flower pots or terrariums can be a truly inspiring idea, blending the elegance of vintage decor with the whimsy of gardening. Antique chandeliers often boast intricate designs and ornate details that can add a touch of sophistication to your garden. 

The juxtaposition of the chandelier’s vintage charm with the natural beauty of flowers or terrariums creates a visually stunning focal point. Whether suspended from a sturdy tree branch, pergola, or gazebo, ensure that it complements the surrounding landscape and doesn’t obstruct views or pathways.

Growing Strawberries

Sprinkling some edible plants into your landscape doesn’t just make it more eco-friendly, it brings a whole new level of fun and beauty to your outdoor haven. Check out this adorable tower planter! It’s a nifty creation made from humble plastic plant buckets, perfect for growing your own strawberries without taking up too much space.

But, if you’re all about that sleek and polished look, consider swapping those buckets for some snazzy materials like wood, concrete, or ceramics to keep your garden looking spiffy and stylish. The joy of harvesting homegrown strawberries is sure to enrich your gardening experience.

Repurposing the Kitchen Sink

How about transforming your kitchen sink into a stunning planter? It’s a creative twist that’s sure to catch the eye and breathe new life into your garden. Opting for white, frothy flowers creates the whimsical illusion of dish suds, adding a playful touch to your garden or patio.

And why stop there? A bathroom sink can also be repurposed into a charming planter. Fill it with an assortment of succulents and pebbles for a serene and spa-like vibe. Whether in the kitchen or bathroom, these sink planters are bound to make a stylish statement while bringing a touch of nature indoors.

An Armchair from the Fairy Tales

What a transformation! With a fresh coat of crisp blue paint, this chair radiates panache, while the vibrant green of the sedum pops against it, adding a burst of natural beauty. This is a whimsical transformation where sedum blankets an old armchair, giving it an enchanting, almost otherworldly vibe.

This charming armchair isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s a testament to the boundless possibilities of planters. It proves that with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of imagination, anything can become a stunning vessel for your greenery. 

Nurturing Childhood Memories

When it comes to planting, the possibilities are endless. Take this vintage toddler chair, for example. Who would’ve thought that the waste bowl could double as a perfect little planter? But it does, and it’s so cute.  To add some extra personality, why not adorn the chair with charming butterflies and stenciled words? 

A bold, ironic shade of bright yellow adds a playful twist to the chair, reminding us that beauty can flourish in unexpected places. So let this chair be a cheerful reminder that with a bit of creativity and a splash of color, even the most mundane items can bloom into something truly beautiful.

Buzzing Paradise

Transforming your garden into a buzzing paradise is as easy as planting in bright and bold vivid buckets! Imagine your backyard adorned with these eye-catching containers, soaking up the sun on your patio, and bringing a burst of color to your outdoor oasis.

Not only do these vibrant buckets elevate your space aesthetically, but they also provide a functional home for your beloved plants. It’s a win-win situation for both you and nature! So why not let your garden shine with these fun buckets?