The Garden Of Oz

Eco-Friendly Ways to Beautify Your Gardening Space

According to the 2012 National Geographic/Globe Scan Consumer Green Index, the behavior of American consumers still ranks as the least sustainable of all countries surveyed since the study began in 2008.

While gardening itself is generally thought of as a green act, gardeners, as well as the fancy items they use, can be some of the worst offenders in continuing to cause damage to our environment, and can even negate the environmental benefits of gardening. An eco-friendly garden is best achieved by giving an old item new life through recycling.

Gardens that are aesthetically pleasing as well as eco-friendly are typically the result of those who use compost as well as the mantra, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” A key component of their success is putting more stock in using what they already have, or by purchasing used items at a yard sale or thrift store, rather than buying new. Of course, this doesn’t mean your garden space has to look like a junk yard, either. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, as your gardening gear can help to beautify your landscape.

Consider these ideas to make a positive change while creating your spectacular garden space:

Using old flower pots

If you don’t already have them, old clay pots can usually be found for under a dollar at many thrift stores, or even for free on sites such as Craigslist or The Free Cycle Network. In fact, the look of aged terracotta pots gives your garden more character, compared to newer ones.

You may have seen garden expert and HGTV television host Paul James on www.direct-ticket.net or a similar provider. Known as the “Garden Guy,” James has been the host of “Gardening by the Yard” since 1996. The Tulsa, Okla. native provided a great tip for removing those salt deposits that form on clay pots, which can help retain their charm without looking junky.

All it takes is equal parts of water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol mixed together in a spray bottle. Apply the solution to the spot and scrub with a brush. Allow the pots to dry before use.

You can take it a step further, and paint your own designs on the pots, use a stencil, or even glue natural items you’ve collected, such as sea glass, interesting pebbles or sea shells.

Vertical garden

If you’re limited on space, creating a vertical garden out of an old wooden pallet can turn a small, boring space into something that’s bright, beautiful and useful. If you don’t have a pallet, grocery stores usually have dozens of them they need to get rid of. Just politely ask store management, and you’ll probably go home with at least a few for free.

All you’ll need to do is seal off one side of the pallet with landscape fabric, using a staple gun. Fill the inside with potting soil, and plant your flowers or herbs. This works really well on a patio, balcony or even a tiny side yard.

Transform an old lamp into a birdbath

If you have the space and the inclination, you can create numerous birdbaths out of old lamps, and no two will look alike. The sky is the limit as far as the style of lamp to use, and there are almost always hundreds of unwanted lamps to be found at thrift stores, on Craigslist, and at garage sales and yard sales. Just be sure to remove all the wiring for outdoor use in the garden.

All you need is a lamp, drill, bowl, and epoxy glue. Remove the light bulb and shade support, and then twist the light bulb housing in order to expose the top part of the medal rod, which is what the bowl will be attached to. Drill a hole in your bowl, and slide the bowl over the lamp base. Use five-minute epoxy to glue the bowl to the base. Let it sit for 24 hours before filling with water.

Birdcage planters

Be on the lookout for old birdcages during your treasure hunting adventures, as they are wonderful to re-purpose as planters. Just about any type provides a unique garden décor item. If you want to add color, consider painting it — purple is a beautiful shade that will brighten up any garden space.

Consider planting your birdcage with Black Eyed Susan vines for a splash of color, as well as a lush, Bohemian look for your garden.

Interesting containers

Container gardening is excellent for flowers, plants, vegetables, and herbs. The types of containers you can choose from are nearly endless. Just look through your attic or garage, or peruse those thrift shops.

Oversized coffee mugs, old tin cans, picnic baskets, watering cans, toolboxes, and tackle boxes can all be transformed into planters. Wheelbarrows planted with bushy vibrant-colored plants create a stunning, yet funky, look to any garden.

If you happen to come upon an old rowboat for cheap, this can provide an especially charming centerpiece for a garden – especially for those who live by the sea. Spring bulbs, an herb garden, or a variety of different plants are sure to enhance its character.

What eco-friendly gardening tips do you have? If you have any comments, I’d really like to hear from you.

OZ Gardener
The Garden Of Oz

Creative Commons image by various brennemans

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