While it may still be winter, it is never too early to start planning your flower bed. During the dark and cold days of winter, thinking of flowers and plants can help brighten your mood. If you plan on making your own flower bed this spring, you may find today’s article to be helpful. In this article, I’ll go over 11 unexpected objects to use for building a flower bed. Let’s begin.
11 Creative Ways to Build a Flower Bed
There are many creative ideas for building a flower bed. From using natural objects such as logs to suitcases and wheelbarrows, these flower bed ideas are perfect for growing flowers. Here are some unexpected objects to use for a flower bed.
1. Tree Stump Flower Bed
Have you cut down a tree in your yard recently? If so, you may be looking for some ideas for making your tree stump look nicer. While there are many creative ideas, you can never go wrong with planting your flower bed in your tree stump. Surprisingly, this method for planting flowers works really well. To make your tree stump suitable for growing flowers, begin by removing the center of the stump. This will take a while, especially if the tree was recently cut. You’ll need to use a sharpened mattock to chip away the center section of the tree stump. As the hole gets bigger, switch to the mattock’s wider end. Work your way toward the edges of the stump, leaving at least a 3-inch border, to create a hole 4 to 8 inches deep.
Once you have chopped a hole for the plants, you’ll need to make holes for drainage. With a 3/8- to 1/2-inch-wide auger bit, drill drainage holes into the side of the stump so that they slope toward the ground. Add some free-draining material, like gravel, then top it with a mix of 30 percent compost and 70 percent potting soil. After you have finished creating your flower bed, it’s time to add some flowers. You may not be able to plant many flowers, depending on how big the stump is. If you run out of space, you can plant some flowers underneath the stump on the ground.
2. Clay Pots
When you think of a flower bed, you may not think of using any pots. For most flower beds, the flowers are planted directly into the ground. However, it is still possible to create a flower bed using clay pots. Pick a spot where you would like the flowers to grow, and then make holes for the pots to go in. Bury the pots in the ground just enough so that they aren’t sticking up too much. Add some soil into the pots, and then add the flowers. You can use any sized pots that you’d like.
Image Source: Sequin Gardens
3. An Old Suitcase
Do you happen to have an old suitcase that you don’t use anymore? Consider turning it into a beautiful flower bed. This is a great way to repurpose an old suitcase. You can either directly fill it with soil or you can place pots in the suitcase first. You may want to prop the suitcase onto a chair or bench so that it can be seen. Be sure to drill drainage holes in the suitcase so that the water will properly drain.
4. Cauldron Flower Bed
While you may not have a cauldron sitting in your backyard, you may have some other old pots similar to one. Instead of cooking over an open fire, you can use your pots and pans for planting flowers. Make sure there are holes in the pot so that the water will drain properly. Fill the pot with soil, and you’ve got yourself a flower bed.
Image Source: WooHome
5. An Old Wheelbarrow
Wheelbarrows don’t last forever, which means that at some point they will start to rust and get old. If you happen to have an old wheelbarrow, there are many beautiful ways to repurpose it. One of those ways is to make a flower bed out of it. There are so many ideas for making a wheelbarrow flower bed. What’s nice about a wheelbarrow flower bed is that you can move it around. Whenever you want your flower bed to be planted somewhere else, all you do is lift up the handles of your wheelbarrow. Of course, make sure your wheelbarrow is in good enough condition before you begin planting flowers. You don’t want it to break when you put the weight of the soil in it. Wheelbarrows are usually very durable, so even if yours is rusty, it should work well for a flower bed.
6. Hollow Log
This next flower bed idea is similar to the tree stump flower bed, except that this time you’ll use the entire log as the flower bed. Just like with the tree stump, you’ll need to use some tools to remove some of the wood in the log. If the log is hollowed out, this shouldn’t be too difficult. Using a shovel, pour some soil into the log until it is filled. After that, it is ready for some flowers. The log gives this flower bed a rustic and natural look.
Image Source: Pinterly
7. Old Tires
The next time you have to change a tire, keep the tire so that you can make a flower bed out of it. Simply fill the tire with soil and plant some flowers inside of it. Some people like to stack the tires on top of each other so that the planter is tall, but this isn’t necessary. If you want to, you can paint the tires so that they look extra nice in your garden.
Image Source: Upcycled Wonders
8. Watering Can
Most gardeners know how important watering cans are. They are what allow you to water your plants. However, watering cans aren’t just for watering your flowers. They can also be used as a flower bed. Simply fill your watering can with soil and plant some flowers in it.
Image Source: The Gardening Cook
9. Cinder Blocks
Cinder blocks are commonly used for flower and garden beds. You can either create a large space for growing your flowers, or you can grow flowers in the squares of each cinder block. What’s nice about cinder blocks is that they won’t rot like wood. You can reuse them year after year without worrying about them becoming damaged.
Image Source: Garden Lover’s Club
10. An Old Bed
An old bed makes a great flower bed. Simply remove the mattress, add some soil, and start planting. Because beds are so big, you can plant a lot of flowers on it. The only downside to this kind of flower bed is that it may be difficult to move around. Therefore, once you find a spot for your flower bed, you should keep it there.
Image Source: Flickr
11. Kiddie Pool
Do you have an old kiddie pool that you don’t need anymore? Use it as a flower bed. Drill some holes onto the bottom of it so that the water will properly drain. If you want, you can bury the pool into the ground so that the flowers are level with the ground, but this isn’t necessary. You can also grow vegetables in a kiddie pool. Just make sure you plant vegetables that have shallow roots. Because you will be drilling holes into the kiddie pool, don’t plan on using it again as a swimming pool. Make sure you pick a kiddie pool that is either old or won’t be used anymore.
Image Source: AZ Plant Lady
Great Flowers to Plant in Your Flower Bed
Once you have your flower bed planned out, it is time to start planting the flowers. This part is fun and easy. Here are some excellent flowers to plant in your flower bed.
Roses
Roses are a classic flower that has a beautiful fragrance. They are very easy to grow, and they look great growing in flower beds. If you are wanting a flower with a beautiful fragrance, look no further than roses.
Chocolate Cosmos
Despite the name, chocolate cosmos are not edible but are actually poisonous. However, they have a beautiful scent and a dark red color. The flower is named for its scent that resembles chocolate.
Marigolds
During the summer, marigolds are one of the most popular flowers to see. Not only are they pretty, but they also have many benefits. First, this type of flower attracts important insects, such as bees and butterflies. Second, marigolds can drive away harmful pests. Lastly, marigolds are very easy to care for.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons do well during the summer through the fall. These flowers do well in colder weather and come in many different colors. Sometimes, snapdragons will continue growing in the winter. However, the best time for them to grow is from spring to fall.
Final Thoughts
Spring will be here before you know it, so now is the perfect time to start planning your flower garden. If you have never built a flower garden before, you may be wondering how you should get started. While the traditional way to build a flower bed is to use wooden boards, there are many other ideas. From using tree stumps to wheelbarrows, building a flower bed with these objects is a great way to repurpose them. Many of the items I went over today often get thrown away when they are finished being used. Before you toss them, consider using them for a flower bed. Not only will you be upcycling something you don’t need anymore, but you will also be making your yard that much more pretty. Remember that gardening is supposed to be fun, so don’t stress out about making your flower bed. Happy gardening!
