Whether you are looking for inspiration for your next backyard makeover project or simply trying to come up with unique ways to decorate your patio, porch, deck, or balcony, we’ve got 20+ creative garden container ideas. From simple planters to large sculptures, each one of these designs is different and will help you add some personality to your outdoor space. Dig into learning that creative idea.
Table of Contents
Here are the 20 Creative Containers and Pots for Planting in the Garden
1. Redwood and Aluminum Planter Bursting with Life
A scrumptious combination of wood and metal makes this planter burst with life. Use it to bring nature indoors or add color to your outdoor patio.
To tie this planter into the surrounding environment, choose the wood that matches the look of your home. For example, if you live in a coastal area, consider cedar. Or, if you live near a forested area, go with pine. You can even find reclaimed wood online.
If you want to make sure your plantings stand out, pair the planter with something else that contrasts with it. In this case, we chose a bright metallic finish. But you could use whatever colors work best for your space.
You can also experiment with different plants. Strawberries are easy to grow and thrive in containers. They don’t require much water and love being planted close together.
2. Lavender in an Iridescent Planter
Lavender is one of my favorite plants because it smells heavenly, looks beautiful, and makes me feel calm. I love how lavender blends well with many different colors and textures. This lavender plant and iridescent planter are no exception.
The lavender plant is from a local nursery and comes in various sizes and shapes. You can even find small pots of lavender that are perfect for filling up with dirt and growing into full bushes.
I used a clear glass vase to display the plant. A clear glass container lets you see the lavender plant’s beauty.
I added a silver platter filled with tiny white flowers to make this extra arrangement special. White flowers add a softness to the arrangement.
This arrangement is simple and elegant. It reminds me of a fairy tale.
3. Colorful Flower Pot
This colorful flower pot is so cheerful. The vibrant colors and patterns outside the pot give off a fun vibe. It would be great as a centerpiece at a party or dinner. You could fill it with fresh flowers or place a few potted herbs inside.
4. Greenhouse-Style Container
This greenhouse-style container has a modern twist. It gives off a cool vibe and adds a touch of green to any room. In addition, it is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles that are durable and easy to clean.
The Greenhouse Style Container is perfect for storing plants or other items in the garden. This container can be used indoors or out. The lid features a hole so you can easily add water to your plant’s soil.
Greenhouse-style containers come with an adjustable shelf inside. You can use the shelf to store tools or other items.
5. Modern Metal Planter
This modern metal planter is a unique way to display your plants. It’s sturdy enough to hold large pots of succulents and other larger plants. In addition, it has a built-in water reservoir that keeps the soil moist for up to two weeks.
The planter features an easy-to-use watering system with a spout on top. The reservoir holds about 1 gallon of water. You can fill it with any faucet or hose. When you’re done, turn off the valve and drain the water.
6. Vintage yellow potty-training chair
This adorable potty training chair is a great way to teach children about good hygiene while encouraging independence. This vintage piece features a painted seat and a child-sized waste container that doubles as a plant stand. Its bright yellow color makes it easy to spot among the clutter.
7. Evoke Harvest Season with Gourds
Gourd lovers rejoice. You don’t have to wait till Thanksgiving dinner to enjoy the fruits of the harvest. Planting a fall container garden filled with gourds, pumpkins, and mini squashes is one way to bring autumn into your home throughout October.
This simple project requires no digging, just some creative planning and a little elbow grease. Start by selecting a large pot—a 5-gallon bucket works well—and fill it about half full with gravel. Next, plant a few small seeds, such as cornflower, radish, lettuce, and kale, around the perimeter of the pot. Once those seedlings sprout, add a layer of compost over the soil.
Then, place the second layer of gravel on top of the compost. Finally, plant your favorite gourds inside the pot, spacing them evenly across the bottom of the pot. Water thoroughly, and you’re ready to go.
| Container Type | Material | Size | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terra Cotta Pots | Clay | Various sizes | – Excellent breathability | – Can dry out soil quickly |
| Plastic Pots | Plastic | Various sizes | – Lightweight and durable | – May degrade in sunlight |
| Ceramic Pots | Ceramic | Various sizes | – Aesthetic appeal | – Heavier and can break easily |
| Wooden Barrels | Wood | Various sizes | – Rustic appearance | – Requires maintenance to prevent rot |
| Fabric Grow Bags | Fabric | Various sizes | – Promotes root aeration | – May need extra support |
| Hanging Baskets | Various materials | Various sizes | – Space-saving, great for vines | – Frequent watering needed |
| Raised Beds | Wood, Metal, etc. | Customizable | – Easier on the back | – Initial setup can be costly |
| Self-Watering Pots | Plastic or Ceramic | Various sizes | – Consistent moisture | – Check water level regularly |
| Recycled Containers | Various | Various sizes | – Eco-friendly, repurposing items | – Ensure proper drainage |
8. DIY Wooden Boxes
These wooden boxes are perfect for planting annuals and perennials. They also make great storage bins for smaller items like jewelry and accessories. If you want to keep things organized, label each box with its contents.
9. Rustic Wood Crate
If you love the rustic decor, this crate will fit right in. It’s made from reclaimed wood and comes with a natural finish. Use it to store gardening supplies, craft materials, or anything else you’d normally put in a closet.
10. Flower Pot Stand
If you want to grow flowers year-round, this flowerpot stand will help you do it without spending hours tending to your plants. Simply fill the pot with dirt, then plant your favorite houseplant. To ensure that the soil stays moist, add a tray of pebbles at the bottom of the pot and water regularly.
11. Rail Balcony Garden Bed
Try out this simple garden bed project if you want to give your balcony some extra space while still adding greenery to your home. All you need are four 2×4 boards, wood screws, a drill, and a few tools. Start by cutting each board into three equal parts lengthwise. Then, cut one end off each piece of lumber to make the bottom of the box.
Drill holes into the sides of the boxes to attach the railings. Use wood glue to secure the pieces together. Once everything is dry, fill the boxes with soil and plant seeds or small seedlings. Keep watering regularly until the plants grow big enough to cover the boxes. If you don’t like the idea of having bare concrete underfoot, consider planting flowers or herbs in the boxes.
12. Minimalist Freestanding Container
Minimalism isn’t just about living without clutter; it’s about creating a comfortable and inviting space. This minimalist container design takes cues from nature and adds some modern touches to make it feel less clinical.
The idea behind this project came from the desire to add some green to my balcony garden. I wanted something simple and easy to maintain.
I used a small plastic bucket with holes drilled into the bottom. Then, I added a layer of gravel for drainage and filled it with potting soil. Next, I planted a few succulents and placed a large ceramic flowerpot over the top. Finally, I topped off the whole thing with decorative rocks. This idea will enhance your home’s beauty for sure.
13. Plastic planters made from recycled containers
Plastic containers can be used to make beautiful planter boxes. They come in many shapes and sizes, so there’s no shortage of possibilities for creating unique plant pots. You don’t need to buy expensive potting soil; use old newspapers or shredded paper mixed with sand. Fill the container with the mixture, place your plant inside, and water. The newspaper provides moisture as well as nutrients.
14. Strawberry Tower from Nursery Buckets
My love of gardening and sustainable living inspires this project. I wanted to make something out of recycled material that would grow food. Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits; I always enjoy eating them straight off the vine. I thought building a structure that looks like a giant strawberry tree would be fun.
I used old nursery buckets to construct this sturdy tower. They come in different sizes and shapes, so I chose ones that were large enough to hold a few plants each. I drilled holes in the bottom of each bucket and inserted bamboo stakes to support the baskets.
Then I filled the buckets with potting soil and planted my seeds. After germination, I added water and fertilizer regularly. By mid-summer, the strawberries had grown big enough to eat.
15. Maximize Impact with Lots of Plants
Container gardening is a great way to maximize space and add visual interest to outdoor living areas. But it doesn’t always mean you’ll have enough time to enjoy your plants once they’re planted. A good rule of thumb is to use at least three different types of plants in every container, including one tall plant like a tree or shrub, one short plant like a groundcover, and one large plant like a perennial flower. This ensures plenty of color, form, and size options. And because containers don’t allow roots to spread, you won’t have to worry about overwatering.
16. Combine Different Plant Textures
Container plantings don’t have to be boring. Choose containers with different textures, colors, and shapes to bring interest to your garden. Use grasses, perennials, annuals, bulbs, and shrubs to make a statement.
Use a variety of greens, including alpine, curly leaf, flatleaf, and Italian varieties. Mix it up with purple, red, white, yellow, blue, and brown leaves. Include some green foliage, such as ferns, hostas, and sedums, to add texture and contrast.
Choose a mix of tall and short plants and containers with varying heights. Taller plants look great in taller containers, while shorter ones work well in smaller pots.
Add color with flowers, like pink, lavender, red, and purple blooms. Try adding some contrasting colors, like burgundy, chartreuse, and gold.
17. Choose plants that have similar fall colors
A well-designed entryway creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests. To create a sense of warmth, consider planting plants that are easy to grow and maintain, such as annuals. In addition to adding color, you can use foliage and flowers to create interest around doorways and windows.
For example, combine plants with similar fall hues, like burgundy giant fountaingrasses and zesty scarlet zinnias. You can also add seasonal blooms like black-eyed Susans and calibrachoa.
18. Foliage and mums go well together
Mums are one of the most popular plants for container gardens because they offer various foliage color choices. This fall, choose a variety of mums with different leaf shapes and textures to add interest to your containers.
In addition to adding texture and visual appeal, mums provide food for butterflies and hummingbirds. They’re easy to grow, too, making them perfect for beginners.
Combined with mums in your container garden, bronze and dark purple tones look especially regal this fall. Choose a variety of mums that include leaves with different shapes and textures to add visual interest to your containers. Mums are easy to grow, too; they’re among the best plants for beginners.
19. Create a unique container
A garden bed full of plants looks pretty good, but it doesn’t look like much without something to put it in. You could fill a planter box with soil, but you’d still want some container to hold it all together. For example, you might use a large pot filled with decorative rocks or gravel or choose a small bucket or even a piece of driftwood.
Whatever you decide, make sure it fits into your overall design scheme. If you’re planting a formal bed, don’t go for a rustic container; you’ll end up with mismatched elements that won’t work together.
The same goes for containers used outdoors. They shouldn’t match the plant itself—a tall shrub planted in a low bowl will look odd. Instead, think about what else is growing nearby. Is there another plant that matches the height of the container? Does it fit in with the rest of the landscape? You might find inspiration in nature, too. Look around your yard and see what grows naturally near where you intend to place your container.
If you’re looking for a quick way to add interest to a bare spot in your lawn, try adding a few pots of colorful annual flowers. These inexpensive options are easy to grow and come in many different shapes and sizes. In addition to being attractive, they offer instant gratification—you can enjoy blooms throughout the summer.
20. Pallet planter painted with rainbows
Rainbow pallets are one of those things that make us smile. They’re cheap, easy to find, and come in many colors. This rainbow pallet planter uses four shades of blue paint to give it a fun, playful feel.
This project came about because we wanted to do something creative with our recycling bin. We had leftover wood pallets lying around, and we thought it’d be cool to turn them into a planter.
We used spray paint to add the colors, and we love how it turned out. It looks like someone painted it with watercolor brushes.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. What Types Of Containers Are Suitable For Gardening In Small Spaces?
Various container options work well for small-space gardening. Consider using hanging baskets, window boxes, or vertical garden systems for vertical gardening. Additionally, compact containers like raised beds, whiskey barrels, and troughs are great choices for limited space.
2. What Materials Are Best For Garden Containers, And Why?
Garden containers are available in various materials, each with its advantages. Terracotta pots are breathable and aesthetically pleasing but may dry out quickly. Plastic pots are lightweight and retain moisture but may not be as durable. Wood containers are natural-looking and insulating but may require maintenance. Choose materials based on your specific needs and climate conditions.
3. How Do I Choose The Right Size Of Container For My Plants?
Selecting the right container size is crucial for plant health. Generally, larger containers provide more space for root growth and better moisture retention. Consider the mature size of your plants and aim for a container that allows for adequate root space. Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent overwatering.
4. What Is The Best Potting Mix For Container Gardening?
A good potting mix is essential for container gardening success. Opt for a high-quality, well-draining mix that includes a balance of peat moss or coconut coir, perlite or vermiculite, and compost. You can also add slow-release fertilizer to ensure your plants receive essential nutrients throughout the growing season.
Conclusion
These DIY projects are great ways to recycle materials and create unique art pieces. Whether you’re planning a backyard garden or just trying to spruce up your home, these ideas should help you get started. So, don’t be a couch potato; start your garden right now.
