12 Unusual Planter Ideas to Add Charm and Character to Your Garden

For a splash of color and a touch of whimsy, why not repurpose an old pair of boots or wellies as planters? Their size makes them ideal for smaller spaces like steps or windowsills – and being waterproof, they’re perfectly suited to life outdoors, no matter the weather.

Old urns instantly bring a touch of fairytale magic to your outdoor space. Depending on the material, their weathered stone or time-worn patina conjure images of secret gardens and gothic churchyards. Use them to give your garden a sense of mystery and romance.

When you think about it, almost any large vessel can be repurposed for bedding plants. Here, a vintage milk churn steps into a new role as a charming planting pot. Its tall, tapered shape lends itself perfectly to showcasing trailing blooms and upright cottage favorites. With its weathered metal, it adds a touch of rustic heritage to the garden.

Enamel tea jugs are another wonderful way to introduce charm and color to your outdoor space. Repurpose them as a flower pots or small planter to bring a touch of vintage character to patios, steps or garden shelves. The more aged and weathered (think chipped paint and faded patterns) the more enchanting they become, so don't worry about leaving them outside year-round.

The natural beauty of flowers has the potential to make almost anything shine in their presence – even a rusty old bucket. Let your imagination guide you, and you'll be surprised how many unlikely objects make for charming planters.

Here, an old bucket containing coral-colored blooms turns a tired water pump into a striking garden feature.

If you've ever been to Amsterdam, you know that the Dutch love their bikes both as a means of transport as well as an accessory—and you can do the same. Repaint an old bicycle and display plant pots on its rack, basket and pedals. Maybe even let a climber wind its way along the bike's frame and spokes...

Few gardening tools are associated with plants as much as the humble watering can, so it only made sense to include it in this list.

Possibly better suited as a flower pot than a planter, it adds instant charm and character to your garden, whether perched on a step or tucked between flower bed. Admittedly, you might have to invest in a replacement, but it's a small price to pay for such a simple, eye-catching display.

Offering ample space for a mix of plants, wheelbarrows are another garden tool that can easily be turned into a planter or even container.

Their generous size makes them perfect for bigger and more refined floral displays, and thanks to their wheels, you can easily position them to catch the sun, shade or rain depending on the plants' needs.

Decorative vintage tins instantly bring charm and character to a space, but have you ever considered using them as planters?

Smaller versions are the perfect vessel for succulents or flowers, while larger ones, like olive oil tins or canisters, can be used to plant little trees or plants with bigger roots.

Using old wine barrels as planters is fairly common, especially in places like pub gardens or vineyards, but you can give this idea a creative twist.

By tipping the barrel on its side and arranging the plants to appear as though they're spilling out, you can create a dynamic, eye-catching display.

Now that you’ve gotten creative with your pots and planters, keep the offbeat charm going in the containers you use for cut flowers too. Up next: 11 beautiful ways to use vintage pieces for flower displays.