Not everything needs much work. A great upcycle is using old drainpipe as planters. I have used both recycled offcuts and bought drain specially for growing strawberries, micro salad and garlic. Both in my greenhouse and outside. Most are watered by a solar pump connected to an old olive barrel. Some have proper ends to them, but you can also use duct tape to keep the compost in place.
Cool Upcycled 