garden – Page 3 – Cool Upcycled

Tea pot bird house

I can claim no part in this upcycling— it came with the house. A tea pot mounted on an old pear tree in the garden had made the perfect bird house. There were signs it had been recently used. Much quicker and easier than the wooden one I made!

Fruit tree log arch

Every now and then I have a rash idea. This log fruit tree arch was one. The wood was left over from when I cleared the area, I didn’t follow any great plan. As a good boy scout, I knew how to lash and proceeded to lash to sides together. It had a middle andContinue reading “Fruit tree log arch”

Scaffolding and fence post garden bench

Scaffolding and fence post garden bench When we moved in my wife threatened buying garden furniture. I refused to entertain the notion and quickly set to work making a table and benches. The benches are four reclaimed fence posts for legs and one metre of scaffolding plank to sit on. There are dowels screwed intoContinue reading “Scaffolding and fence post garden bench”

Metal bin planters

I love spring. Lighter days, warmer weather and lots of time in the garden. The blossom is like a flag signalling the end of winter and hope for the coming year. We have so many blossom trees they are a delight. I just wish they lasted longer! In the garden I found some lovely oldContinue reading “Metal bin planters”

Mother’s jam pan vegetable basket

It’s Mother’s Day and only fitting to show one of my favourite household/ garden items that I have found another use for. I actually have both my mother’s and grandmother’s jam pans. My grandmother’s is a stunning brass affair found in my hall. My mother’s, shown in picture, has found a more practical use andContinue reading “Mother’s jam pan vegetable basket”

Round log planter side garden

I have used logs for practical raised vegetable beds. I also had some round shaped branches and the idea came to stack them and create a circular raised flower bed. I staked it with some broomstick handles while it settled. The planting was lavender and a flowering cherry tree. The tree grew from an off-shootContinue reading “Round log planter side garden”

Pallet compost bins

I like using recycled pallets to make things for the house and garden. These four compost bins were made using the sturdier euro pallets. I dug a square trench, lined with recycled plastic sheet to try and prevent rotting, inserted holes for drainage, and after coating in some leftover fence paint, I placed the palletsContinue reading “Pallet compost bins”

Olive barrel water butts

Recycled and upgraded olive barrels, bought from Bunker Hill Nursery can be used for both planters and water butts. I have used mine for the latter. You can buy taps to drill in, but water butts are not expensive, and you run the risk of leakage. Trying to keep my garden as self-sufficient and environmentallyContinue reading “Olive barrel water butts”

Whisky barrel planters

Probably one of the most un-original upcycles… but a great way to use whisky barrels is for planters. I bought two half barrels from Bunker Hill. They were lined and a had a gap left at the bottom for water to drain away. I then use willow to grow beans up. They are practical andContinue reading “Whisky barrel planters”

How to make a cob pizza oven

Having completed my Pizza Oven Course I knew how to make a cob oven. The real problems related to logistics. This wasn’t a minor undertaking when you work a full-time job and have a small car. Why? Well, just the pizza oven required 200kg of clay, 500kg of sand and 30 driveway red paving blocksContinue reading “How to make a cob pizza oven”