Quirky Garden Decor: 21 Garden Projects Using Recycled Materials

Update your garden using recycled and repurposed materials with these fun projects!

Why settle for an ordinary garden when you can create a magical outdoor space bursting with creativity?

Quirky garden decor is all about turning the unexpected into eye-catching, whimsical designs that make your backyard or patio a true reflection of your creativity. 

Using recycled or upcycled materials is a great way to inject personality and create a unique garden space without spending a small fortune as well as giving objects a second life, saving them from landfill. 

Here are some easy garden upcycle projects to inspire you! 

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Patio Chair Planters

Add an instant pop of colour and interest to your garden by upcycling some old patio furniture to make planters.

This tutorial shows you how to turn battered old patio chairs into a fun planter! 

Upcycled Bench From a Cot Bed

This easy tutorial will show you how to make a DIY garden bench from an old cot bed!

Paint it a colour to match your garden and you’ll have a lovely place to enjoy a sunny day in no time.

Owl Garden Decor

This tutorial will show you how to make a cute owl garden decor piece from upcycled metal, including a cheese grater! Perfect for adding a quirky touch to your garden space. 

Upcycled Chair Planter – 2 Ways!

This blog post will show you how to make a planter from an upcycled chair two different ways, depending on the type of chair you have to work with.

Use an old dining chair or thrifted chair and create a whimsical chair planter for a quiet corner of your garden.

Mason Jar Solar Lanterns

Add a touch of magic to your garden with these beautiful solar lights made from recycled Mason jars.

These pretty DIY solar light mason jar lanterns are not only beautiful, but they’re also so easy to make! 

Repurposed Junk Side Table

Buying an outside side table can be expensive, but you can easily make your own using upcycled materials you already have!

This step by step tutorial will show you how to repurpose junk to create a brilliant side table, ideal for your patio or seating area. 

Repurposed Garden Waterfall

How’s this for a creative idea?! This is a clever repurposing of a garden waterfall that no longer works into a lovely planter.

Get the instructions and recreate your own flower waterfall! 

Succulent Planter from Old Boots

Succulents are easy plants to grow and lend themselves to quirky garden planters.

Check out this tutorial which will show you how to make a whimsical garden planter from an old pair of boots! 

Colourful Garden Plant Markers

Using a few materials you probably already have at home, you can create these adorable washi tape plant markers for your garden!

This is a simple craft that would be ideal to get the kids involved with the gardening. 

DIY Planter from Old Paint Cans

Everyone has old paint cans leftover from various projects, and this easy tutorial will show you how to upcycle those paint cans into unique planters! 

DIY Garden Potting Stake

This DIY garden stake is a super cute way to add a touch of personality to a garden planter. It could also be a great way to write a note when gifting a planter to someone!

Recycled Container Herb Garden

This is a great project to get the kids interested in gardening!

Using recycled containers, create a beautiful herb garden with this easy to follow tutorial. 

DIY Plant Markers Using Painted Rocks

Check out this cute way of marking your crops! Using river rocks and acrylic paint, this tutorial will show you how to design your own DIY plant markers.

No more forgetting what you’ve planted where!

Vintage Tin Can Planters

I love these vintage tin can planters! Using upcycled tin cans and a free printable label, you can make these beautiful herb garden planters. 

DIY Flower Basket Hanger

A clever use of an old branch, this quirky nature-inspired flower basket hanger can be used all year round – just change up the hanging baskets! 

Simple Container Planter

This tutorial will show you how you can upcycle pretty much any old container into an upcycled planter!

The possibilities are endless – think old cake tins, old baskets, vintage tins… so many ideas! 

Upcycled Lamp Garden Totem

Make a unique piece of garden art with this tutorial which will show you how to make a DIY garden totem from old lamps! Perfect for adding a pop of colour all year round. 

Whimsical Fence Flowers

How cute are these oversized flowers, perfect for hanging on a fence or wall? Made from upcycled plastic trays, these flowers will bring colour and joy to your space. 

Vintage Colander Planter

It’s so easy to upcycle old kitchenware into quirky garden planters such as this beautiful vintage colander planter!

This tutorial will show you how to create a stunning planter like this to fit in with your quirky garden decor. 

Painted DIY Sunflowers

You can be sure of colour all year round with these painted DIY sunflowers!

Made from recycled kitchen items, create a unique piece of garden art with this easy to follow tutorial. 

DIY Bird Bath

This easy garden project takes recycled materials to create a beautiful DIY vintage bird bath.

It’s made from an old bowl, some spindles and a thrift store plate, simply glued together and painted to match. 

I hope this post has inspired you to create some quirky garden decor of your own!

MORE POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

• 47 Upcycled Planter Ideas that are easy to make
• Fun Upcycled Succulent Planter Ideas