Unique Container Ideas for Garden Planting

There are few things that bring me as much joy as puttering around the garden and creating pretty little vignettes with my potted plants. For me, it is similar to decorating inside my home with fresh flowers, but on a grander scale and with a bit more freedom! As with fresh flower arranging, I don’t discriminate when it comes to the containers that I plant my garden plants in. Anything goes as far as I’m concerned, so today I thought I would share some unique container ideas for garden planting.

And I am so excited to be joined today by 14 other amazing friends and gardening experts each in their own right. They are sharing their garden tips and tricks and I know you will love them. Be sure to scroll down to the end of this post to see what they’re sharing.

I have found that using unexpected or unusual containers for my potted plant arrangements, often results in a more beautiful look, especially when arranged in a vignette. Some of my favorite containers are galvanized buckets that I find at HomeGoods or online. They are usually inexpensive and the contrast of the soft gray color with bright colored plants or greenery is always a great look.

I filled the square bucket, pictured above, with seasonal flowers last spring and they lasted throughout the summer. I shared all of the details about how I potted this container and the cute little copper one on THIS POST.

I also planted these great galvanized containers and love the way they aged and rusted from watering.

And at the ranch I filled a big, galvanized tub with dirt and planted some pretty hydrangea.

On my front porch, I often use the oversized urns as vessels for seasonal plants, but I also add some additional containers to create a pretty vignette. I love the look of an old wooden bucket overflowing with seasonal plants or a pretty, aged basket with greenery tucked in.

I even included a couple of my fresh flower urns filled with planted seasonal blooms.

The little patio, outside my flower studio, is one of my favorite spots to create pretty vignettes using unique garden containers. I placed a tiered metal shelf on the corner and filled a couple of white metal buckets with seasonal flowers.

Then I added a couple of oversized baskets filled with beautiful roses, and another galvanized container filled with hydrangea.

In the past, I’ve used traditional clay pots on this shelf and they look equally pretty.

Speaking of traditional clay pots, while not an unusual choice for a garden container, when grouped together, I think they make a beautiful little vignette.

On the more rustic side of garden containers, I love the look of half wine barrels filled with summer blooms. We have several of these barrels on the porches at our Montana ranch and they are a perfect addition.

Equally rustic is this old wooden wheelbarrow I found at a vintage shop. It is the perfect container for trailing greenery and seasonal color.

I love the way this looks sitting on the lawn. It adds a nice country feel to the yard.

And closer to the barn, I placed a traditional pot next to a an old metal pail filled with seasonal plants. I love the look of a super rustic garden container next to a more traditional planter.

And if you’re looking for something really different, this old metal lantern is the perfect place for a potted plant and a pretty vignette on our outdoor patio.

I also love this cute little wrought iron bicycle plant holder. It makes a great addition to any planter grouping and adds a bit of interest. Mixed with a galvinized watering can, this corner of our steps is much more charming.

And finally, while these are not ‘planters” I do love how these willow cloches and obelisks look in my garden. These also look great in a pot with plants flowing out.

I planted some pretty oregano in my garden and let it flow out through the cloche.

Below are a few affiliate links for some similar Unique garden planters I love.

So happy you stopped by today! Now take a moment to check out what my friends are sharing today! There are some awesome garden tips here!

How to Start a Hydrangea Plant – Happy Happy Nester

Cut Flower Gardening – The Ginger Home

Most Common Garden Tools And Their Uses – Shabbyfufu

Unique Container Ideas For Garden Planting – Sanctuary Home Decor

How to Grow Fresh Tomatoes – My 100 Year Old Home

Simple Tips from a Green Thumber – Craftberry Bush

Make the Most of Your Small Garden – Most Lovely Things

How to Use Ornamental Grasses in Your Landscaping – The Happy Housie

Anthropologie-Inspired Succulent Planter – Modern Glam 

3 Tips For Creating Window Boxes and Planters – Lemon Grove Lane

DIY Succulent Garden Cake – My Sweet Savannah

Small Space Gardening – Dreaming of Homemaking

Garden Design and Trellis DIY – Finding Lovely

Lake House Garden with Peonies – Styled With Lace

How to Fill A Raised Garden Bed and Save Soil – Twelve on Main