Garden recycling is a great way to help the environment while saving money and sparking the imagination. There are several ways to recycle in the garden. From creating unique garden art from everyday items to reusing materials for compost, mulch and more. Reusing old objects or salvaged materials in the garden is nothing new. However, in keeping with greener living, garden recycling is becoming more popular.
There are several benefits to garden recycling, the most common of which is saving the environment. Reusing everyday items helps keep trash out of landfills. Recycling materials in the garden is also less expensive and with creativity, makes every garden unique. From simple household items to junkyard castaways or antiques, would-be art pieces are all around us. In order to ensure items for garden recycling harmonize within their new setting, however, it helps to consider how each fits into the surroundings beforehand. To accomplish this, find and use objects that complement the home. Try to use pieces that share a similar style or material and repeat these items in the garden. Do not create clutter by using too much. Instead, choose one focal point and work in additional pieces around it.
One of the most popular ways to garden recycle is by reusing old objects or junk as garden art. Nearly any object has potential for transformation into the garden or elsewhere. With a little creativity, you can turn an otherwise useless item into a one-of-a-kind piece of art. From various metal objects like bed frames, bicycles and gates to aluminum washtubs and tire rims, there is potential for sculptures, trellises, flower containers and other interesting focal points.
There’s a place for everything in the garden. Fountains, ponds, and other water features can be made easily from found objects. Wildlife sanctuaries can also be included in garden recycling. Turn an old mailbox into a birdhouse. Transform a slightly chipped flowerpot into a toad shelter. Create birdbaths from dishes. Dishes can also be reused for decorating other items by breaking them and using the pieces as mosaic tiles. Just about anything imaginable can be transformed into a container by simply adding drainage holes. From tubs, baskets, boots, and even toys, when it comes to garden recycling, the possibilities are endless.
Another form of garden recycling includes reusing garden materials for mulch or compost. Pine needles, for example, can be raked and reused in the garden as mulch. This is especially good for acidic plants. Compost, which helps create healthy soil, can be produced by reusing grass clippings, leaves, garden waste, newspaper, and kitchen scraps. Newspaper can be reused for creating flowerbeds too, eliminating the need for tilling. Other garden recycling projects include reusing egg cartons for seed trays. Save on water and eliminate runoff by reusing large containers as rain barrels. Use the rainwater on plants, as it’s filled with nutrients. Reuse old gallon jugs for watering cans or mini greenhouses. Just as with garden art, there can be a myriad of uses when garden recycling.