I love to use vintage containers in my garden. They are longer lasting than many of the newer containers sold today and they add panache to your garden decor. I want to share how you can shop for vintage garden containers so that you can fill your garden with beautiful and functional finds.
There are so many different containers that you can use in your garden. But there are some specific things you should look for when you go on a vintage container treasure hunt. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to find vintage garden containers and decor.
5 Keys To Choosing Creative Vintage Garden Containers…
Choose containers large enough to hold your plants
One of the most important things to remember is that your container needs to be large enough to hold adequate soil to support the growth of your plants. If your container is too small then the plant roots won’t have a lot of room to grow. This could limit the growth and beauty of any plants growing in the container.
The size of your container will also depend on what types of plants you choose. A single succulent can fit into a smaller size container while a mass of petunias and sweet potato vines will need a lot more room. So before you go looking for garden containers, think about what you want to plant and where you’re going to place the containers. This will help you to choose the right containers for your garden.
Sometimes though, you might choose a container strictly because you love it. When that occurs, just determine what size of a plant will fit the container even if it wasn’t in your plan.
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Find containers that you can put holes in the bottom for drainage
To help prevent the plant’s roots from becoming waterlogged, it’s important that you have good drainage. So look for vintage containers that you can drill holes into the bottom. This will work great for galvanized containers, enamelware, wooden boxes, and metal containers.
If you purchase a container that you can’t drill holes in, then be sure to add a two to three-inch layer of gravel in the bottom. This allows the water to drain away from the roots so they don’t become over-moist. Too much moisture can cause the roots to rot and your plants to die.
Another great way to use containers that you can’t put holes into would be for storage in your garden. Mason jars, vintage pottery, and cookware can work well for corraling your garden tools, seed packets, garden gloves, and potting soil. So don’t discount a vintage container because it can’t be used for plants.
Shop for containers that don’t cost a lot of money
When looking for vintage containers for your garden, you want to seek out inexpensive containers. Don’t go shopping at an expensive antique store for containers to plant in. Because of the outside exposure, you can end up with potential damage. Instead, look for containers that might already have some wear and tear on them. These containers are usually going to be less expensive because collectors tend to shop for containers with minimal damage.
It’s easy to hide dents and dings in your vintage containers. Just plant draping or vining plants to cover any dents. Or turn the container to the best side and place it where the dented or damaged side doesn’t show. Group a bunch of containers together to minimize the visual damage. You could also just embrace the imperfections in your containers and not worry about those dents. They tell the story of how the container was loved and used over the years.
Look for containers that fit your garden style
There are a lot of different styles of vintage containers out there. I suggest that you choose one or two styles that will blend together and stick with that. I tend to go with galvanized and enamelware containers in my garden decor. You might enjoy some other style. Here are a few popular styles to choose from:
- Rustic
- Primitive
- Farmhouse
- Cottage
- Artsy
- Modern Vintage
- Art Deco
- Mediterranean
- Coastal
- Eclectic with a mix of different styles
Make sure the container can stand up to the environment
Your garden containers are going to be exposed to intense sun and heat, lots of moisture, wind, cold temperatures and even animals such as squirrels. So you want to make sure that you are purchasing containers that can withstand these elements. Finding containers that can weather outside in your garden is an important consideration. You want your containers to last you for years, so make sure that they’re made of a material that can stand up to the outdoors. One benefit of this weathering process is that it can add patina to the container’s finish.
Using vintage containers can set your garden apart from the typical backyard decor. These are not run-of-the-mill containers that you pick up at your local garden center. So your flowers and plants will look spectacular when you show them off in a unique container. Each year try to add a few new containers to your garden. Finding great vintage garden containers is like a treasure hunt. You never know what you’re going to find when you go looking. And the surprise of finding is half the fun of using unique containers.
Take your time and enjoy the process as you look for special containers to match your personal style. Getting creative with your garden containers is easy to do. Then fill them up with flowers and plants you love and your garden will become a magical place for you to enjoy. And a special place to share with friends and family.