Wheelbarrow Container Garden Ideas
We’re sharing super simple wheelbarrow container garden ideas as we team up with some of our favorite ladies for the monthly Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop hosted by the always amazing, Cindy of County Road 407.
If you’re coming over from my sweet friend, Cindy’s blog DIY Beautify, welcome, we’re excited to have you here.
Didn’t you love how she planted pansies in a basket? They’re so pretty!
The Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop Inspiration…
The Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop was created by Cindy to show how multiple bloggers can take inspiration from a photo found on Pinterest and adjust the idea to fit their specific style.
This month’s inspirational idea is from Carlene of the blog Organized Clutter.
I love all the pops of red, orange, yellow, and purple mixed in with Carlene’s farmhouse finds.
They feel like such a festive celebration of spring and summer.
An Easy Way to Practice Self-Care…
Planting flowers, cultivating container gardens, and putting together bouquets have always been one of my go-to ways to practice self-care.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a random Tuesday, a holiday weekend, or if I’m knee-deep in a season of stress, grief, and loss.
There’s just something that feels comforting about nurturing plants and watching them grow.
We’ve kept a wheelbarrow container garden on the back patio for years.
It’s one of my favorite spots because you can see the flowers blooming from inside the breakfast nook and on the porch swing outside too.
Truthfully, the wheelbarrow is on its last leg but for some reason, I just can’t let it go.
And recently, I noticed it was in desperate need of a little TLC.
So, I headed to our local nursery to pick up a few plants.
It only took 3 large plants to give our metal wheelbarrow container garden a refresh.
So, I wanted to share the transformation in case you wanted to create something similar at your house too.
Here’s a look at how to create a wheelbarrow container garden…
Wheelbarrow Container Garden Supplies:
- Wheelbarrow
- Weed cloth
- Foam Peanuts or Pool Noodle Pieces, optional
- Garden Soil
- Flowers
- Mulch, optional
Wheelbarrow Container Garden Steps:
Our metal wheelbarrow has definitely seen better days.
It has some pretty significant cracks in the base, so we lined it with weed cloth to help create a slower drainage system.
Then we added foam pool noodle pieces before covering the entire base with fresh garden soil.
I used 2 big bags of potting soil to fill the entire wheelbarrow.
Itโs important to make sure the soil is level since the inside of the wheelbarrow is sloped.
Next, we started planting and arranging the flowers.
Make sure the flowers you choose for your wheelbarrow container garden have the same soil, water, and sun requirements.
I am notorious for picking flowers I love based on color or texture only to get home and realize they shouldn’t be mixed in the same container!
You’ll also need to consider the spacing needs of each plant as well.
Once you have all your flowers in place, add another layer of potting soil and a layer of mulch.
Since we live in Florida, we can only use pine straw, or rubber mulch as per our termite bond.
Be sure to water your wheelbarrow container garden heavily before cleaning up!
As I shared above, it only took adding 3 plants (2 large petunias and 1 lantana) to give our metal wheelbarrow container garden a completely fresh feel.
Remember, you don’t have to buy all new plants.
Don’t be afraid to trim up what you already have on hand and watch them grow!
Here’s another look at the before…
and after…
On Big Changes and Big Results…
I think sometimes we think we have to make big changes to see the big results we’re after.
Especially, when it comes to room makeovers, healthy living habits, organizing our homes, or chasing our dreams.
While that might be true for some things, more times than not, it’s the little tweaks, habits, workflows, and systems we practice and embrace with consistency every day that ultimately creates a lasting change.
After all, these flowers started with nothing more than a tiny seed and a little bit of hope.
Cheering you on as you “bloom where you are planted” this season.
Up Next…
Up next on the Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop is Marty from A Stroll Thru Life. You’ll adore her Spring Container Gardening Ideas.
Once you’re finished there, be sure to check out what the rest of these fabulous ladies are sharing:
Other Garden-Inspired Posts to Explore…
How to Whitewash Terracotta Pots with Chalk Paint
Lavender Scented Hand Scrub for Gardeners
Until next time, Iโll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
Hey CoCo – such a cute idea of turning an old wheelbarrow into a planter! The purple flowers do pop with the rust and makes for a charming display. We also appreciate the reminders of checking the plant labels – we usually base our purchases off of “these are beautiful” and then are disappointed when they don’t make it through the season ๐
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You guys are so funny! I’m all out there with a pad and pen making sure my plants are compatible and you’re flying by the seat of your pants. I love it. Hugs for you both, Coco
I do love how the purple color pops against the rust of the wheelbarrow…nice contrast. I also like the pine straw…I can’t find it in my area. Have a great day!
Lori
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Thanks so much, Lori, that’s my favorite part too. We have lots of bugs in Florida so our pest control company recommends we use pine straw in place of mulch as another added layer for the termite bond. They sell pine straw at our home improvement store so if you ever come to visit – we can load you up ๐ CoCo
So glad you decided to reuse the wheelbarrow as a container garden! It’s beautiful!! I imagine myself sitting on your porch with you sipping herbal teas and enjoying all your beautiful projects out there! Hugs!!
Angie, that would be so much fun! We would have such a good time. You could give me some gardening tips ๐ Hugs, Coco
If I had a wheelbarrow like this I’d plant in it too.
Looks great and happy you’re taking care of your soul
Pinned
CoCo, love this and the flowers are beautiful. Its been cold here at night so we are slow getting spring flowers.
I’m hoping we can get some before everyone comes this weekend.
That is adorable! I saw an old rusty wagon at a flea market a few weeks ago and now wish I’d bought it! So cute!
Thank you, Erin! This one is even missing a handle but for some reason I just couldn’t part with it. I’m really glad I kept it now and I hope you find another one soon too. Hope you have a happy weekend, Coco
Coco, I love the rustic charm and that wheel barrow is fabulous and the flowers are just lovely. Enjoy your weekend, xo Lisa
Thanks so much Lisa, I hope you had an awesome weekend as well! Hugs, Coco
Coco, I am in love with your wheelbarrow garden! Such a fantastic idea! Thanks for linking up at Creative Spark! I’m featuring your gorgeous garden today ๐
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You are so sweet, Emily, thank you so much! This totally made my day. I hope you’ve had an amazing weekend. Sending you happy hugs, Coco
This is such a fabulous DIY flower garden idea. It adds the perfect touches of both rustic and freshness all in one package!
CoCo,
I love this wheel barrow idea. I also have one with a flat tire and it’s so fun to fill it with flowers. So many great tips.
Your pretty wheelbarrow makes me wish I hadn’t given my family’s very old wheelbarrows away years ago. They must have been over 100 years old. Sob, what was I thinking! I must have been having a big clean up and a minimalist moment. I gave them to the roadside stall where we buy some produce, so I still see them once a week when I buy things and they look very pretty full of flowers each side of the stall.
I follow Thistle wood and just saw your post from there. Love it! Will be following from now on.
I’m in Australia, it’s autumn here and getting colder on the mountain where we live. My husband and I are both isolating at home with Covid, so I’m taking my aching body back to bed and reading a lot more of your posts.
Thank you
Lynne
Such sweet and kind words, Lynne, thank you so much! Every year I tell myself it’s time to let that old wheelbarrow go, and every year I just can’t seem to part with it yet. I’m thankful to be able to use it another year though. Those pink flowers make me happy every time I go out on our back patio. It’s nice to hear you get to visit your wheelbarrow once a week. It sounds like such a pretty way to display fruits and veggies. I’m so sorry to read you guys have Covid! I haven’t had it myself but several of my family members have had it and after watching them I know it’s not an easy thing to go through. Please take extra care of yourself and give yourself lots of TLC. It’s so important! I hope your week is rest and peace-filled week, CoCo
This is such a pretty idea for any outside space and what a practical way to re-use an old wheelbarrow! Plantings flowers is soothing and peaceful for me as well. Thanks so much for sharing this, CoCo! Sending love.
Thank you so much, Rachel! I swear every year I’m going to be able to finally let that old wheelbarrow go but for some reason, I just keep hanging on to it. Every morning I head out to water these pink blooms it just makes my heart happy. Hope you’re able to enjoy things that make your heart happy too. Sending you lots of love right back, CoCo
Absolutely gorgeous! I am hoping to find a gem like this to plant an herb garden.
Thanks so much, Alexandra! We’ve planted flowers in this wheelbarrow for many, many years and they always bring us joy. I hope you find one too – it’s definitely worth the effort! Hope you have the best week, CoCo
I had no idea that you couldn’t use regular mulch in Florida because of the termites. I just learned something new. I love how your wheel barrow turned out. It looks lovely with the petunias spilling over the side. It reminds me of an Anthropolgie storefront display.
Not look better than a chippy wheelbarrow overflowing with flowers. Can’t wait to share this on Sunday.
Love this idea ,CoCo!! What a beautiful and easy way to spruce up something old hat needed just a little TLC! So pretty!!
I really appreciate it, Rachel, thanks so much. It’s definitely been fun to dress it up in the spring and summertime! Big hugs, CoCo
I’ve been hunting for a wheelbarrow for years and haven’t seen one yet. At least I have my giant “ice cream” cart. I saw that yours is rusty and has cracks so I have a suggestion. Next time you empty it, spray the entire thing with clear enamel. Like Rustoleum. That might help it hang around for several more years.
I giggled a little when you said you chose flowers for color and texture. I do the same thing. One year I chose all shade plants and needed full sun! Life is interesting. ๐ Thank you for joining us. I love the look of it and pink is ALWAYS my go-to color. pinned
Thank you so much for the fabulous tip, Cindy! This wheelbarrow has lived through every hurricane season since I moved to the island and I just can’t let it go yet. I get so nervous every time we have to plant new things in there because I worry it’s going to bust wide open at any moment ha ha. I know it’s not going to last forever so until then I’m going to make sure it has as much TLC as it needs. Big hugs and thanks so much for putting these hops together. I always love to see the ideas you guys come up with, CoCo PS: We need a shirt that says Pink is my go-to ๐
CoCo,
I can’t believe I didn’t include an image of my wheelbarrow planter for this post. I love how your’s looks. Interesting containers are my favorite.
You always come up with the best ideas for container gardens like these, Rachel! I’m definitely going to go back and look at yours. I’m trying to “decorate” mine for all the seasons and I know you’ll have some fabulous ideas. Big hugs, CoCo
I’d be attached to that charming wheelbarrow too! I don’t know that I’d ever be able to let it go — especially with the growth coming out of the rusted side. I don’t know why that appeals to me so much — I guess I always love cheering on the underdog!
This is so fun and Springy! We’ve got an old wheelbarrow around here with a flat tire, too. I have been tempted to plant it up; think you inspired me to just do it! Happy Easter, CoCo!
There’s just something about old wheelbarrows with flowers that is so charming and nostalgic! I just love yours CoCo, with the flat tire and all! Lantana is so pretty mixed with the petunias!
Amazing, CoCo!! Just adding three plants make such an impact on the plants that were already in your wheelbarrow. I’ve had good success with overwintering some plants in our greenhouse/shed. I dug up a few tender plants and put them into large nursery containers. Worked well. ๐
Enjoy your future wheelbarrow displays,
Happy Easter,
Barb ๐
Your wheelbarrow is fabulous CoCo. Adding unusual containers to the garden in one of my favorite things to do. I also love that you only added three plants, and advised us to trim up what was left behind from last season. Great job and thanks for sharing this darling idea.
Your wheelbarrow is perfect. I love this idea. I need to get ours out and plant it full of fun flowers for spring too. Great idea, and you can just roll it wherever you want some pretty color. I love how rusty and charming yours is.
CoCo, this is such a fun idea! I love the contrast between the rusty wheelbarrow and the delicate blooms! Thanks for the inspiration xx
Your wheelbarrow is amazing Coco! Filled with beautiful flowers such a simple vessel is stunning. Hugs ๐ xo Tanya
Coco, the wheelbarrow is the perfect container for outdoor plants. What a great way to recycle a vintage piece and keep it out of the landfill. I’m sure when. The flowers fill out that they will be beautiful and show off their fun container.
Hi CoCo – This is a fabulous idea. I love that you have an OLD wheelbarrow filled with flowers. (As opposed to shiny new one). I am sharing this post in my monthly unboxing for April. Wishing you a fabulous weekend.