The Yellow Wheelbarrow

I think its called up-cycling…….or maybe up-wheelbarrowing 🙂 !

What do you do when you have an old ‘past-its-sell-by-date’ wheelbarrow that is no longer needed? Well, you paint it bright yellow, punch some holes in the bottom, line it with plastic, fill it with soil, add a few rocks, and put plants in it. I know that planted wheelbarrows are usually specially made wooden look-alike ones but why not a proper metal one – much better than throwing it away!

I did this a year or two ago because my wheelbarrow was beginning to fall apart and I no longer needed it. I have always liked odd planters like chimney pots, coal skuttles, kettles, kitchen sinks etc, in fact I turn any container into a planter 🙂 ! This one is particularly useful because it can sit on my lawn and I just move it around regularly to stop the grass beneath from dying, and of course when I need to mow the lawn 🙂 !

I chose to plant sempervivum in it because it is a plant that suited the depth and size, and a year or so later, they have grown up beautifully and totally fill the space. In fact, this wasn’t the first plants I put in my barrow – my first idea was to make it part of my veg garden by planting salad greens, but they didn’t do very well.

The only ongoing issue I have is that tiny weeds and grass manage to grow up through the plants, making them difficult to pull out without disturbing the sempervivum. But at least I can weed it whilst standing up.

The only other problem I have had is that the wheel fell apart but I managed to find a replacement in my garage – sometimes its good to be a hoarder 🙂 !

I have to say that I am really pleased with my yellow wheelbarrow mini-rockery, which usually stands beside my main rockery, it gives me a lot of pleasure and it brightens up my garden.

Now, what else can I use as a planter……..

Thanks for stopping by and reading my ramblings, and I hope you enjoy exploring with me.

Until next time,
Your friend
The Dorset Rambler

If you would like to contact me, my email address is terry.yarrow@gmail.com – comments and feedback are always welcomed.

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