Dishfunctional Designs: 04/01/2012

I love an old-fashioned, cottage garden! What better way to showcase those worn and imperfect antiques and flea market finds than to incorporate them into your garden landscape? This is the perfect way to personalize your outdoor haven and add character to your garden! Take a look at these charming examples of ways you can add architectural salvage and vintage finds - recycled and repurposed - to your garden!

This old screen door serves as a charming trellis

This old frosted glass light fixture makes a beautiful new bird feeder or birdbath

This pretty trellis was made from an old baby crib!

Create a plate wall display on your garden shed (above and below)

*Click here to learn how to hang plates the easy way and to see other plate wall ideas

Here, old window frames with well placed chandelier crystals form a unique garden divider

An old window hung from a tree adds interest and shape to your garden

(*Click here for tons of ideas for decorating with old windows)

This vintage colander is now a hanging planter with built in drainage!

Old drawers, crates and boxes make unique wall planters

Here, an old rusted chicken feeder is planted with bulbs

An old garden shovel is used as a trellis from Cottage in the Oaks

Wonderful bottle tree with climbing flowers - what beautiful colors!

Here, an old high chair adds charm and interest

This potting bench was made from old salvaged materials; from dr Molly

(Click here for more upcycled pallet projects and ideas)

Super-cute fence made to look like birdhouses

I like to hang planters from my trees in the front yard, but it would look lovely on a front porch as well. I am going to make two more and hang in a grouping of three.

Fill planter with dirt and add your favorite plants.

This hanging planter was made from an old funnel, doorknob, and chain

Add a vibrant painted chair to your garden

A mirror in the garden adds interest as well as dimension

Paint the frame a bright color! by deardaisycottage

an old horse buggy used as an outdoor planter

Carriage turned planter

Wall planter made from old license plates

License plate planters by ErikRDavis via Etsy

Barbed wire trellis by Thedustyraven via Etsy

Paint an old birdcage turquoise and use as a planter

Simple to make: DIY mason jar tea light holders

Another great use for old jars is to use them as planters: just add wire! from Hutch Studio

Delightful bird feeder made from an old lantern

Old doors are now a new garden arbor

(Visit here to see tons of more upcycled door ideas)

Don't throw out that broken pot! By SalvagedNature via Etsy

Stencil letters on terracotta saucers and then hang inside old picture frames for instant garden art

Drape an old chandelier in beads for this unique look

chandelier-outdoor-beaded-glass-ligting-wedding

Or hang an electric version from a tree for magical nighttime glow

Paint an old wood pallet and use to hide trash cans or air conditioner units by Camelot Art Creations

(For more recycled pallet ideas, click here)

This outdoor garden mud bar doubles as a kid's potting bench and outdoor play set - perfect for all those summertime experiments! Here's the DIY to build your own!

Chicken wire can be formed and shaped to create unique garden art that doubles as a trellis

Use an old lamp base and hanging planter basket to create a unique garden pedestal

Old crates and containers make wonderful garden planters

I LOVE purple in the garden! Don't be afraid to add bright colors with paint for exciting accents. Here, the shutters, bench, and hanging flower pot are all painted purple.