Funky items become plant containers

Tips on repurposing junk as planters

When Jeanne Walls lost her dad four years ago, she chose an unusual item as part of her inheritance -- his well-worn garden boots.

"My husband drilled holes and I planted hens and chicks" in the boots, said Walls, who carries on her dad's love of gardening around her Stratford Road home.

"Daddy's boots sit on the edge of one of my gardens and it's comforting to see them there."

Two grand pianos filled with flowers anchor each end of the large front porch of a Fan District home. The working parts have been removed, and the cases now serve as planters. (The family asked that their names and specific address not be used.) "I have a combination of silk and real plants in them at most times, and change the display seasonally," said the homeowner, who shares a love of music with her husband. "It has been gratifying to have numerous people say that they walk past our house regularly just to see the pianos and what is currently blooming in the gardens."

In the fall, they're outfitted with leaves and squirrel figurines. Around Christmas, they're adorned with lights. Through winter, they contain holly and winter greenery.

We recently asked readers to send pictures of old objects they've recycled into planters. Thankfully, respondents respected our plea not to submit photos of plants bursting up out of bathroom fixtures or truck tires.

Contact Julie Young at (804) 649-6732 or .