Why a bicycle in a garden looks so charming

Bicycle in a Garden

Don’t you just love the way a bicycle looks in the garden? There’s just–I dunno– ‘something’, that makes an old bicycle look right at home. A certain nostalgia we associate with simpler times.

But a bicycle in the garden also brings a touch of romance, don’t you think? Yes, romance! In the old song “Daisy, Daisy”, the humble suitor proposes to his sweetheart by confessing that he’s not rich. “I can’t afford a carriage”, he says. “but you’ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two”

This summer, I’m hoping to–finally– add a bicycle to my garden decor. And I have just the place for it. I’m going to prop it up against the backside of my little garden shed, where it’s visible to passersby. Great! Now I’ll have even MORE baskets to fill with flowers!

How to use a bicycle in a garden

Before spending a lot of time looking around for just the “right” bicycle, my advice is to make sure you’ve got a good spot picked out.

Because of its size, a bicycle will stand out as a ‘focal point’ in the yard or garden. Generally speaking, it will display the best as stand-alone decor. In other words, turn it into a little “vignette”. But go easy! Don’t pile too much yard art around it. Then, it will really make a statement with some power and pizazz.

So, where in your yard is there a spot that makes sense for a bicycle? Someplace where it might look natural as if the rider had just left it there. Propped up against the front porch, or near an entry gate? Wherever you put it, you want to be able to see it and enjoy it, and water the flowers you have in the baskets. (which we’ll get to!)

You might also consider a barren spot where nothing is growing. You’ve probably made a mental note of it over the years, but hadn’t thought of anything to put there. You may have said to yourself: “That spot needs ‘something’. Well, maybe a bicycle would work there!

Or, hang the bicycle up to decorate the backside of your garden or storage shed. A boring fence could use a touch of whimsey, too. Perhaps that’s why bikes are often placed along fences, especially if it draws attention to a flower bed there. Used as yard art, a bicycle should compliment the scenery.

Free-standing or leaning?

Finally, if you want the bicycle to be free-standing, you’ll need to figure out a way to anchor it with supports. You don’t want it to fall over and damage the flowers. A mere kickstand might not be enough when the wind blows. This may be another reason why bikes are commonly leaning up against something. Then you can use a strap or zip tie as the gardener did with the yellow bicycle above.

Where to find a bicycle

While a vintage bike has its charm, antiques tend to cost a bit, if you can find them. There’s nothing that says you can’t use any modern bike or even a child’s trike from a thrift store or garage sale. The effect is just as sweet!

Painting the bike:

You do not have to paint the bike if you like the way it looks “as is”. That decision should be based on the “theme” or style of your garden. In some gardens, rusty fits quite well.

But many people love to spray paint them for the big pop of color it creates. Some people paint the tires too, though personally, I like the tires left natural. Another good reason to consider spray-painting the bike is this: it provides a bright, cheerful splash of color in the Spring and later into Fall when few things are blooming.

The cool thing about spray painting is that you can then color-coordinate the flowers. Monochromatic plantings (all the same color) are a great look with a bicycle.

Flower arrangements with contrasting colors are wonderful, too, because the flowers really stand out. Like the hot pink flowers paired with the blue bike in the top photo. It’s your garden, so let your style shine through!

Baskets and Flowers

Baskets:

Practically anything that holds flowers can be used as a basket. But keep in mind that it will be outside in the elements. Some baskets made for inside use may start to come apart by the end of summer. However, if you like the look, pick up a cheap one from the thrift store.

A better choice would be using one of these:

• Small plastic window box
• small planter
• terra cotta pot
• wire frame basket holders
• wooden box/shallow crate treated with protective exterior stain or clear water sealer

Whatever fits well and gives you the look you want for country charm.

Then use wire or straps and carabiner clips to attach the basket to the front of the bicycle. If you wish to also have flowers over on the rear wheel, you may need to install a bike rack. Better yet, get inventive and rig something up to hold your box or basket.

Flowers:

You might wish to coordinate the vignette to harmonize with the style or “theme” established for your garden. As already mentioned, any combination of flowers can be used to make your bicycle simply adorable. Syncronize colors or use contrasting ones. A tidy upright basket of flowers gives off a different ‘look’ than overflowing baskets with delicate trailing vines.

TIP: You can always use plastic flowers from the thrift store, too! Then, you don’t have to worry about watering them. You can also add plastic flowers to a live arrangement to make your flower dollars go a little farther.

Art of the bicycle in a garden

Since we’re on the subject, I thought I’d include some other unique ways to have a bicycle influence in the garden.

This whimsical art piece was created by Cathe Grosshandler who is not just an artist, but an avid cyclist as well. If you love her artwork, I know you’ll enjoy the story, too! Link to it HERE.

Here’s an adorable garden gate with a bicycle wheel

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The most artistic trellis I’ve ever seen!

Wrapping it up

Whether it’s nostalgia or romance, there’s just a certain charm that comes with a bicycle in the garden. With their cheerful baskets of flowers, they are the perfect vignette to accent a bland fence or anywhere in the yard or garden that just needs a special “something”.

Check your local thrift store for a bicycle. Give it a good wash down with a degreasing dish soap. Then spray paint your favorite color.

Finally, attach your baskets and plant them with flowers. There’s nothing that says you can’t use fake flowers from a thrift store or garage sale, either! The look is still the same.

The only question is…when are you going to try it?

More garden decor topics you may enjoy

The bicycle garden art of Cathe G.

How to get the most out of your garden decor

The best garden decor: What to look for at the thrift store