How to create an eye-catching display with this simple garden tool
“Consider the wheelbarrow. It may lack the grace of an airplane, the speed of an automobile, the initial capacity of a freight car. But its humble wheel marked out the path of what civilization we still have.”
Hal Borland American author, journalist, naturalist 1900-1978
Think about it. Wheelbarrows are among the oldest tools still in existence today. They were originally made out of wood. Then metal and now plastic. But, through the years, gardeners have discovered wheelbarrows make the most charming planters.
Why is that? Maybe its because the wheelbarrow is a tool that’s right at home in the landscape. Brimming over with flowers, it’s ‘a natural’ as a decorative accent. Whether under the canopy of an apple tree or out in the middle of a sunny yard, a wheelbarrow always look as if it belongs right where it is.
Wheelbarrows are also effective because they display flowers at an eye-catching level. They work beautifully in a vignette (small display). Paired with an old rake or shovel, it shouts: “a gardener lives here!”
Wheelbarrows are one of the simplest yet most noticeable features you should think about adding to your yard or garden this year.
Where to find the perfect wheelbarrow
- Do you have one you don’t plan to use anymore?
- Garage sale/Moving sale
- Craig’s List
- Antique Store or Salvage dealer
The “perfect” wheelbarrow is a matter of preference. You may like the look of the more modern, plastic ones. Personally, I prefer the old metal wheelbarrows with the wooden handles. I found one on Craig’s list for $15 dollars!
It won’t matter if it’s a little beat up. Also, don’t fret over the tire, as its not even necessary. You can rest the front brace on a rock or concrete block where it takes on an even more vintage appeal. If you don’t like the rustic look, you can spray paint the wheelbarrow any color–even pink. Be as creative as you like. The most important thing is that it harmonizes with your garden scheme. Fill with a good potting mix and plant to your heart’s delight.
IMPORTANT: Use a large drill bit to drill several drainage holes in the bottom of your wheelbarrow.
Planting sunshine in your wheelbarrow
To create the effect of sunshine, I decided to go with a yellow, monochromatic theme. There’s an almost endless variety of yellows from soft cremes to rich, golden hues and everything in between. Some have large, showy petals while others are small and dainty.
Some vines and other leafy basket stuffers have a tinge of yellow. For a little burst of color, I added an orange daisy that had yellow centers. Finally, the white, sprawling Bacopa to give it some pop.
Planting Tips for Wheelbarrows
The good news is that you can really stuff a wheelbarrow full of flowers. Anything goes; no rules here at all. Because there’s countless ways to plant a wheelbarrow. It could be all geraniums or petunias or different types of daisies. Or even all one color. It all depends on the look you want it to have. It’s really fun to play around with.
A few basic suggestions:
- Select flowers based on where you will locate your wheelbarrow: full sun, partial sun or shade
- Before planting, set your flowers on the surface and decide how to best arrange them
- To give the display a little height, plant the taller ones in the center where there’s a little more soil depth
- Plant the trailing ones and the shorter blooms nearer to the edge
If you add anything new to the garden this year, I hope you’ll decide to make your own wheelbarrow full of sunshine. Happy planting!
You may also enjoy…
The Best Way to Display Vintage Tools in the Garden
“How to Get the Most Out of Your Garden Decor“
I am hoping to get this done this summer. I have red geranium that I will use in the center, and who know what else!
Loved your blog!
Oh, that’s wonderful, I hope your wheelbarrow turns out great! If you remember, send me a pic later this summer when its at its peak and I’ll post it.
My front yard, May through Sept, has patriotic theme. Painted a wheelbarrow white with red & blue stars this past winter…will fill with red, white & blue annuals, before Memorial Day.
In the fall, an old wagon, painted taxi cab yellow with a parade of painted lady bugs on it & filled with pumpkins, gourds. silk mums & garlands of fall leaves, will replace it.
Thanks for sharing! I love to hear what creative things readers are doing. I can easily picture your patriotic wheelbarrow. What a great idea. I bet it really stands out! And your fall wagon sounds totally charming. You just gave me some ideas for extending my wheelbarrow display in the fall after the annuals die back. It’s fun to make special arrangements like that, isn’t it? – Kristen/MIAG