Four ways to recycle old items into fabulous pots

Even old toys lurking in the garage. Give them a spray paint, then plant with a mix of vegies and flowers. Warning: the kids will want them back!

When you end up with a collection of odd pot saucers, don’t chuck them. They make ideal planters for shallow-rooting plants like succulents – just remember to add drainage holes.

Designed to haul tools around the garden, small trolleys also make fine planters. Freshen up with paint or leave aged and rusty, as here.

Scour salvage stores for a find like this one – an old washtub and stand. Planted with trailing scaevola, it creates an iconic rustic garden scene.