The old metal or plastic colander can have a second surprising life: in the garden they become creative vessels, suspended decorations or even mini gardens. A pinch of fantasy is enough.
When it comes to creative recyclingoften think of jars or bottles. Yet even the most unsuspected kitchen objects can turn into original and useful solutions, especially in the garden. The colanderwith its natural holes for drainage and resistant handles, it lends itself perfectly to this type of reuse. And no, you don’t need to be expert with DIY or gardening to get surprising results.
It is interesting to note how a forgotten object on the bottom of the furniture can become the protagonist of a green corner. Colors, textures and details They make the difference, but it is the idea itself that changes perspective: what was previously a waste, now becomes part of the external furniture. And then, let’s face it, create with your own hands always gives a certain satisfaction, even if not everything comes out perfect. Indeed, it is precisely those small imperfections that give character.
Creative vases with colander: the rustic touch that was missing from the garden
In the world ofDIY outdoor furniturethe vases obtained from recycled colander are among the cheaper and effective solutions. Not only because they resist the weather, but also for that somewhat vintage aspect that perfectly combines a rustic or shabby style.
An old enameled colander can be painted with pastel -colored acrylic paintsleft natural or embellished with freehand decorations. The holes allow water drainage, avoiding harmful stagnation for plants. Inside, a layer of expanded clay followed by universal soil will act as an ideal base to host fatty plants, seasonal flowers or aromatic herbs.
It is believed that, in order to obtain a good aesthetic effect, the contrast between the color of the plant and that of the container is fundamental. Here then that a mix of fuchsia petunie in a pastel blue container can become a small show. And you don’t even need a garden: a simple balcony is enough.
For those who love the suspended effect, robust ropes can be tied to the handles and create Wall vases to hang in branches, pergolas or railings. The movement given by the wind makes them even more dynamic, almost were small green lanterns. A simple but of great impact idea.
Grow the salad in the colander: the vegetable garden where you don’t expect it
Those who have little space but do not want to give up cultivating something good, they will find a curious ally in the colander. Yes, because thanks to its shape and holes, it easily transforms into a Perfect container for salad and other quick -growing varieties.
Just choose varieties such as cutting lettuce, song or rocket. A draining background and a good vegetable soil is added, and in a few days you will start seeing the first sprouts. In spring, this type of container culture can be positioned in the direct sun or half shadow, depending on the variety. The beauty? You can move easily, following the light.
And not just salad: also Strawberries, spinach and some varieties of dwarf green beans lend themselves to this creative cultivation. Maybe they will not provide record collections, but the decorative effect and the satisfaction of the harvest are insured.
DIY decorations: between Scacciapensieri and Centerpiece
The colander can also become an object decorative garden or terracewithout necessarily hosting plants. One of the most appreciated ideas is that of Scacciapensieri: The colander paints with bright colors and, at the lower edge, threads are hanging with cutlery, beads, bells or pieces of wood. Hanging under a roof or a branch, it sounds gently when the wind blows.
Another alternative is to use it as outdoor centerpiece. Filled with fresh flowers, perhaps collected from their garden, or with candles and decorative pebbles, it can become the focal point of a summer table. Perfect for those who love that mix between simplicity and creativity.
Finally, for the most romantic, there are those who insert within the small ones portalumini Led to create plays of light between the holes of the colander on summer evenings. An intimate atmosphere and a retro touch that never hurt.
Whether it’s a useful or only decorative idea, one thing is certain: The recycling of the colander in the garden is everything but trivial.
A simple object, a thousand possibilities
It is curious to think about how many lives it can have a simple object as one colander. From daily tool to a decorative element, passing through pot, hinged door and even scaccaccipensieri. It all depends on how you look at it.
So why throw it away? With a little inspiration and some recovery material, you can shape something unique. Maybe it will not be perfect, but it will be authentic. And this is precisely what makes it special.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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