Rusty Old Wheelbarrow Planter

June 3rd, 2009 in blog, member junk

Jim Healy, contributor

13 users recommend

If you look really close at the top of the photo you can see one of the rabbits that roam my yard.

Would look cool filled with pumpkins in the fall.

Great original paint...and rust.

Add Comment
Print

Here is a nice old Wheelbarrow with great colors and rust that’s been turned into a Planter. I picked it up at a garage sale for a dollar because according to the seller “the tubs full of little holes”. I’m thinking, great, it saves me from drilling a bunch of drain holes.

posted in: blog, member junk, vintage, metal, seasonal, cottage, container, country, outdoor spaces, plant holder, garden, farm, retro, sunroom, green, paint, orange

Add Comment Print

Comments (19)

vangogh_sister writes: Always looking for sellers like that. my favorite line, "Here, just take it - it's junk to me."
Yea... Posted: 12:10 pm on November 3rd

dallie writes: Hi Jim,
I always look at your posts and admire your taste and comments. Just happened upon this wheelbarrow and had to laugh AND kick myself! Last year I bought a new fancy one at Lowe's and am so happy when I use it as it is perfect for me. BUT NOw comes the kicking...I also put that EXACT wheelbarrow out on junk day as I had it stashed under the deck for 2 years!!! It too was full of holes! Now I'm sick when I look at what you've done with yours and long for mine to come back rolling (limping) back to me...I'm getting better but my eye isn't quite trained just yet to see all the good in old! I'm getting there though with quite the collection of old window frames wooden items and doors. I love to repurpose items and freak people out!!!
Thanks for all of your ideas!!!
Darcie Posted: 12:15 pm on October 22nd

SMAPLES08 writes: I did one of these, it looked great until my dog decided it was his play area. I have replanted several time. I think next year I'll just put pot in the wheelbarrow !!!
Good job Posted: 5:07 pm on October 13th

LastChance writes: Now I know what to do with my large utility cart (for riding lawn mower) that's retired. I hate throwing out useless stuff to fill landfills. I just know there's a new purpose for everything, including these!! My wheelbarrow is nearing retirement also. Has anyone used epoxy as a sealer to inhibit further rusting out?

Great idea! Thanks
Terry Last Posted: 2:29 pm on July 10th

JunkArchitect writes:

Hey ilovecatstoo, read the entire post…DRAIN HOLES.

Posted: 12:48 am on July 1st

ilovecatstoo writes: What happens if you get a torential rain? Seems impractical. Posted: 12:45 pm on June 29th

ANGELZ writes: Yes, I loved my old one till the bottom rusted an fell out.I had not punched the drain holes and the first big rain floated the plants right out! Needless to say my new old one has holes AND a good spray of rustolium paint before planting. ENJOY Vicki Posted: 2:09 am on June 9th

rosejunker2009 writes: Hi:

Its adorable, I've been looking for one, kind of hard around here, everyone loves them.

I was wondering if you know how I can print on "burlap".
Did anyone tried the computer transfer deal, I'm making a little pillow for my daughter and want to print her name on it. I've seen them but they are very expensive, I just thoguth I asked this talented group for an idea. thanks

Martha rose Posted: 5:28 pm on June 7th

AtticusFinch writes: What a great second life. I just discovered today my old wheelbarrel has to be retired as well. It has a broken axel. Thanks for the idea Jim.

Sheri Posted: 8:45 pm on June 6th

MimiToria writes: How cool to find this wheelbarrow for a buck and with holes already ready for for planting.
Love it planted with flowers. Great idea.
Gretchen Posted: 8:41 pm on June 6th

suewhitney writes: Great save, Jim! So happy this did not make it to the dump. Did you shoot this in my yard while I was out of town?

Take care,
Sue Posted: 9:27 am on June 6th

georgiamoon writes: Jim, you are becoming QUITE the gardener and a regular fixture at the nursery! Soon you'll be spouting latin names for all the flowers and giving us tips on what to plant! I love the way you have brought all that color to the base of the tree. It looks fantastic and I just LOVE the bunny rabbit! Cool yard! Geo Posted: 1:35 pm on June 4th

RustyDiva writes: Love it! I have one in my yard too. I fill mine with toys at Christmas and attach a light up Santa and reindeer to the front. The possibilities are endless. I view this site all the time for great ideas but this is my first post. You guys are all great!!!!!!!! Posted: 12:17 pm on June 4th

fellowjunker writes: Hi Jim,
This is adorable..........planting up junk is one of my favorite spring past times. Your bunny is adorable as well...we have them roaming in our yard too and they drive the dog CRAZY!!!!!
Have a great day!
xojanis
Posted: 11:05 am on June 4th

alicemom writes: Jim,
Great find. Love how it has aged with grace just waiting for your touch.
Smiles, alice Posted: 10:40 pm on June 3rd

shabbychick writes: Jim - what a great deal! All you had to do was add the flowers - it looks great!

My neighbor was going to take one to the dump (like yours...rusty, with holes, etc...) - but, he knew I was a "bit" of a junk collector - and asked me if I wanted it (of course "yes" was my answer) - it now resides in my garden filled with flowers too!

It's so nice of someone else to age these pieces so we can enjoy them in their repurposed life!!

Kathy Posted: 10:34 pm on June 3rd

CottageElements writes: Jim, I love wheelbarrows! I've had a few in my day. The patina on this one is wonderful (and the rabbit's pretty cute, too). Great find and a great price! It'll look perfect in the fall with pumpkins and gourds! And you didn't have to do any work on it!

Lani Posted: 10:31 pm on June 3rd