Frugal Friday!

I know it is only February and winter could be far from over, but perhaps we will get an early spring this year.  So we might as well be ready, just in case.  It is time to get our creative thinking caps on and figure out some great ways to re-use things in our gardens that would probably end up in the land fill other wise.

Since I am not all that creative myself, I looked for some new inspiration online.  And I found it.  Check out this great website.  They not only have great garden recycling and project ideas, but they also have sections for many other things like Christmas, doors, shutters and so on.  I am always amazed at other people's creativity.  The great thing is that they are kind enough to share these ideas with us, the less creative so that we too might do some good and recyle or re-use something. 

I was particularly inspired by one of the projects in the yard art section.  Since I love chickens, I am particulary fond of the planter made out of an old set of nest boxes.  Since a nest box is generally about 12" to 15" wide, deep and high, this makes for a nice planting area.  Six together would give you a good amount of space to plant in.  This could be hung on the side of a house, shed or put on top of an old table or bench.  You could attach some small legs or feet to it and sit it on the ground.  Or how about sitting it on some stumps in your garden.  And just think of all the ways you could paint one of these up.

 In fact, why keep this just outside?  Wouldn't this would make a cute storage unit inside your house as well?  Think of all the things you could stash in there.  Winter gear like hats and gloves, how about books, magazines, newspapers.  Or if you have kids,  this make a great organization unit.  Just paint each child's name on each nest box and when they get home from school you could corral all their papers from school in this.

 After seeing this, my mind is just reeling with ideas.  Sometimes all it takes is a little inspiration to get your own creative juices flowing.  So check out some of the garden projects and then let you mind run wild.  If we all save one thing from going into the landfill, just think how much trash that saves.  It is amazing what we throw away, so lets stop and think twice before we throw something out.  Is there another use for it?  Could it be re-purposed?  Anyone with a lot of money can have a beatuiful garden, but it takes an extremely creative person to create a garden on a budget or with recycled items. 

Let's hear from you.  If you have a garden project that you used recycled items or re-purposed something, let  us know.  I would love to post a picture of it so that we can inspire others as well.