Whether it's plastic bottles, glass jars or wooden sticks, there are many household items which can be cleverly repurposed into garden essentials.
As we continue to strengthen our environmental efforts and reduce our reliance on plastic, it's great to see our gardens becoming planet-friendly spaces. But, despite this, there is still so much to be done.
One simple thing we can do is to minimise what we throw away. From used packaging to food waste, there are many ways to easily upcycle items we no longer need — and help them live that little bit longer.
'Doing our bit to save the planet has never been more important, and it's true what they say – every little helps,' say the team at GardenBuildingsDirect. 'So, before you throw out your old CDs or even food packaging, see if you can find another use for it outside. Most things can be upcycled or re-used in the garden if you think creatively enough.'
Take a look at the items you can easily upcycle below...
1. Plastic bottles
Plastic bottles take an average of 1,000 years to biodegrade, so it's best to avoid throwing them away altogether. Instead of placing plastic bottles in the recycling bin, keep hold of them for your garden. Whether it's turning them into planters or using them as eco-bricks, give life to old bottles you would have otherwise just binned. Best of all, you'll also be helping the environment, too.
2. Glass
A simple way to prolong the life of empty glass jars and bottles is by using them in the garden. Whether you use them as vases, planters, or as slow-release irrigation in garden beds, think outside the box when it comes to giving jars new purpose. You can even turn them into outdoor decorations. For example, if you have several empty drinks or wine bottles, wash them, remove their labels and stick in single flower stems (real or faux) for a beautiful table centrepiece. Or you could hang jars from tree branches and fill with fairy lights.
3. Packaging
If you have empty plastic or brown paper packaging, don't throw them away: they come in very useful in the garden and can be used to store leftover seeds or the next batch of beans.
4. Wooden sticks from ice cream
The next time you enjoy an ice cream in the sunshine, keep hold of the wooden sticks. Give them a good clean, let them dry and then pop in the ground to use as labels for your plants and flowers. It's a great way to identify little seedlings when they begin to shoot up.
5. Reuse old lightbulbs
Broken lightbulbs are not much use in the home, but they have plenty of purpose outside. Once the electrical components have been removed and the inside has been cleaned, lightbulbs are brilliant for storing smaller plants and succulents. They act as mini greenhouses and can help plants to grow.
6. Old CDs
While we should be always encouraging wildlife to visit our garden, Garden Buildings Direct suggest keeping a few CDs and DVDs as deterrents, thanks to their shiny, reflective surface. Hang them outside on some string to keep the birds at bay – they work best next to your favourite growing vegetables or trees to keep birds from pinching fruits.
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Garden mirrors: 13 outdoor mirrors to suit every space
Dibor Large Gold Arch Window Mirror
If you're big on metallic accents inside your home, then there's no reason why you can't apply this decorating choice to your garden too. This gold-framed mirror has made our list because it's effortlessly chic and will elevate your outdoor space in an instant.
Boasting a sophisticated and contemporary style with a sleek black frame, this is a square version of the previously mentioned Fulbrook garden mirror. It features a distinctive window pane that will suit any outdoor space.
With an Art Deco-inspired design, this round outdoor mirror with sectioned panels will make a rather beautiful addition to your garden. It's made from a durable steel and glass construction and features a waterproof backing. Position near a seating area, or an outdoor kitchen or garden bar if you've got space for entertaining.
Not all garden mirrors have to be fancy. This Moroccan-inspired design features delicate curves and pointed edges, but everything else is pared-back for a minimalist look.
We love the large panes on this Fulbrook rectangular mirror from Garden Trading. Made from 100 per cent steel and with a powder-coated finish, position it on your wall to reflect the gorgeous greenery from a hedge or trailing plant.
Is this a mirror or a piece of art? Well, you get the best of both worlds with this contemporary design. It features five stylish half-circle mirrors and metal line designs, and would work perfectly in any contemporary garden.
Decorate your outside space with this rectangular mirror from Perch & Parrow. Finished in a vintage-inspired white colourway, it features an on-trend window pane design, and at £70, it's a steal!
Add a rustic feel to your space with this outdoor mirror, boasting a traditional quatrefoil grill pattern. It's perfect if you're looking for a longer mirror to fill large walls.
Outdoor mirrors can be decorative wall art too, as is proven with this utterly charming round mirror from Dunelm. In a neutral colourway, the outer iron frame extends to form a delicate depiction of the much-loved orchid flower.
Not keen on decorative styles? Keep it simple with this pared-back round outdoor mirror. It has a nature-inspired green rim and a nod to vintage design with its distressed finish.
This large arched garden mirror is frost-protected to withstand any weather. We love the black metal frame that's lightly distressed in gold leaf for a statement look.
Dunelm has got a great range of garden mirrors this year, and we've included this one on our list because it's perfect if you just want something small. The frame adds plenty of interest with an overlapping circular detail in a luxurious gold finish.
Looking like a window to a secret garden, this traditional-style garden mirror gives the illusion of an open pair of windows – ideal if you want to add depth to your outdoor space and make it appear bigger than it is.
