Lust for Rust

Lust for Rust

I’m checking the prices of scrap metal on a daily basis. I like to know that all of the rusty metal containers I have collected to put plants in are increasing in value.

They are not.

The price of recycling metal is actually more than it costs to mine the bare materials from the ground and make new. For that reason at least I am stuck with a lot of rusty old tat that I think would look great planted up with geraniums (they do!) For the foreseeable future I can see old metal items such as fridges, washing machines and cars to be sat at the side of country roads for a while until the prices of metal go up and it begins to be worthwhile someone going to collect them and sell the scrap.

My garden resembles a scrap yard as I have accumulated quite a lot of items over the last few weeks. My favourites which I have mentioned are the stained glass windows, but I now have a rather large Victorian Hip bath, a set of cast iron scales, old pub signs, industrial steel extractor fans and masses of galvanized wire mesh shelving which can either house potted plants or loaded with soil and planted up. The options are many, I have tried to get the shelving into the house and use in the bathroom but for some reason the rest of the family keep saying that the rusty edges are a tetanus risk. So for now they stay outside.

So you fancy collecting Junk to grow plants in?

I felt compelled then this week to come up with a list of 5 ideas (and reasons) for why having old rusty features in the garden are great.

1) Look for finishes with character

If you find an item is already rusty and the paint is chipped, you don’t have to worry about protecting it from the elements. Also, if the finish is too polished, just leave it outside.  A couple of seasons in the weather will give it the look you’d like. The older and more worn the better

2) Safety First

Beware of sharp-edged and rusty metal pieces. Wear gloves when handling rusty containers and old glass windows and doors. Seal old painted surfaces on any pieces you think might contain lead with clear varnish or remove the old paint completely. Maybe this type of item isn’t the best if you have youngsters.

3) See the Neighbours

Tell your friends and understanding neighbours that you  have a passion for garden junk. It’s amazing what will show up on your doorstep. (Not the friends and neighbours in my case as they tend to keep away now…)

4) Provide year-round focal points and vignettes

Create an outdoor scene for when the weather turns cold, rainy and even snowy. Set a colourful table outside a window and lay a centerpiece that’s weather proof and cheery. I used old golf hole markers and rusty pressure dials from oil tanks.

Experiment with putting different objects and flower pots together. Change things around until you find a little scene, or vignette, that you love!  Galvanised metal containers look good, the older the better. If you have an old bucket with a hole in then that’s ideal for drainage.

5) Go for Colour

Use your favourite colour combination in the garden displays, everything doesn’t have to be rusty brown. I have some great metal car parts that still have some of the original bright blue paint on and it contrasts really well with the rust. 

Pick items in eye-catching colours and interesting shapes that will create visual interest in the garden long after plants have withered. Primary colours work well and natural plant pot colours combined with the existing colours in the garden.

Find fun, inspiration colours of your own, by deciding what in your house or garden you absolutely love colour wise. There’s no reason why you should have to throw anything out into the rubbish bin again. I’m going to use any electrical item that packs in from now on. The kettle can house some cacti, the microwave can be turned sideways with the door open and use as a propagator. I might even try and get a rusty old car or two around the back and put some chickens in there. I’m not sure many of you will be convinced but until the price of metal increases we will be seeing more old metal laying around so might as well plant it up!