The Hour

Six months ago Mrs Sharp’s ceramic plant pots were destroyed by bad weather and the cost of replacing them was clearly going to be huge. Thinking outside the box, she decided to use cheap Wellington boots instead and sent The Hour a photo of her finished design.

Taking pride of place among the Wellies was a single toilet with beautiful flowers growing out of it, which inspired gardener Pete Jackson to explore some of the other oddball planter ideas out there. One of his favourites was car tyres.

He said: “Garage people actually have to pay to get these taken away, so they’re actually free. Walk along, take a couple away, put some rocks in the bottom.”

Tyres are great for growing herbs, and just four plants will quickly fill one.

Smaller containers are great as well because they can be moved around whenever you want. Put some holes in the bottom so water can escape, or drill some holes in the side to use them as a lantern.

Even summer berries like strawberries can be grown in containers, and will fall over the side and create a great overgrown effect.

Finally, of course, old wellies can be used. Shove a pre-potted plant in the top and they will look great.

GREEN FINGER TIPS

• Check out The Hour's gardening pages
• Father's Day flowers
• Scotland in bloom