This post is a twofer: both "Design snapshot" and "Idjit garden" post.

I spotted this inspired planter outside a shop in Salem, Massachusetts last spring. The rusted wheelbarrow container garden in dreamy Robin's egg blue parked outside the boutique's similarly blue door and next to its nearly matching-blue bench brought a smile to my heart. Such a fun idea for sidewalk décor; it's both whimsical and practical -- in that it's portable. No surprise, the miniature garden aspect of the wheelbarrow planter is particularly appealing to this idjit gardener.

Since it also happens to be yard-sale season, what better time for an idjit gardener to procure a forlorn wheelbarrow and put it to use as a garden rather than merely a garden tool. I imagine you would need to convert the wheelbarrow to container use by drilling some drainage holes in it, but no matter, this idjit gardener recently drilled holes in some galvanized tubs to convert to planters which was fairly simple. Since the wheelbarrow is portable, you could move it to a sunny or shady spot depending on what you decide to plant. Finding just the right rocks or shells or statuary to ornament your wheelbarrow landscape can only add to the entertainment.

Off to the flea market and nursery you go. Enjoy!

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast