Mother’s Day Gifts from the Garden: 6 Clever DIY Ideas for Containers

Thinking about Mother’s Day gifts? Then why not craft a DIY garden container and pop in her favorite blooming plants for Mother’s Day instead of buying gifts at a shop?

Read on for our curated list of clever DIY container gifts that will delight a mother or a special woman in your life.

Build-Your-Own Wooden Wheelbarrow

This handcrafted gardening gift from My Outdoor Plans is made of wood, so this one is a bit more challenging to create. However, this gift will enhance the beauty of your mom’s garden from day one to years in the future. If you’re handy with woodworking tools, this cute new planter can be cut and assembled in one day (see photo above).

View the step-by-step project plans at My Outdoor Plans.

Repurposed Wood or Metal Toolbox Planter

This DIY Mother’s Day gift from Flea Market Gardening is perfect for moms who are handy with a hammer or love repurposing treasured finds. Visit a local thrift shop or flea market to scoop up a used toolbox.

Drill a few holes in the bottom of a wood or metal toolbox for drainage. Wood boxes will last longer if you line them with a plastic or rubber liner.

A used fishing tackle box would work well, too. Just remove the inner tray. This one DIY container idea would make a great Mother’s or Father’s day gift!

Picture Frame Succulent Planter

This attractive Mother’s Day wall gift from Roominate is perfect for a mom who loves modern or eclectic decor. Created with succulents, this planter is easy-care!

Visit a garden center and choose approximately 15 small succulents. Hens and chicks, Panda plant, Aloe, and Stonecrop work well.

You’ll begin by adding a wood backing piece and 1/2-inch wire mesh to the back of a frame. This planter gift also makes an attractive centerpiece for the dining table.

Little Red Wagon Planter

This darling red wagon planter from Garden Lover’s Club will charm any mother or mom-to-be. And it easily rolls to a new spot to catch the sun or shade.

Shop vintage or junk stores for a small wagon to repurpose or buy a new one in the toy section.  You’ll begin by drilling several small holes in the bottom. Then add a layer of small gravel or pebbles for drainage.

Plant impatiens inside for a beautiful spring accent.

Wheelbarrow Strawberry Planter

Perfect gift for your favorite cook or gardener, this fun strawberry planter from Empress of Dirt transforms an old, rusty wheelbarrow and a humble wooden box into a strawberry patch any mom will love.

You start by spray-painting the metal underside in a pretty color and then lining the inside with a layer of 1/4″ hardware cloth and landscape fabric.

Tip: Choose a wheelbarrow with a rusty bottom – no need to drill holes!

Worn Chair Planter

Courtesy of My Repurposed Life, this vintage-inspired porch planter is created by reassembling, painting, and distressing a well-worn wooden chair. And then cutting a round hole in the seat to fit a planter inside.

Wood chairs that need a little love can be found at junk stores. Wouldn’t this Mother’s Day gift look lovely with blooming zinnias? This fun, DIY gardening gift brings an old chair back to life.

What kinds of flowering plants grow best in containers?

What mother doesn’t love flowers? Now that you’ve created your new container, you may be wondering what type of flowering greenery would be perfect to add.

Here’s a selection of flowering annuals and perennials that grow well in containers and your mom will love:

Flowering Annuals: Fuchsia, Million-bells, Zinnia, Ageratum, Marigold, Nemesia, Heliotrope, and Black-Eyed Susan Vine.

Flowering Perennials: Chrysanthemum, Blanket Flower, Lavender, Penstemon, Festuca glauca, Daylilies, Hellebore, and Primrose.

Check your local garden shop for these flowers to add to your mom’s special day.

Did you know? If you wish to add more than one plant type per container, make sure they are light compatible. For example, all types should be sun-loving or prefer shade, etc.

Let us know in the comments below which idea is your favorite Mother’s Day gift from the garden. And be sure to check out our other DIY gift ideas!