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Green Thumb Salvage

Photo by LISA STRANGE

This old toilet isn't trash to this gardener - it's a planter for white society garlic.

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By PENNY CARNATHAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 30, 2008

Long before ''green'' became more than a color, gardeners were happily recycling. For some, there's no greater joy than pilfering an old wooden shutter from the neighbor's curbside trash, or finding a charmingly chipped 50-cent mirror at a yard sale.

Rust, dings, wear from years of use and obsolescence create a patina that adds to the beauty of certain old things. It softens their man-madeness and makes them seem perfectly at home among vines and blooms.

After the thrill of discovery comes the satisfying challenge of finding the thing's perfect new place or use in the garden. And after that? The happy exclamation of delight when the neighbor spots her old shutter's unexpected new purpose.

I asked gardeners to share their favorite salvaged treasures, and I'm so glad I did. I've never had so much fun checking my e-mail!

Check out the Yard Art photo gallery to view photos received. And if seeing all those pictures makes you want to contribute your own, just upload.

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