If you are interested in adding a little metal to your garden but on a budget, I make simple galvanized tin planters out of the buckets you can buy at your hardware store (I even found some for $3 at the local Dollar General). Flip over the bucket and with a hammer and sturdy, stout nail, create several drainage holes. The pale purple and pink flowers of early spring look especially appropriate in these buckets. And you can let them sit outside for most seasons – the weather-induced batterings and resulting patina just add to their charm.

Antique Brass Birdbath from The New York Botanical Garden - $116.00

Bloom and Love Vintage Silverware Garden Marker from monkeysalwayslook’s Etsy shop - $13

Recycled aluminum Sun and Moon Sundial from Target - $58.99

Salvaged Verdigris Hound Weathervane (link fixed) from Terrain - $1,298.00

Galvanized Tin Watering Can from Mastergardeners.com - $45.00