Our 8-by-22-foot deck looked a little plain, so we decided to build a planter. The soil box is made from a thick plastic soap barrel taken from the dumpster of a company that washes buses and trucks.

Nurturing a balcony or a home garden can sometimes become monotonous with the usual clay pots dominating the scene. Fret not! Look around your home for inspiration and try to repurpose everyday items ...