An old bathtub may no longer serve your bathroom, but it can find a delightful second life as a creative and eye-catching garden feature. Bathtub flower beds bring a whimsical, vintage charm to outdoor spaces while offering plenty of planting room for vibrant blooms, herbs, or even small shrubs. Whether you choose a clawfoot antique or a modern tub, the possibilities are endless. Here are six unique bathtub flower bed ideas to help you upgrade your garden design with style and personality.
1. Victorian Clawfoot Bathtub Planter
A vintage clawfoot bathtub is the epitome of garden elegance. Its ornate feet and classic curves provide a romantic focal point, perfect for a cottage-style garden. Fill it with roses, lavender, or peonies for a lush, fragrant display. The elevated height makes it easier to tend to your plants while keeping weeds at bay. With a distressed paint finish, a clawfoot tub planter becomes a timeless blend of sophistication and rustic charm.
2. Color-Painted Bathtub Flower Bed
Bring life and energy to your garden by painting an old bathtub in bold colors such as turquoise, sunflower yellow, or pastel pink. Pair the vibrant container with contrasting flower colors for a striking effect. This idea works especially well for gardens that need a pop of brightness or playful character. A painted bathtub also doubles as an art piece, making it a true statement planter that lifts the mood of your entire outdoor space.
3. Bathtub Herb and Edible Flower Garden
Turn your bathtub into a productive yet beautiful edible garden by planting herbs and edible flowers. Basil, thyme, oregano, and mint create fragrant greenery, while edible blooms like nasturtiums and violas add splashes of color. The tub’s deep basin allows roots to grow comfortably, ensuring healthy plants. Placed near your kitchen or patio, this setup offers both convenience for cooking and an attractive green feature for your garden.
4. Water Garden Bathtub Oasis
Transform a bathtub into a mini water garden by lining it with waterproof material and adding aquatic plants such as water lilies, lotus, and cattails. Incorporate floating flowers or a small fountain for added movement and sound. This tranquil water feature attracts dragonflies and birds, bringing life to your outdoor space. Surrounded by lush greenery, a bathtub water garden becomes a serene focal point for relaxation.
5. Wildflower Bathtub Meadow
For a naturalistic look, plant a mix of wildflowers in your bathtub to create a miniature meadow. Choose hardy, pollinator-friendly varieties such as black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and daisies. The result is a low-maintenance, colorful display that changes with the seasons. A wildflower bathtub is not only visually stunning but also eco-friendly, providing food and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
6. Tiered Bathtub Planter Display
Stack smaller tubs or repurpose other containers within a large bathtub to create a tiered planting display. This layered arrangement allows you to showcase plants of varying heights and colors, from cascading petunias at the top to ground covers at the base. The tiered design adds depth and visual interest, making it ideal for patios, entryways, or as a centerpiece in your garden layout.
Repurposed bathtub flower beds combine creativity, sustainability, and beauty, turning an everyday object into a remarkable garden statement. These six ideas prove that with a little imagination, an old tub can become a show-stopping feature that elevates your outdoor design and brings joy season after season.
