Turning a Car into a Flower Garden

Old, unused vehicles left sitting in a yard or field can be an eyesore. But with some creativity, you can upcycle that antique auto into an unexpected planter bursting with flowers and foliage. Transforming a car into a flower garden is easier than you think and adds a whimsical, nostalgic element to your outdoor space.

Covering a car with live plants allows you to grow flowers, herbs, and vines while repurposing something that would otherwise go to waste The plants mask the vehicle and incorporate greenery into your yard without taking up additional planting space. Read on to learn how you can turn your old clunker into a fabulous floral feature.

Select the Right Vehicle

The first step is choosing a suitable car or truck to use as your flower planter. An older model with a classic style often looks best overgrown with plants. A VW Beetle, pickup truck, or vintage wagon covered in blooms makes for fantastic photos and focal points.

Make sure the vehicle is structurally sound enough to hold soil and mature plants without collapsing, Remove any glass or loose exterior parts that could become safety hazards, Look for older unrestored vehicles lacking paint coatings that will release chemicals into the soil over time,

Prepare the Car

Once you’ve selected the perfect retired automobile for your needs, you’ll need to get it ready for planting. Remove any seats, carpeting, and other upholstered interior parts. It’s best to fully expose the floor so you can add drainage holes without obstructions.

Power wash the exterior if needed to remove dirt and grime that could impede plant growth Use a drill to add drainage holes throughout the bottom, including in the trunk area Line these openings with gravel and landscape fabric to prevent clogging.

Add Framing

Some additional framing or structure may be required depending on the vehicle. This provides backing to hold soil and creates vertical spaces for plants to climb. Use rot-resistant wood attached with exterior construction adhesive and hardware.

You can frame out window openings, add sides or extensions to truck beds, and build up the trunk and roofline. Get creative with trellises, arbors, or other woodwork that fits your horticultural vision.

Use Quality Soil

With the car prepped, it’s time to add soil and get planting! Use a high-quality potting mix blended for containers, as this will provide drainage. Regular garden soil may become too compacted.

Fill up the car’s interior first, mounding soil if needed to create raised beds. Pack soil into the trunk and any framed out sections next. Finish by topping areas with a layer of compost or manure to enrich nutrients.

Select the Right Plants

When choosing what to plant in your flower car, opt for compact, trailing varieties that cascade over the sides. Go with a mix of annuals and perennials so you have continuous color. Consider foliage plants like ferns or ivy to add greenery.

Good choices include petunias, nasturtiums, impatiens, geraniums, lobelia, sweet alyssum, and verbena. For trails of vines, use morning glory, hyacinth bean, thyme, or dwarf sweet potato vine. Avoid large plants that will overtake or weigh down your car planter.

Make it Magical

To maximize visual appeal, use techniques that make your car look artfully abandoned and naturally overgrown. Interplant flowers, vines, grasses, and foliage for an abundant look. Allow plants to freely spread and weave together.

Use decorative supports like antique wheels, old ladders, benches, or wine barrels around the car. Install a picket fence covered in roses, clematis, or honeysuckle. Position container gardens nearby to complement the theme. Let your imagination run wild!

Provide Ongoing Care

Don’t neglect maintenance once your car planter is fully planted. Check soil moisture frequently and water as needed to keep plants thriving in the confined space. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.

Trim back any overhanging or sideways growth to keep plants tidy. Clear out dead foliage and spent flowers regularly. In colder zones, you may need to remove annuals and protect vegetation in winter.

Inspiring Examples

If you need a burst of inspiration before tackling your own vehicular garden, check out these enchanting real-world examples of cars turned into flowerbeds:

• A weathered pickup truck overflowing with purple and pink petunias matching its faded paint.

• A pale blue Volkswagen Beetle smothered in fiery red and orange zinnias and marigolds.

• An antique convertible with its white interior filled with blue lobelia and pale sweet alyssum.

• A vintage station wagon framed with wood slats covered in ivy vines and white moonflower.

• A retro camper surrounded by pots of pink geraniums, purple clematis, and cheery yellow black-eyed Susans.

With a little work and creativity, you can grow a spectacular flower garden anywhere – even a rusty old car! The novel planter will become a conversation piece and add artsy charm to your outdoor space. Soon that eyesore will transform into a beautiful botanical feature.