A garden mailbox might sound a little unexpected at first, but that is exactly why it makes such a charming outdoor decorating idea. We are so used to seeing mailboxes at the front of a house that placing one among flowers, herbs, or vegetables instantly gives the garden a playful, cottage-style feel. It is practical, a little quirky, and just the right amount of “why didn’t I think of that?”
Old mailboxes are brilliant for garden upcycling projects because they already have a sturdy shape, a hinged door, and that lovely hidden-storage element built right in. Tucked beside a potting bench, attached to a fence post, or nestled near a vegetable patch, a mailbox can be used to store garden gloves, seed packets, plant labels, small hand tools, twine, or even a pair of snips. No more wandering back to the shed with muddy shoes because you forgot the string — not that any of us have ever done that, of course.
You can also turn a mailbox into a decorative garden feature. Paint it in cheerful colours, give it a vintage farmhouse finish, stencil on a floral design, or let it rust naturally for that lovely weathered garden look. It can become a fairy garden house, a seed exchange box, a little note station for garden visitors, or a whimsical focal point in a flower bed.
This garden mailbox idea is perfect for anyone who loves upcycled garden décor, creative backyard projects, thrift store garden makeovers, and practical DIY garden storage. Whether you use a brand-new mailbox or rescue an old one from the “might come in handy one day” pile, it is a simple way to add personality and function to your outdoor space without spending a fortune.
Everything stays dry and is conveniently located. Mailboxes
are cheaper than other storage solutions for the garden and can often be recycled or upcycled. Mailboxes are a great way to store things for your garden chores, such as garden gloves
or other pruning snips. You could use a mailbox for other outdoor items too such as handballs, tennis balls or summer toys for summertime.
You can customize it the way you want and maybe have his and her’s box as well.
Found this on Pinterest, and thought I had to blog it (and implement it for my garden!).
I set up a mailbox for my tools in the garden and before too long I noticed wasps had set up a nest in the back of it. It seems to be the perfect set up for them being dark and out of the elements. I am allergic to stings so my husband drilled holes to let light in so eliminate the problem but of course, it then defeats the purpose as rain can get in and ruin the safe, dry, convenient place for gloves and tools and seeds.Back to the drawing board.
what a good idea I will show it to my husband and he will put one up for us. Instead of dragging tools and other items back to the garden they will be conveniently stored for us.
As far as bees spray the inside and outside to keep away bugs and bees. And keep spray inside to fight off occasional pests.
thanks for the idea.
I prefer the idea of drilling holes to let light in and deter the wasps. The idea of grabbing a can of lethal spray to eliminate what we consider to be pests is WRONG. The sooner we stop this behaviour the better the environment will be.
I too am allergic and feel its wrobg ti use spray. Drill the holes and line the space inside with something clear like maybe vinyl or plastic.
Agree with B. F. Cross! A light spray, perhaps the odor, or some environmentally friendly deterrent is RIGHT to avoid the wasps and the aggressive behavior!
What a great idea. I moved into a new house last year and I’m struggling with where to keep my tools so they are handy. I could put up one of these for the back yard to give me an extra storage spot. Thanks!
Great idea, I always forget where I put something then don’t find it till I don’t need it anymore. This will be an additional decoration in the garden as well
This is just the thing for my husband. He is constantly looking for his tools while gardening and this should surely help. His tools won’t be getting rusty either. Thanks so much .
Great idea!!! Can’t wait for the rain to stop so I/we can get out in the garden to start implementing so many wonderful, new ideas. Thanks so much for sharing with those of us with the will but not the creative ways!!
This is a great idea. Throw a few mothballs in there to keep bugs out.
I am not so sure this great idea would be safe in Perth Australia, we have some bad guys here like red back spiders that would just love to hide in the mail box, and what about opening it and finding a curled up snake.
I did this years ago. I keep an extra set of clippers, gloves and small shovel in mine out in the yard. Then if I see something that I need to do I don’t have to walk all the way back to the house to get the tools. I keep my gloves in a small container with a lid so I don’t have to worry about anything crawling in them. I have not had any problem with wasp and such. I decorate it for the holidays,planted flowers around it and it is added color for the yard.
Great idea, can’t wait to start the project. I’m thinking about putting the mailbox on a decorative post to blend into the garden.
Put thymol crystals in the mail box as it will deter pest. It is pure menthol sold in honeybee supply catalogs for pest control. It might help repel the wasp.
I have been using this idea for years! I have 2 mailboxes that met their demise from being hit by cars and motorcycle. I even keep a box of tissues for my allergies out there! One spring I left one of them open by mistake and a wren nested in it.
That is so nice. I would love for a bird to feel so comfortable that it would nest there.
Where can I buy those mailboxes in the Netherlands??? Love the idea.
I put one in my garden about 3 years ago. Already need to put a larger one in. Perfect for my tools….
Drill holes on the bottom of the box to keep out rain 🙂
Thank you for this idea. We made up these for family gardeners for Christmas and stenciled
them to personalize them. They were a hit!
Been doing this for a long time!! Enjoy!!