Salvaged Items Add Garden Personality

- The use of salvaged items in landscaping has a significant environmental impact by diverting waste from landfills, which are a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Globally, about 2 billion metric tons of municipal solid waste are produced annually. - The practice has roots in the art world, echoing the "found object" or *objet trouvé* movement. Artists like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp began incorporating everyday items into their work in the early 20th century, challenging the distinction between art and non-art. - Common sources for salvaged garden materials include construction sites (with permission), secondhand stores, yard sales, and used building material outlets like Habitat for Humanity ReStores. - Caution should be exercised with certain materials; for instance, old railroad ties and some treated lumber contain creosote, which can be harmful if used around edible plants. It is recommended to use untreated, salvaged wood like redwood or cedar for vegetable beds. - Beyond aesthetics, some recycled materials offer enhanced durability. Recycled plastic lumber, for example, is resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, giving it a longer lifespan for outdoor projects. - Creative examples of salvaged items being repurposed include using old bowling balls as gazing balls, turning discarded tires into small ponds or planters, and constructing trellises from old bed frames or bicycle wheels. - When reusing items like plastic or ceramic pots and seed trays, it's crucial to clean and disinfect them to prevent the spread of molds and diseases to new plants. A common method is to soak them in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.