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Almost any container with holes in the bottom can be used for a planter. If you have a container you like the appearance of but cannot punch holes in, you can always line it with a smaller container that has drainage holes. The inner container doesn't have to be attractive, so use a margarine tub or a two-liter bottle with the top cut off. Make sure you put a saucer inside your outer container so you don't do water damage to the decorative container. I have used this technique with little copper planters from a dollar store, as well as metal troughs that once contained bath products. I bought the bath gift-sets cheaply at after Christmas clearance sales, used the contents and kept the containers for my plant dcor needs. For larger plants, the traditional Christmas popcorn tins could be used similarly.

Coffee cans make excellent planters. Remove the labels and leave them looking metallic, or paint them to match any color scheme or theme. With a sharp nail and a hammer, you can punch drainage holes in the bottom and near the rim. Thread some strong cord through the holes at the top and you now have an excellent hanging "basket".

Painted cat litter buckets provide a spacious home for plants like tomatoes and Alberta spruce trees, which have extensive roots. An added bonus is the fact that these plastic pails come with a handle. This makes it much easier to relocate your plants as needed or desired.

Your local nursery or hobby store may offer plain terra cotta pots at a reasonable price. These pots will look attractive "as is" and give your container garden or houseplant collection a professional, uniform appearance. If you prefer a more homey touch, you can decorate and personalize the terra cotta pots. Be aware that unglazed ceramic pots lose water quickly, and such containers are not appropriate for using outdoors during a hot summer.

An old metal bucket, ceramic crock, washtub, or barrel can be a quaint country accent when filled with flowers or herbs. You can usually find expensive items at home dcor stores that are mass-produced and intended to look antique. A more satisfying way to obtain this kind of item is to peruse garage sales and antique shops until you find an item that has the look you want.

Whatever type of container you choose, you have the freedom to decorate it as you see fit. Decoupage is a good way to dress up a container. Print out or cut out pictures you like and use decoupage glue to adhere them to the container. Make sure to put on several

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