Primitive Ideas for Reusing a Rusted Patio Fire Pit

Wildflower Planter

• When you drill a few drainage holes in your rusted patio fire pit and scrape out the loose rust from inside, you create the ideal home for a primitive wildflower garden. Take advantage of the circular shape of the fire pit to fill up that awkward corner space on your patio. Once filled with a variety of wildflowers including daisies, goldenrod and cornflowers, the rusty fire pit will garner lots of positive attention with its simple beauty. Place a few hurricane lamps nearby to light up the primitive décor at night.

Birdbath

• Prepare your rusty fire pit by sealing the bowl with an outdoor clear sealant, then fill with water for a primitive birdbath. When you place this rusty relic among some trees in the yard or under a rain gutter "chain," you create a refreshing spa for the wild birds in your area. Place a few large rocks in the bowl so that birds can stand above the water to dry off. Use some fake wood logs from the aquarium store to mimic the container's original purpose in a decorative way.

Garden Gazing

• Gazing balls have decorated gardens for decades, and the colored or mirrored glass balls provide a colorful accent to a yard or garden. Bring a primitive touch to this old classic by filling your rusted fire pit with a variety of colored glass balls of various sizes. Add a personal touch by applying mosaic mirrors and colored glass on bowling balls, soft balls and soccer balls to fill your fire pit inexpensively. Place the filled pit in a sunny spot on the patio or garden and enjoy the compliments.

Fish Pond

• When you seal the inside of your rusted fire pit and line it with pond liner, you develop a healthy and primitive environment for goldfish and koi. For use indoors or out, add a filter, gravel and underwater lighting and you will have a primitive fish habitat that will delight visitors. Add a few small turtles as well to increase the impact.