Have you ever looked at that empty wall on your balcony or that plain stretch of fence and just wished it could be something more?
You dream of a lush, green space that feels personal and alive, but the thought of a big, complicated project feels overwhelming.
What if I told you that with a few old fence boards and some charming mason jars, you could create a floating herb garden that is not only beautiful but wonderfully useful, too?
It’s a project you can finish in an afternoon, and it will bring you joy every single time you step outside to snip a few fresh leaves for your dinner.
1. The Rustic Brick Wall Welcome
Marry the textures of your home by placing weathered fence boards against a classic brick wall.
The contrast between the soft, greyed wood and the rich, earthy red of the brick creates instant visual warmth.
Use simple stainless steel pipe clamps from the hardware store to secure your mason jars for a sturdy, industrial-chic touch.
For this sunny spot, plant sun-loving herbs like basil and mint, but be sure to keep the mint in its own jar—it loves to spread!
2. Modern Monochrome Minimalism
Create a striking, modern statement by painting your repurposed boards a chic, matte black.
Mounting them on a crisp white wall makes the entire piece pop, turning your herbs into living art.
Look for simple, dark metal rings or drawer pulls to act as holders; their clean lines will complement the minimalist aesthetic.
This look is perfect for architectural herbs like rosemary, whose upright growth mimics the strong vertical lines of the design.
3. The Sunset Balcony Oasis
Transform a simple pallet into a dreamy, whitewashed backdrop for your boho-chic balcony.
A quick coat of watered-down white paint gives you that lovely, rustic, distressed finish without much effort.
Instead of clamps, use simple macrame hangers to suspend tinted turquoise mason jars, adding a soft, crafty texture.
Let trailing herbs like oregano and thyme spill over the sides to enhance that free-spirited, cascading effect.
4. A Breath of Fresh, Minty Air
Give your porch a sweet, coastal cottage feel with a single board painted in a soft, minty green or sky blue.
Wrap the necks of your clear mason jars with thick jute rope, leaving two loops to hang them from simple hooks.
This method is wonderfully forgiving and allows you to easily lift the jars off for watering or harvesting.
Fill them with delicate, airy herbs like dill, chives, and parsley to complete the fresh, light-as-air look.
5. Industrial Rooftop Twilight
Go for a truly urban rooftop garden vibe by combining warm wood with cool industrial pipes.
Frame your herb wall with black metal pipes to create a self-contained unit that feels both rustic and modern.
Weave a string of Edison bulbs along the top for a golden glow that makes your herbs shine after sunset.
Combine a row of mason jars up top with a deeper wooden planter box below for larger plants like sage or even a tomato vine.
6. The Warmth of Leather and Pine
For a soft, organic touch, swap out metal hardware for custom leather straps.
You can use old belts or buy strips of craft leather, cutting them to size and securing them to the fence with simple screws and washers.
The warm tan of the leather pairs beautifully with the honeyed tones of a natural pine or cedar fence.
This gentle holder is perfect for showcasing delicate, feathery herbs like dill, which can sometimes be overwhelmed by heavier hardware.
7. French Country Charm
Evoke the feeling of a French country garden by using a repurposed piece of picket fence as your backboard.
Paint it a soft, dusty blue that coordinates with other elements of your home, like a nearby door or window trim.
The gentle curves of the picket tops add a touch of sweetness that’s utterly charming.
Plant lavender alongside rosemary and oregano for a fragrant mix that will transport you straight to Provence with every gentle breeze.
8. The Slender Vertical Welcome
Make the most of a narrow, underused space, like the wall next to your back door, with a tall, single-plank design.
Stain the wood a rich, dark walnut to create a sense of depth and elegance, even in a small footprint.
Stagger the mason jars on either side as they ascend the plank, creating a lovely, meandering visual path for the eye to follow.
This is a perfect home for trailing plants like creeping oregano, which will soften the vertical lines as they grow.
9. Sunset Herbs on the Railing
No wall space? No problem! Take your herb garden directly to your deck railing.
Use adjustable deck rail hooks—the kind designed for window boxes—to secure your mason jars without any permanent drilling.
This method is a dream for renters and allows you to move your garden around to catch the best sunlight.
Time your planting to enjoy the view as the setting sun backlights the delicate leaves of your rosemary and thyme.
10. A Fiesta of Color and Flowers
Don’t be afraid to go bold! Turn your herb garden into a vibrant focal point with playful color-blocking.
Use cheerful, contrasting colors like turquoise, coral, and sunny yellow on different sections of your pallet planter.
Incorporate small, built-in planter boxes among the mason jars to create varied depths and planting opportunities.
Mix in edible flowers like violas or calendula among your herbs for an extra pop of color and a delightful culinary surprise.
11. The Enchanted Evening Glow
Create a little bit of magic on your patio by weaving delicate fairy lights around your herb jars.
Look for lights on a fine copper or silver wire, as they are easy to bend and practically disappear during the day, leaving just the sparkle at night.
The lights reflecting through the glass and water cast a beautiful, dappled glow onto the leaves.
Using blue-tinted mason jars will add another layer of cool, ethereal color to the nighttime display.
12. A Study in Form and Texture
A monochrome palette allows the beautiful forms of your herbs and the texture of the wood to take center stage.
When you remove color, you start to appreciate the silvery fuzz of sage leaves, the intricate patterns of wood grain, and the sharp needles of rosemary.
Choose plants with strong, distinct shapes for the most dramatic effect in this style of garden.
The simplicity of this look is incredibly sophisticated and proves that a beautiful garden is all about shape, light, and shadow.
13. The Bold and the Beautiful Stripe
Add a graphic punch to your porch with just a bit of painter’s tape and a can of bright paint.
Creating bold, horizontal stripes across your wooden backboard is a quick DIY that yields incredibly high impact.
A sunny, cheerful yellow feels optimistic and beautifully complements the fresh green of herbs like parsley and oregano.
You don’t need to paint the entire structure; leaving some natural wood exposed creates a lovely, grounding balance.
14. The Dynamic Diagonal Ascent
Break free from traditional horizontal lines and create a dynamic, sculptural piece of wall art.
Arrange your reclaimed boards in a diagonal, overlapping pattern to draw the eye upward and across the wall.
This unconventional layout turns a simple herb garden into a major architectural feature for a garage or house wall.
Tuck smaller jars into the intersections and place larger, fuller plants at the ends to enhance the sense of movement.
15. The Greenhouse Propagation Station
A mason jar wall is the perfect addition to a greenhouse, creating an ideal spot for propagation.
To make watering and soil changes easier, place your herbs in small, black plastic nursery pots that fit snugly inside the mason jars.
You can simply lift the pot out to water, preventing the glass jars from getting messy and ensuring perfect drainage.
Line the bottom shelf with moss to catch drips and add extra humidity, which young cuttings will adore.
16. Farmhouse Function with a Twist
Lean into a cozy, farmhouse aesthetic by using unexpected hardware, like vintage-style metal coat hooks.
Placing a few hooks at the top of your planter adds a touch of quirky charm and a handy spot to hang a garden apron or a plaid blanket.
Using a mix of clamps and hooks adds to the collected-over-time, rustic charm.
Plant hearty, classic herbs like chives and parsley that feel right at home with this welcoming, functional style.
17. The Whispers of Wire and Wood
For an incredibly minimalist and airy look, use simple wire hangers to suspend your jars.
You can purchase pre-made wire handles designed for mason jars or easily fashion your own from sturdy crafting wire.
This nearly invisible hanging method keeps the focus entirely on the beautiful grain of the wood and the delicate greenery.
This design is stunning against a warm, terracotta-colored wall, where the simplicity allows the rich background color to shine.
18. A Touch of Terracotta
As a lovely alternative to glass, try incorporating classic terracotta pots into your design.
You can find ring-style holders specifically for small pots at most garden centers, which can be screwed directly into your wooden planks.
The warm, earthy tone of terracotta provides a beautiful contrast to dark-stained wood and lush green herbs.
This is a great option for herbs that prefer drier soil, as the porous nature of terracotta helps soil breathe and dry out faster.
19. The Gardener’s Workstation
Integrate your herb garden into a truly functional space by mounting it on the side of your garden shed.
Combine shelves for jars with hooks and holders for your essential hand tools, like a trowel and fork.
This setup keeps everything you need for potting and garden maintenance in one tidy, accessible spot.
Add deeper, box-style shelves at the bottom for herbs with larger root systems, like basil or mint.
20. The Framed & Labeled Library
Elevate your herb garden into a polished display by building a simple shadow-box frame around it.
This defines the piece, making it feel more like a deliberate work of art and less like a simple DIY project.
Paint a small rectangle on each jar with chalkboard paint to create charming, reusable labels for your herbs.
Placing this near a bistro set creates an elegant patio garden corner, where your decor is also your dinner ingredient list.
21. The Ultimate Grill-Side Garden
What could be better than snipping fresh herbs right where you cook?
Integrate a tiered herb garden directly into your outdoor kitchen or grill station for the ultimate in convenience and flavor.
Use reclaimed wood that complements your counter materials, whether it’s stone, concrete, or stainless steel.
Dedicate the different levels to your go-to grilling herbs: rosemary and thyme for meats, basil and oregano for veggies and sauces.
22. Crisp, Coastal, and Clean
Create a breezy, coastal feel by pairing a whitewashed pallet with a bold, navy blue accent wall.
The high contrast is stunningly fresh and immediately evokes a seaside atmosphere.
Instead of individual clamps, secure a few horizontal metal rods across the pallet and use adjustable hose clamps to attach the jars.
Using vibrant blue mason jars ties the whole look together, creating a cohesive and beautifully curated color story.
23. The Art of Simplicity
You don’t need a massive installation to make an impact. A single, beautifully weathered board can be a masterpiece.
Mounting one plank horizontally on a smooth, grey concrete wall creates a stunning, minimalist urban garden look.
Use simple wire hangers for the jars to create a ‘floating’ effect that feels light and uncluttered.
Space the jars generously to allow each herb to be appreciated as its own small, living sculpture.
24. The Beauty of a Rainy Day
A garden’s charm isn’t just for sunny days; a dark, moody wood stain looks especially beautiful in the rain.
The water droplets catch the light and glisten on the herb leaves and glass jars, creating a peaceful, atmospheric scene.
A simple shelf design allows the jars to be lined up neatly, providing a bit of shelter for the plants in a downpour.
This is the perfect view to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee from a covered porch or window.
25. The All-in-One Potting Panel
Create the ultimate garden command center by mixing and matching your containers and tools.
Design a panel that accommodates not just mason jars, but also small terracotta pots, which offer better drainage for certain plants.
Add a few sturdy hooks to hang your garden shears and a spool of twine, keeping everything you need within easy reach.
This creates a dynamic, visually interesting display that is as practical as it is charming.
26. A Moody, Magical Corner
Use varied heights to create a dramatic, layered garden vignette in a quiet corner.
Combine a wall-mounted shelf with small, rustic wooden stools on the ground to display your herb jars at different levels.
A single, downward-facing lantern casts a warm, focused pool of light, creating dramatic shadows and a wonderfully intimate mood.
This technique turns a simple collection of herbs into a mysterious and enchanting garden scene after dark.
