Toilet garden planters become village landmark

A creative resident with a sense of humour has got villagers talking with his lavatorial garden display.

Andy Maddams, 58, from Manea, Cambridgeshire, made use of two old toilets by turning them into plant pots.

He found the first discarded loo while clearing his garden and, although "not particularly green-fingered", he thought it would make an eye-catching planter.

Now the porcelain pair take pride of place in his front garden, which he claimed was a convenient landmark for delivery drivers in the rural village.

"I was clearing my garden a few years back, after moving here, when I came across a virtually new unused toilet bowl," said Mr Maddams.

"It was in mint condition so I didn't want to chuck it in the skip.

"I had a 'lightbulb moment' - I used to have a wheelbarrow as a planter, so I thought I could do the same with the toilet. I put a conifer in it, and it looked quite nice."

He continued: "Then a year or two later, my neighbour, Jim, was re-fitting his bathroom, and he came over to see me and gave me a second, almost identical loo. I couldn't resist it, so now I have his and hers toilets.

"I sometimes get delivery drivers phone me when they can't find my place, and I just mention the two toilets and they track me down easily.

"It's a great way to locate my property - cyclists and runners know them very well. People go past giggling, it's a bit of fun.

"They are weighted down with stones, so are pretty heavy".

Two years ago Mr Maddams entered the local scarecrow competition and created an effigy of scientist Albert Einstein sitting on one of the toilets, with his trousers around his ankles.

But the day before the judging someone stole his head, which Mr Maddams admitted had "rather spoiled the effect".

The Royal Horticultural Society is all for using unusual items in gardens.

Its chief horticulturist, Guy Barter, said: "Found objects can make great planters, for negligible cost and can often induce a very satisfying startled double-take in passers-by.

"Old drums from washing machines, wellington boots, socks, jeans, oil drums, old water tanks, airing cupboard copper cylinders cut down, even brassieres - suitably supported - as long as there is ample drainage and a suitable potting compost, free of peat, will support plants.

"Sanitary ware is no exception - but do take the greatest care with disinfection."