Shirlie Kemp has repurposed an old sink as part of her garden design to create a feature fans are saying "is a thing of beauty".
The sink, which her husband Martin was planning to throw away, now serves as a washing station for vegetables and can also hold drinks when hosting parties.
Fans have responded enthusiastically, with many saying they plan to copy the idea in their own gardens this spring, while Shirlie has revealed she is already thinking of new plans for her other old sinks.
Turning an old sink into a garden feature
Kemp had several old Belfast sinks she wanted to reuse in her ongoing garden renovation project rather than discard.
She asked a local garden and landscaping company to craft a stand from reclaimed wood that could safely support the weight of the sink.
The result was a new washing station for her garden vegetables, which means she can wash them before she goes in the house, but also reveals she can use it as an "ice bucket" for parties.
Fans share their ideas and praise
The post prompted a range of responses online. One fan said, “Great idea! I use one for herbs (sage, thyme and a creeping rosemary) and the other for spring bulbs followed by summer herbs (basil, coriander and chives).”
Another wrote, “Absolutely stealing this idea from you Shirlie! Can’t believe Martin was going to throw them in the skip.”
Others joked, “Another job for the husband,” while one admirer added, “Now that is a thing of beauty, I do love a Belfast sink and its rustic surrounding looks fab.”
Fans were similarly inspired by Shirlie's festive greenhouse display.
Plans for the remaining sinks
Kemp revealed she is already thinking about creative uses for her remaining sinks.
“There is so much you can do with them,” she said, ranging from functional washing stations to decorative garden features, showing how reclaimed kitchenware can transform outdoor spaces while enhancing garden design.
Fans now eagerly await to see what else Shirlie has up her sleeve as they wait to see what she makes of the other sinks.
