Thrifting Garden Treasures : What to Thrift & How to Use it

Embark on a journey into the world of thrifting garden treasures, a passion I’ve cultivated over the years. Together, we’ll uncover the items to seek, from planters and unique gardening tools to distinctive decorative elements and rustic garden furniture. I’ll share creative ways to incorporate these thrifted finds into your garden, creating a space that’s uniquely yours and brimming with charm.

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A Garden full of Vintage Treasures

Step into my garden, a sanctuary of thrifted treasures I’ve lovingly gathered over the years.

The excitement of the hunt at estate sales, thrift stores, and yard sales is a thrill I can’t resist. Each piece I find, from old wheelbarrows, garden arches and picket fences to vintage sinks and pots, brings a unique character to my garden.

The older and rustier, the better. And my collection of terra cotta pots they’re not just pots; they’re charming decor for both my home and shed.

The charm of thrift store finds lies in their limitless potential for creating something new out of something old!

I picked up an old white picket fence on the roadside a while back and have made this white art easel and a picket flower pot.

Today, I am thrilled to join the Thrifting with the Gals monthly blog hop as their guest. 

If you came over from my friend Rachel’s blog, @thepondsfarmhouse, I have no doubt that you loved her post on how to save money by buying furniture in thrift stores. 

The thrifting gals all live in different areas of the country, but they share a love for vintage, repurposed, and thrifted decor, like me.

Be sure to check out all of these gals and their beautiful blogs at the end of this post.

Why Thrift for Garden Treasures

Thrifting for garden decor is a sustainable, creative, and affordable way to enhance your outdoor space. It’s a treasure hunt that allows you to find unique items, each with its own history and story, adding a personal touch to your garden. The satisfaction of repurposing and upcycling old items makes thrifting a fun and rewarding activity, saving you money compared to buying new ones.

Repurposed Containers for Your Garden

Sinks

This old cement Fraser sink was a great find. It was hidden deep in the garage at an estate sale. There were no tags on the sink, but I asked, and they gave it to me for $50. It certainly was a bargain, but quite a job to get it out and into my garden as it weighs close to 500 lbs. But as the old saying goes, “If there is a will, there is a way.”

Baskets

I adore baskets of all kinds! They can be used to decorate your garden in creative ways, like the beautiful arch I created outside my shed, or even as unique planters. You can add faux greenery for a low-maintenance touch or place real plants in pots inside the baskets, making it easy to remove them for watering.

Metal Buckets or Pails

Old metal pails make great planters. Drill a few holes in the bottom and add some rocks for drainage before planting. Don’t overlook the painted metal pails; if they are the wrong color, you can always strip the paint or paint them a new color.

Vintage Teapots and Kitchen Items

Years ago, I hosted a succulent bar at a vintage pop-up shop, and I planted succulents in many different types of teapots, coffee makers, strainers, sifters, and more. The kitchen of an estate sale is a great place to find an excellent container vessel for your garden. Remember that you need drainage, so holes are necessary.

Old Wheel Barrows

Last year, I found many types of wheelbarrows. This darling wood wheelbarrow sits on my front porch or in the garden during the summer. I display flower pots in this wheelbarrow so I can remove them to water so I do not destroy the wheel barrel. You will need to add a drainage hole to allow for water to drain. Drill a few holes in the bottom of your wheelbarrow, then add some gravel, soil and some beautiful plants. Of course, the metal holds up much better in the elements.

Old Bicycles

Vintage bicycles are so charming. If you can find one, lean the bike against a tree and add a few flowers to a basket. 

Vintage Metal Chairs-

Look for old metal chairs; they are perfect for planting. Their sturdy construction can withstand the elements, and their vintage designs add a unique touch to your garden.

Old Tires

I have not tried this myself, but I have seen many others try it. You can paint them bright colors to add some charm to your garden. 

Small Bird Baths or Fountains

Look for old cement bird baths that you can fill with soil and plants. They add great height and texture to your garden. 

Vintage Wood Dough Bowls

I adore a good dough bowl, and they make the perfect vessel for an outdoor centerpiece. 

Thrifty Finds to Use as a Garden Trellis  

I love finding unique and affordable items to use as trellises in my garden. I’ve picked up old wooden ladders, cow panels, and metal headboards. 

These thrifted vintage finds serve as functional trellises and add a lot of character to my garden.

Garden Tools- Head for The Garage

I adore the charm of vintage garden tools, both large and small. The colorful handles, hand-held clippers, and uniquely shaped trowels add a delightful touch to my collection. I make a beeline for the garage or shed whenever I’m out thrifting, especially at estate sales. These spots are treasure troves for garden finds, often at great prices. Be sure to dig around and open boxes—you never know what gems you might uncover.

I love displaying these vintage tools in my house and shed. Large shovels, rakes, dustpans, and other garden tools have found new life as creative planters. Additionally, I’ve crafted the cutest outdoor clock using an assortment of these thrifted treasures.

I also have quite a collection of galvanized watering cans. I use them for vases, display them on shelves, and use them in the garden. 

Decorative Elements for the Garden 

You’d be amazed at the vintage treasures in thrift shops. Keep your eyes wide open and be sure to walk down every aisle.

Look for cement statues, topiaries, birdhouses, birdbaths, wind chimes, lanterns, and anything else that catches your eye and can withstand the elements. These items can add charm and character to your garden.

I’ve found some great pieces that now live in my garden and contribute so much to its unique character.

Garden Furniture and Fixtures

Every garden needs a potting bench or something similar. Even an old dining room table can be converted into a fun and functional potting station.

If you come across old wooden doors, consider using them to build a small shed or a unique bench.

Keep an eye out for interesting light fixtures that could be used outdoors, or old metal gardening baskets that can be transformed into light fixtures, just like I have done.

On my covered back porch, I found an old card catalog that fits perfectly into my decor, adding both charm and practicality.

Look for vintage pieces like this table and chairs that I found at a junk shop for thirty dollars. 

Wrapping Up

As you can see thrifting for garden treasures is a delightful adventure that adds character and charm to your outdoor space. Next time you visit a thrift store, keep an eye out for hidden gems that make your garden one-of-a-kind.

Next up on our hop is my dear friend Robyn @robynsfrenchnest, be sure to visit her blog today to see what beautiful glass cloches she has found and how she styled them.

Happy thrifting!

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