Watering Cans

Be on the lookout for vintage, perfectly patinaed watering cans—not only for their practical use but also for their beauty. They stand the test of time and are essential for getting the job done, helping your flowers bloom beautifully all season long.

Flower Pots

“A trip to the nursery already adds up with the plants alone, before you add in any small to large decorative ceramic pots. Purchasing them secondhand can save you a lot of money,” says Taylor Jochim-Smoot, expert and founder of Portland Revibe, a secondhand refurbishing and design company. “Ceramic plant pots are easy to hunt down at the thrift and even more so on second-hand online marketplaces in your local area. Often locals are just looking to downsize and sometimes these pots even come with the original plant!”

Patio Furniture

Score stunning secondhand furniture to create a seating oasis to enjoy your garden. Jochim-Smoot recommends hunting on your local secondhand virtual marketplace or thrift stores to find pieces that will elevate your patio.

“Whether it is an outdoor candle holder, table and chairs, lounging furniture, pond setups and fire pits, most things can be found secondhand,” says Jochim-Smoot. “Nowadays, some thrift stores have partnerships with big box stores to help purge overstock or display models that simply need to be replaced. This may include seasonal items such as patio furniture or patio umbrellas and shades new in the box.”

Garden Tables

Garden tables can serve many purposes—shelving potted plants, providing a place to serve refreshments while in the garden, and much more. “If you truly let your imagination run wild, certain pieces could be converted to become an outdoor island with rollers or a bar setup.” says Jochim-Smoot.

Hand Pruners

Hand pruning shears are a must-have in any garden year round. When looking for pruners at the thrift store, ensure that there is no rust and that they function well. Thrifting a pair of pruners helps you get familiar with them, and once you’re more comfortable, you can upgrade.

Trowels, Spades, Hoes, and Shovels

These gardening essentials are built to last, making them the perfect tools for thrifting. Like any secondhand item, however, you should examine them closely for functionality and check for damage before purchasing. Rust is often the biggest concern, but since they don’t have hinges, you can easily clean them to make them look shiny and new.

Workbench

“Often secondhand stores have a wide selection of furniture, some of which could be converted to use as a potting station to prepare your pots when spring is around the corner,” says Jochim-Smoot. Thrifting a workbench to use in your garden is great for accessibility. Bending and hunching over the soil can be tiring—having a workbench helps prevent that, making gardening even more enjoyable.

Bird Baths

Vintage bird baths are full of beauty. Their unique, aged look adds character to any garden—and they are a boon to our feathered friends. This great thrift store find can make all the difference, attracting singing birds during the lush springtime as your flowers bloom. Just be sure to wash it well before putting it in your garden.