Thanks to Southerners’ love of home items with character, there is always a reason to stop at the thrift store or secondhand shop when you can. Whether searching for heirloom pieces or unique artwork to decorate the living room, Southern charity shops are rife with affordable flair. But while you’re stocking your closet and eyeing that home decor, don’t forget about looking for things to spruce up the outside of your home. And—not surprisingly—you can find a plethora of gardening goods secondhand.

In an effort to save money, we tapped three Southern designers on what they’re hunting for. While it may take a few trips to collect everything on their thrift shopping list, what lies in store may surprise you. There’s even the freedom to get creative and upcycle forgotten pieces others may overlook.

To satiate your gardening fever and add fun pops to your garden—on a budget!—here are 8 garden-centric things our experts recommend grabbing when you spot them at the thrift.

Garden Items To Thrift

China Pieces

As a self-proclaimed “professional houseplant hoarder” and founder of The Intentional Design Studio in Athens, Georgia, Catherine Shuman knows a thing or two about plants, and one of her favorite things to find at the thrift store are pieces of vintage china to house her collection. “For a more delicate touch, old teacups and serving bowls make the sweetest little succulent planters,” recommends Shuman. Solo pieces tend to be inexpensive—some under $1. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns for a quaint English garden vibe. 

Plant Trellises

Whether you have ivy or beautiful clematis blooms in your yard, allowing them to trail and climb is essential, so be on the lookout for trellises next time you’re at the secondhand store. Shuman says these pieces start around $10 and are “perfect for training climbing roses, jasmine, or wisteria.” She also proposed the idea of searching for unconventional pieces that function similarly. “Many vintage plant stands, baker’s racks, or old iron headboards can be repurposed as trellises,” suggests Shuman. Clean worn metal and add a coat of rust-resistant paint to extend the life of a vintage piece. 

Flower Pots

Thrift stores are full of budget-friendly containers made of everything from clay to concrete. Depending on the size and material, decorative pots are often $3 or less, but on a recent thrifting trip, Will Hunt Lewis, owner of Hunt & Bloom in Houston, Texas, found clay pots for just 25 cents each. “I have had great luck finding stacks of traditional terracotta pots with gorgeous age and patina,” he says. Don’t focus solely on finding perfect pieces, as the wear from used pieces can be stunning. “I want them to give the appearance of having weathered many a season of planting,” adds Lewis.

Garden Statues

Nothing breeds an element of whimsy in a garden quicker than a well-placed cast iron or concrete statue. From classic figures like animals and cherubs to more Southern-focused designs like magnolia leaves and pineapples, you never know what’s waiting at the thrift store. “These are timeless statement pieces that instantly elevate a garden bed or entryway,” says Shuman. Because of their desirability, small statues start at $15, while larger ones can exceed $75. If you’re not having any luck at your local charity shop, head to an estate sale, where pieces like these abound.

Galvanized Tubs

When metal is galvanized, a coating is added to protect the metal from rusting while also giving pieces more of a homey feel. Whether you find a bucket, tub, or drink container made of galvanized metal, consider purchasing it for your garden. “These make excellent rustic planters, drink coolers for outdoor gatherings, or even small water gardens,” recommends Shuman. According to her, these weather-resistant containers are durable, classic, and quintessentially Southern. You should be able to find buckets as low as $5 with more unique pieces ranging from $10-$40.

Large Planters

While the terms planter and pot are often interchangeable, planters are bigger and hold multiple species—and you can also find them at secondhand shops. “Some of the most charming and budget-friendly finds have been large stone or ceramic planters, typically over 24 inches in height,” says Mesha Williams, owner of id Designs & Co. in Temple Terrace, Florida. These pieces are ideal for lining garden paths and flanking entryways and can cost $20 or more. Williams adds, “While these pots may require a little TLC, such as a fresh coat of spray or exterior paint, they often boast unique character and vintage charm.”

Picture Frames

For a completely unexpected element to add to your yard, Shuman advises picking up ornate picture frames and mirrors the next time you’re thrifting. She says, “An unexpected garden addition, thrifted frames (with or without glass) can turn a bare fence or brick wall into a work of art.” Small frames start at $1, and larger pieces cost $5 or more, depending on the size and decor style. The price of mirrors varies greatly. Select ones that can withstand your area’s climate, but if you’re willing to commit to a reflective surface, Shuman says the payoff is big. “A vintage mirror tucked among greenery creates a dreamy, secret-garden effect,” she adds.

Wooden Seating

Patio seating is highly desirable, so if you see a set you like, claim it quickly. However, benches and chairs are easier to come by at the thrift store. Others may pass by a chair with a missing seat, but Shuman sees these things as an opportunity to get creative. “If you spot a sturdy old chair with a missing seat, repurpose it as a whimsical planter by placing a bowl or basket of trailing flowers inside,” she says. Weather-worn benches are also perfect for adding instant Southern sophistication to your garden space. You can thrift bench seating for around $20 and solo chairs for $5 to $10 each.