Every gardener has their own style. Some lean toward a neat and tidy formal garden, with clipped hedges and symmetrical plantings. Others love the soft, overflowing look of a cottage garden, where flowers spill onto pathways. There are minimalist gardens, tropical gardens, pollinator havens, and edible landscapes.
For me? My garden style has always been a little rusty and funky—a mix of weathered finds, quirky repurposed pieces, and plants that grow where they’re happiest. That’s why I love projects that give old flea market or thrifted items a new life outdoors.
A few years ago, I picked up an old bicycle at a flea market, painted it blue, and tucked it under a big oak tree beside the driveway. This summer I decided it was time for a facelift—and a new home beside my little greenhouse. Out came the spray paint, and now it’s a fresh hunter green. It also came with a basket attached perfect for holding a few succulents I had left over from a project.
For the basket, I lined it with coco coir liner that was fitted for a planter, (you can also buy it by the roll for custom sizes) but burlap works just as well. The main goal is to have something that holds the soil in place. If you prefer, you can skip filling the basket directly and instead plant in a container that fits inside the basket.
Since I was planting succulents, I filled the basket with a succulent soil mix. This is important—succulent soil is light and drains well, helping prevent root rot. Once they begin to grow and fill out, the succulents will spill over the edges for a charming, low-maintenance display. This soil does not have a lot of nutrients so you may also want to grab a specialized fertilizer.
Finally I added a sign on the basket. You can change these signs out throughout the season.
Succulents can be expensive, but I found bulk succulents on Amazon and I have purchased these multiple times for classes and have been satisfied with the quality and variety.
Instead of succulents, you could fill with lots of little terra cotta pots, flowers, or ivy.
Other Flea Market Finds for the Garden
If you’re inspired to hunt for your own garden treasures, here are a few more ideas:
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Old chairs – Remove the seat and drop in a flower pot.
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Galvanized tubs or buckets – Perfect for container gardens or herb planters.
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Wooden crates – Stack them for vertical planting or use as rustic storage.
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Teacups and teapots – Sweet containers for succulents or small herbs.
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Shutters or window frames – Use as a backdrop for climbing plants or garden art.
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Metal headboards or footboards – Instant trellis for vines and climbing flowers.
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Toolboxes – Plant with annuals or herbs for a portable garden display.
A Final Touch for Your Garden
Projects like this prove you don’t need expensive décor to make your garden beautiful. A little creativity, a coat of paint, and the right plants can transform almost anything into a garden focal point. So next time you’re at a flea market or yard sale, look at those “junk” items with fresh eyes—you might just see your next garden treasure.
Happy Junking
Karen
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