ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Many homeowners believe they need to spend a lot to achieve a beautiful landscape, but that’s not always the case. With the right approach, it’s possible to enhance outdoor spaces without overspending. There are some simple strategies that can help homeowners save money while creating attractive gardens and yards.

Garage and estate sales, thrift and second-hand stores

Using garage sales, estate sales and thrift and second-hand stores can seriously stretch your budget while adding a lot of charm and character to your outdoor space.

Second-hand and thrift stores are great places to find flower pots.

What to look for:

1. Containers & planters

  • Old buckets, watering cans, teapots, baskets, colanders — anything that can hold soil can be a planter.
  • Check for drainage or drill holes if needed.
  • Look for ceramic pots, window boxes or even old wooden drawers.

2. Furniture for the garden

  • Benches, chairs or tables — even if they’re rusty or chipped, a little sanding and paint can give them new life.
  • Use old ladders as vertical planters or display racks.
  • Coffee tables make great plant stands.
Thrift and second-hand stores are great places to find outdoor furniture.

3. Garden tools

  • Rakes, shovels and hoes often show up cheap. Even if they’re vintage or rusty, some TLC can restore them.
  • Metal tools usually just need a little WD-40 and sharpening.

4. Decorative items

  • Look for garden gnomes, lanterns, birdhouses, wind chimes or statues.
  • Mirrors can make a small garden space feel larger — especially framed ones you can hang on fences.
  • Picture frames can be turned into living walls or moss art.

5. Trellises & supports

  • Headboards, wire shelves or old gates can be repurposed as trellises.
  • Tomato cages, broomsticks and curtain rods can all support climbing plants.

6. Lighting

  • String lights, lanterns or solar lights.
  • Mason jars or candle holders for DIY solar lights or tea light decor.

7. Unusual finds

  • Old sinks or bathtubs make excellent raised garden beds or water features.
  • Tires can become colorful planters.
  • Pallets offer endless possibilities (vertical gardens, compost bins, potting tables).

Tips for successful thrifty gardening

  • Have a vision but stay flexible — sometimes the best finds are unexpected. Bring measurements of your space and a tape measure.
  • Think creatively — can that rusty cart be a mobile herb garden?
  • Don’t be afraid of a DIY project — spray paint, sanding and sealant are your friends.
  • Go early for the best picks or late for the best deals.
Seed packets are an inexpensive way to add flowers to your landscape. Photo credit: Metro Creative Graphics

Plant swaps & freebies

  • Ask at garage sales if the homeowner is a gardener — they might share cuttings or extras.
  • Join local Facebook groups or Buy Nothing groups for free plants, soil or pots.
  • Ask friends, family or neighbors for plant cuttings.
  • Check Facebook groups, local gardening clubs or community calendars for plant swap events.
  • Seed packets are inexpensive and offer way more plants than buying starts.

Use what you have

  • Repurpose materials: Old bricks, stones, wood or even broken pots can become edging, paths or raised beds.
  • Relocate plants: Move existing plants around for a fresh layout instead of buying new ones.
  • DIY compost: Make your own with kitchen scraps and yard waste.
  • Repurpose old items: Old wheelbarrows, barrels, watering cans and other items can be repurposed into container gardening vessels. Figure out if items marked for the garbage bin can be incorporated into garden features instead.

Choose low-maintenance, budget-friendly plants

  • Perennials: Cost more upfront but come back every year.
  • Native plants: Thrive in your climate with less water and fuss.
  • Ground covers: Like creeping thyme or clover—they fill space and reduce weeds.

DIY as much as possible

  • Build your own raised beds or garden boxes.
  • Create stepping stones with molds or upcycled materials.
  • Paint old furniture or containers for a fresh look.
Mulch can spruce up your flower beds and save on watering as well as help you save time with weeding.

Save on water

  • Mulch: Keeps soil moist and prevents weeds — use bark, straw or even newspaper. Look for free mulch. Municipal recycling centers may offer residents access to free mulch made from grinding up leaves, branches and other plant debris collected throughout the town.
  • Rain barrels: Collect water for free irrigation.
  • Drip irrigation: More efficient than sprinklers and not too expensive to set up.

Add character with details

  • Paint rocks or pavers for color pops
  • Use solar lights for ambiance without increasing the electric bill

These strategies can help anyone save some cash and still end up with attractive gardens and more.

If you’re looking to spruce up your yard, 828newsNOW can help. Check out these upcoming stories in our Garden Guide series:

  • Native plants
  • Mulch
  • Essential tools
  • Plants for bees and other helpful insects
  • Where to get plants, tools and tips