Vintage Market Finds for the Garden: My Top Treasures from Vermont

Discover vintage market finds from Vermont and how I use them as planters, risers, and outdoor décor in my Zone 6B garden.

Hi! I’m Stacy Ling, a trained Master Gardener gardening in Zone 6B here in New Jersey. I love incorporating vintage and thrifted treasures into my flower gardens because they add instant charm, height, and personality that new items just can’t match.

On a recent trip to Vermont, I found some incredible pieces that I’m repurposing as planters, risers, and outdoor décor in my garden. Here’s a look at what I brought home and how I use items like these to create garden spaces that feel collected, creative, and full of character.

Since these photos were taken during peak fall color in my Zone 6B garden, you’ll see how beautifully these vintage pieces blend with autumn foliage, porch containers, and fall décor.

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One of my favorite pastimes is scouring local flea markets in Vermont for unique garden decor treasures. There’s something magical about discovering vintage market finds that add charm and personality to my garden.

Each piece tells a story and brings a touch of rustic elegance to my outdoor space. Join me on this exciting journey as I share my top vintage market finds from Vermont, perfect for transforming your garden into a whimsical oasis filled with character and history.

This is the last weekend the outdoor flea market is open for the season, so I’m on the hunt for the last garden goodies of the season before we shift into ski season here in Vermont.

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What to Look for When Thrifting for Garden Decor Ideas

Before we head out to the flea market, let’s chat about what I look for when I am thrifting for garden decor on a dime. I always seek out pieces with a rich history and unique character. I love finding items that not only look beautiful but also tell a story and add a touch of nostalgia to my outdoor space.

Durability is key, as these pieces need to withstand the elements. I also look for functionality—decor that serves a practical purpose, like planters or garden tables.

But most importantly, I choose items that resonate with my personal style and complement my existing garden decor, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Top Vintage Market Finds: Unique Garden Decor Gems I Found

Since we were up in Vermont a lot this fall, I hit the outdoor antique mall as much as possible. I was hoping I’d see some of the vendors that were there Labor Day Weekend.

But that wasn’t the case. So some of the things I should have bought, I totally missed out on.

Lesson learned. I mean you can’t buy everything you see…can you? If you ask Chris, he’ll tell you no. LOL!

So there weren’t as many vendors this week as there were Labor Day Weekend. But I still found some great stuff! This time, we were shopping with my mother and step-father who visited with us for the weekend.

The highlight of this vintage market trip was finding $5 on the ground on my way in! I mean…it’s like the flea market gods wanted to me to buy stuff today. So I did.

Wait until you see what we found!

Discovering Vintage Crocks for Garden Decor

One of my most exciting finds at the Vermont flea market was a collection of vintage crocks. These charming pieces, with their rustic and timeless appeal, instantly caught my eye. I love how each crock has its own unique character and history, making them perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to my garden.

Whether used as planters, storage, or decorative accents, these vintage crocks bring a sense of rustic elegance and charm to any outdoor space. The thrill of unearthing such treasures makes every trip to the flea market an adventure!

I love finding crocks when I’m out thrifting. They are perfect for cut flowers, and live and artificial plants. Of course, you can drop other collections of things in there too like rolling pin collections, birch branches, and other cool stuff.

But I lean towards plants, flowers, and other organic materials.

During fall, I use crocks to hold cut dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers (if I have any left) mums, goldenrod, or fall foliage branches. They’re heavy enough to anchor windy porch displays.

Crocks are also great for houseplants too! Don’t bother adding a drainage hole either. Just sink a plastic nursery pot with your greenery and call it a day.

The Coolest Vintage Market Find: Unearthing an Afghani Table for the Garden

One of the most unique and captivating finds from my Vermont flea market adventure was an Afghani table. This piece stood out with its intricate craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage.

The table’s beautiful details and rustic charm would make it a perfect addition to my home to raise a houseplant like my monstera plant, off the floor. It is such pretty vintage garden decor, am I right? I love how it would bring a touch of exotic elegance to the space, serving as both a functional piece and a conversation starter.

It was kind of big though so I don’t really have room for it in my house. But I thought it would make a great plant riser. And it cost like $100. I thought it was a pretty good deal but opted not to buy it because I don’t have the space in my home for it.

Tables, small stools, or benches like this are great for raising plants up off the floor and giving them a more prominent space in your decor. So keep an eye out for things that can give you that added height and character.

I found this cute little vintage step stool at the outdoor flea market and think it makes such a great plantstand.

Adding Copper Decor for a Warm, Rustic Touch

Finding copper decor at the Vermont flea market was a fun surprise because there was so much of it! I adore mixing these warm, metallic pieces into my fall decor—their rich hues blend beautifully with autumnal colors and add a rustic touch to my home.

Copper items also pair incredibly well with my houseplants and cut flowers, enhancing their natural beauty. They even had some copper pedastal bowls that were really fun!

Each piece I found, from vases to small decorative items, would bring a unique charm to my garden and indoor spaces. So I snagged a few!

Copper is great for fall decorating because you bring that fall color in through decor. And I love to use them as vessels for small flower arrangements or saucers for my houseplants.

Vintage Megaphones: A Whimsical Halloween Touch

One of the quirkiest and most charming finds at the Vermont flea market was a set of vintage megaphones. Their shape reminds me of vintage witch hats, making them a perfect addition to my Halloween decor.

I love placing them on a table or porch, dressed up with trailing houseplants and other fall blooms. These unique pieces not only add a touch of whimsy but also seamlessly blend with the autumnal theme, creating an enchanting and festive atmosphere both indoors and out.

I did not buy these – just thought they were cool!

Red Goblets: Festive Holiday Elegance

One of my favorite finds at the Vermont flea market were these stunning red goblets. They would look absolutely fabulous on a holiday table, adding a touch of elegance and vibrant color.

I can already imagine them adorned with winter greenery, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere. These goblets are perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing a warm and cheerful vibe to any celebration.

Their rich color and classic design make them a versatile and beautiful addition to both my garden decor and seasonal indoor displays.

I LOVE these gorgeous red goblets! Don’t you? They would be perfect for my holiday table this year. So I bought them.

He only had 5 so he cut me a deal from $30 to $15. But I was happy with it and snatched them up quick!

Rustic Garden Decor: Charming Rusty Rims

One of the most intriguing finds at the Vermont flea market were the rusty rims. These pieces make fantastic rustic garden decor, adding a vintage and industrial touch to any space. I love placing them both on the porch and throughout the garden, where they serve as unique focal points.

Their weathered appearance complements the greenery and flowers beautifully, creating a charming, aged look. Whether used as planters, art, or garden ornaments, these rusty rims would bring character, rustic charm, and a touch of history to your home.

Aren’t those rusty wheel rims so cool? They’d look great displayed on a wall or in the garden.

Vintage Skis and Snowshoes: Cozy Winter Decor

While not necessarily meant for fall decorating, one of my favorite vintage market finds are the old skis and snowshoes. These pieces are perfect for holiday or winter decor, bringing a cozy, ski lodge aesthetic to any space.

In our Vermont cabin, we have them displayed on the walls, which adds to the rustic charm. They look stunning adorned with winter greenery, making them ideal for creating a festive, welcoming atmosphere.

I love to cross them and add fresh winter greenery like pine boughs or holly for that cozy winter look.

Whether used indoors or out, these vintage skis and snowshoes add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your holiday decorations.

How I Style Vintage Finds in My Fall Garden

Fall is one of my favorite seasons to decorate with vintage pieces because the warm tones, rich textures, and natural patina fit right in with autumn blooms. In my Zone 6B garden, here are a few ways I use these treasures during fall:

• Add a weathered stool to give height to fall porch pots
• Pair crocks with fall foliage or dahlias
• Add baskets filled with gourds and small potted mums
• Use shutters as backdrops for porch pumpkins and container gardens
• Mix old metal containers with ornamental cabbage and kale

What to Look for When Shopping Vintage Markets in Fall (Garden Edition)

Here’s what I always look for when browsing vintage markets in the fall, especially when I’m styling my garden and outdoor spaces for autumn:

Warm, Weathered Finishes

Fall décor looks best with pieces that have warm wood tones, worn patina, rustic chippy paint, or aged metal that blends naturally with autumn colors.

Sturdy Containers for Fall Plants

At fall markets, I look for crocks, stoneware, wooden crates, or metal buckets that can hold mums, asters, ornamental kale, or fall foliage stems.

Architectural Pieces with Height

Fall gardens benefit from height to balance pumpkins and low pots. Think: shutters, screens, stools, salvaged windows, small tables.

Solid Construction for Outdoor Use

Fall weather = wind, rain, cold snaps. Make sure:

• no cracks in ceramic
• metal isn’t structurally compromised
• wood is sturdy enough for porch use

Pieces That Complement Fall Colors

Rust, mustard, golds, burnt orange, deep greens, blackened metal, and warm wood tones look AMAZING in fall garden displays.

Drainage & Weather Tips for Using Vintage Items Outdoors in Fall

Wooden stools and baskets last longer if placed on covered porches during fall storms.

• Fall rain can pool in containers, so make sure anything you use outdoors has drainage or a liner.
• Ceramic and pottery can crack when temperatures drop suddenly — bring them inside before hard frost.
• Metal containers can rust faster in damp fall weather, which often adds charm, but use a liner if you want to slow it down.

Final Thoughts About Thrifting for Antique Garden Accessories in Vermont

As a trained Master Gardener who’s spent more than 25 years styling and tending gardens in Zone 6B, I’ve learned that vintage pieces can completely transform an outdoor space, especially in the fall. The warm patina, layered textures, and weathered finishes pair beautifully with autumn blooms, porch pots, and changing foliage. The treasures I found in Vermont fit right into my garden because they feel collected, authentic, and full of character.

If you love adding charm and personality to your fall garden, keep an eye out for architectural salvage, old crocks, rustic stools, metal containers, and unique vessels with history. They bring instant cottage-garden beauty to your outdoor spaces, and with a little creativity, you can repurpose them as planters, risers, or focal points that elevate your fall displays.

I hope this inspires you to browse your next vintage market with gardener’s eyes — because sometimes the best garden décor isn’t bought new. It’s found, loved, and given a whole new life among your flowers.

I appreciate you thrifting in Vermont with me today! Did any of my finds catch your eye? Let’s chat more in the comments below.

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo

Thrifting for Vintage Market Finds With Friends

One of the best parts about blogging is meeting friends from around the globe. It is super cool to see how different things are in different areas of the country. And I’ve come to learn that thrifting and shopping for vintage decor can be easy or a challenge depending on your location.

And my good friend Jennifer from Cottage on Bunker Hill in New Hampshire visited 3 antique stores in MA. Jennifer makes the coolest DIY projects. I wonder what she’ll be making after her trip to MA.

Wait until you see the cool stuff she found!