My Memorial Day Garden Wish List (And What I Already Own!)
My Garden Wish List & What I Already Love
15+ tools, plants, and home finds on my radar this Memorial Day weekend — plus honest notes on what I already own.
Memorial Day weekend is basically Christmas for gardeners. The sales are real, the timing is perfect — we're right in that sweet window between spring planting and summer heat — and I always find myself with a longer wish list than I'd care to admit.
This year I decided to be honest with myself. So I split this post into two parts: what I genuinely want to buy and what I already own and can vouch for. Both lists include affiliate links, which means if you click and purchase I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. I only link to things I'd actually put in my cart.
Whether you're gardening in Zone 9 like me or somewhere with real seasons, there's something here for every outdoor space. Let's get into it.
Giraffe Tools Retractable Garden Hose Reel
My current hose situation is a tangled embarrassment. This wall-mounted retractable hose reel promises auto-rewind and a tangle-free 100-foot hose — which sounds like a dream for my back-border beds. Memorial Day is the perfect excuse to finally commit.
Galvanized Steel Raised Garden Bed (4×8 ft)
I've been eyeing a galvanized metal raised bed for a dedicated cutting garden — something with cleaner lines than my existing cedar boxes. The zinc coating is supposed to last decades, and the modern industrial look would look sharp against a wooden fence.
David Austin 'Lady of Shalott,' Bare Root Rose
I am a hopeless David Austin devotee. Lady of Shalott, is on my list specifically for her incredibly fragrant, deeply cupped pale orange to deep orange blooms and her reputation for disease resistance — which matters a lot in warm dry climates.
Teak Folding Garden Chair (Set of 2)
I want somewhere proper to sit and admire all my hard work. Teak holds up beautifully outdoors without needing much maintenance, and a folding design means I can store them away when things get overgrown (which happens). Looking for sets that go on sale this weekend at Home Depot or Walmart.
Ferry-Morse Zinnia 'Benary's Giant' Seed Collection
A cutting garden isn't complete without zinnias, and Benary's Giant is the gold standard for big bold blooms on long stems. Ferry-Morse usually has Memorial Day promotions through their site, and this collection runs the full color spectrum — perfect for late summer bouquets and pollinators.
Solar Pathway Stake Lights (Set of 12)
I want to illuminate the path from the gate to the front door — solar so there's no wiring, warm white so it doesn't feel clinical. These are the exact kind of upgrade that makes the garden magical at dusk and costs practically nothing to run. Memorial Day prices on these drop fast.
Large Terracotta Pot Cluster (3-Piece Set)
I have a front step that desperately needs a moment. A trio of staggered terracotta pots — large, medium, and small — planted with trailing geraniums and a spiky Dracaena centerpiece would do it. Classic for a reason. These sets are everywhere on sale right now.
Outdoor Storage Bench / Garden Kneeler Combo
Dual-purpose garden furniture is the dream. A kneeler that flips into a bench AND has storage inside for hand tools? I've been hemming and hawing on this for months. My knees will thank me.
A Note on Timing Memorial Day Purchases
The best garden deals tend to happen Friday through Sunday — by Monday many "sale" items are back to near-regular pricing. If you're on the fence about something, add it to your cart Thursday evening and check the price Saturday morning. Big-box stores (Home Depot, Lowe's) also price-match each other during major sale weekends, which is worth remembering if you see the same item cheaper across town.
Rain Bird Drip Irrigation Starter Kit
Genuinely one of the best gardening investments I've ever made. My raised beds and border perennials run on drip and the water savings — and the time savings — are enormous. I set mine up over two weekends and haven't looked back. If you don't have drip yet, Memorial Day is when these kits go on sale and it's the perfect time to install before summer heat arrives.
Fiskars Softgrip Garden Pruner (Bypass)
I have had these pruners for years and the only reason I'd buy another pair is as a gift. The soft grip is genuinely comfortable for long pruning sessions, they stay sharp, and the spring-loaded action makes deadheading roses feel effortless. A timeless tool at a fair price point — often 20% off this weekend.
Espoma Rose-Tone Organic Fertilizer (4 lb)
My David Austin roses get this every spring and they reward me with everything I want — big fragrant flushes of bloom, deep green foliage, and strong new canes. Organic, slow-release, and it smells appropriately earthy. I buy it in bulk when it goes on sale at this time of year.
Bonsai Jack Gritty Mix Succulent Soil
After killing a few too many succulents in heavy soil, I switched to Bonsai Jack and never looked back. The fast-draining gritty mix is non-negotiable for succulents and cacti in Zone 9 where we get almost no rain in summer and roots can sit in warmth for months. Worth every penny.
HEBE Outdoor Rug (5×8 ft, Natural Jute Weave)
A proper outdoor rug changed the entire feel of my patio. It defines the space, softens the hardscape, and woven jute-style rugs hold up surprisingly well in dry climates. Mine has been through several summers. These are frequently 30–40% off during Memorial Day at places like Rugs USA and Amazon.
Monterey Bt Biological Insecticide
The safe way to deal with caterpillars and leaf miners without harming pollinators. I spray this on my roses and salvia early in the season and it keeps the foliage cleaner. Totally organic, OMRI listed, and it doesn't harm bees, birds, or beneficial insects — just the chewing larvae. Stock up when it's on sale.
Regal Art & Gift Hummingbird Wind Spinner
Part garden art, part hummingbird bait. I have two of these staked near my salvias and the real hummingbirds investigate them every single day — I swear they compete for territory with the spinner. The metal holds its color well and the movement is mesmerizing even on gentle breezes. A small joyful thing.
Gorilla Grip Kneeling Pad (Extra Thick)
Unglamorous but life-changing. A thick kneeling pad is the difference between enjoying a weeding session and dreading it. Mine lives on a hook in the garden shed and I grab it every single time I'm working at ground level. If you don't own one, this weekend's deals are a perfect excuse.
Shopping Smart This Weekend
Set Price Alerts
Use Camelcamelcamel or Honey to track Amazon prices and know if a "sale" is actually a deal.
Shop Local Too
Independent nurseries often have Memorial Day sales that rival box stores — and you get better plant selection and expert advice.
Bundle for Savings
On Amazon, buying fertilizers, soils, and small tools together often triggers free shipping and occasional bundle discounts.
Zone-First Thinking
Before you buy any plant, look up its heat tolerance. In Zone 9, summer survival depends on the right plant in the right spot.
Happy Shopping — and Happy Gardening
Whether you're filling a wish list or stocking up on proven favorites, Memorial Day weekend is a rare chance to invest in your outdoor space before the full heat of summer arrives. May your cart be full and your garden be lush.
← Back to The Garden Scroll*This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use or have thoroughly researched. Prices shown are approximate and subject to change — always verify current pricing before purchasing.*
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