Inexpensive Landscaping Ideas for the Frugal Gardener
Start with an attractive lawn. A green, lush lawn is the first sign of quality landscaping. A yearly application of fertilizer or weed killer does not cost much if you do the work yourself. If you have bare patches of weeds encroaching on the grass, rip it up and broadcast grass seed.
Once you have a decent lawn established, it is time to begin creating your dream landscape without breaking the bank. The first step is to plan where the flower garden beds will be. It is customary to have some sort of garden beds near the house where both bushes and flowers can be planted. Lay out a garden hose or a piece of rope to outline where the garden will be and then dig out all the grass and weeds in that area. Use the grass and dirt to start a compost station in a secluded area of the yard.
The next step in creating beautiful gardens and landscaping is usually a trip to a garden center to buy overpriced bushes, perennial plants, and overpriced flats of annuals. Then you need to buy stone or brick garden edging, bagged mulch, and garden statuary too. Instead of blowing all your money, consider the following options.
Garden edging is easy to save money on. Not only could you use rocks that are found naturally in your area, you can ask for bricks, rock, or pavers on freecycle or post a sign in your neighborhood for what you want. Of course, garden beds do not need edging at all.
Plants can also be gotten inexpensively. The easiest way to create an attractive landscaping design is to divide plants that already exist in your yard or your friends' yards. Most perennial and bulb plants spread readily in healthy soil and will fill in your garden after a year of growth. Until the plants are established, consider using native species that can be found free in vacant lots or wild areas. (Never remove wildlife from parks or reserves.) Consider growing your own plants from seeds purchased for a few dollars.
Beautiful landscaping does not have to cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. By using free and low cost solutions, you can create a house beautiful garden design to enjoy year after year.
Published by Melanie L. Marten
Melanie Marten is self-taught and self-employed. Besides freelance writing, she dabbles in website design and owns dozens of websites and blogs. Work is squeezed in between parenting two boys, homeschoolin... View profile
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12 Comments
Post a CommentHaving had a limited budget this season (and most seasons, truth be known) I planted much of my flower bed from seed, then filled in a bit with plants purchased at the end of the buying season (when prices are reduced). I received much satisfaction from watching my seeds grow and finally bloom.
I love those ideas. Now I have some more inspiration to attack my outdoor projects again!
I welcome any help I can receive in this area. Thanks for an excellent gardening piece.
We only have a small plot of ground to garden since we live in a town house. However, we are not doing to well with even that limited amount of space. I'll show this article to my wife. Thank you.
Love this!
Excellent Work~!
Super tips!!
HA- I was wondering how I got an alert from someone I didn't know- you've changed your name.
I didn't recognize your new name :-) Great article. I am bookmarking it for next year. First we have to do the inside of the house :-)
Great tips. Thanks.