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Home > Blogs > Here's the Deal > Archives > 2009 > May > 02 > Entry
Beautiful yard on a budget
There are lots of places to scrimp and a few places to splurge when landscaping, but overall it’s absolutely doable to create a beautiful yard on a budget. Here are some tips to help you save money and have the nicest looking property on the block:
• Don’t buy large plants. Fast-growing plants like grasses and perennials can be purchased in small containers and will grow quickly. The place to invest more money is on mature trees and shrubs that tend to be slow growers.
• Design your own gardens. Get online or head to the library for plans and information to help you design like a pro. Try the-landscape-design-site.com/blog/ for lots of plans and design tips. If you feel you need design help, have a professional create a plan you can execute yourself. (Which means getting personal with your shovel and really doing it yourself.)
• Add color with a few strategically-placed annuals in high-visibility areas to add a pop of visual interest.
• Make a seating area with a used Bistro set or weathered Adirondak chairs that have been livened up with a fresh coat of bright, weather-resistant paint.
• Border landscape areas. Creating clean borders creates an I-paid-lots-for-this look.
• Get free help. The Clark County Master Gardeners (mastergardener.osu.edu) program runs a free helpline service. Gardeners with questions can call (937) 328-4632 every Monday and Thursday between 9 a.m. and noon for help with vegetables, flowers, diseases and pests. You can bring specimens to the extension office, 4400 Gateway Blvd., Suite 104, for diagnosis during helpline hours. On-line help is available at plantfacts.osu.edu.
• Have a plant swap. Ask family, friends and neighbors to share. Mature plants and bulbs can be easily divided.
• Use mulch to save money. A layer of mulch — chipped wood or stone — holds moisture, improves the soil and helps keep weeds under control. The best deals will likely be found with bulk suppliers; call around to find out about material pricing and delivery charges. Even though prebagged materials may seem more convenient, they will cost more and may be contaminated with pests.
• Use landscaping materials that are low-cost or free. Boulders, rocks, bricks, an old wagon wheel, or an antique cast iron gate will be an interesting visual element. Ask if you can have scrap materials from building sites and check out garage sales or auctions for items on the cheap.
• Choose plants that are indigenous to the region or can withstand the climate. This can save money and time as it will lessen maintenance and replacement costs. The Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (buckeyegardening.com) offers a map of planting zones and a plant database.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Good ideas, Helpful information, Savings
Comments
By Frank
May 2, 2009 12:42 PM | Link to this
Nothing like an old wagon wheel or maybe an old car tire filled with flowers to make a yard look great. This is a silly column, what’s next, ‘How to build a million dollar home for $20 bucks’?
By nina
May 3, 2009 5:16 PM | Link to this
for those of us who are on a tight budget i really appreciate this column and those like it. It helps me save on money and at the same time helps me make my yard look better. Thanks
By Frank
May 5, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this
I prefer the weeds they are free and often have flowers on them too and you never know where they might pop up to brighten up your day! I won’t do what you tell me! I prefer to think for myself!