Lauren Cobello » Budgeting » Frugal Living » 5 Ideas for Beautiful (but Frugal) Landscaping
Who doesn’t want one of those gorgeous, fancy yards you see in the pages of magazines or featured on TV? Unfortunately a lot of those lovely features come with a not so lovely price tag attached. Don’t lose hope though! There are plenty of frugal ways to spruce up your yard when you’re living on a budget!
Here are a few tips to get you started followed by some specific tips for staying within budget!
Step One – Choose Your Vision
Whether you find an example in a magazine or online, it really helps if you have a rough idea of what you’d like to do. You don’t need specifics, but having a set idea or goal can keep your costs down by preventing pointless spending. Consider researching your particular house style to see what other people do for gardens. Don’t be afraid to take a peek at what your neighbors have done.
Step Two – Plan and Set Manageable Goals
Research will be crucial. Many homeowners make the mistake of planting flowers and shrubs at the wrong time of year or choosing plants not suited for their environment. Do some research on what plants fit your climate. Consider the pros and cons of annual v. perennial planting. Also research proper care of the plants you’ve chosen and how much maintenance is involved. Keep in mind, sometimes LESS is better.
Step Three – Make A List and Budget
Lists can help prevent splurges and unintended purchases. Use your research to plan your purchases carefully. Keep in mind that not all plants are available at all times of the year and that some items drop in price depending on the timing. For example, plants you may not have access to all spring and summer, however, often times decorative stones, benches, and figurines are often discounted during the fall months. You could always purchase items for NEXT year, assuming you have somewhere to store them.
Okay, you’ve done your research. You’ve made your plan. Perhaps you have even started purchasing items on your list. What else can you do to save money?
These are just a few tips to help you landscape your yard without breaking the bank! Most of all have fun and enjoy the nice weather.
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