Your home’s landscape can look like a million bucks without costing that much. Use these thrifty tips to beautify and care for your yard more economically. Also, visit your local library to check out gardening videos, books, and magazines (side bonus: some libraries even offer seeds and lend garden tools).
1. Take Care of Your Lawn. Mowing, trimming, edging, and aerating your lawn are essential to maintaining a lush, healthy yard. Keep your mower blades sharp and mow at the highest recommended setting for the healthiest grass. A well-maintained lawn will look great and help you save money in the long run.
2. Invest in Low-Maintenance Plants. Choose hardy plants that require little maintenance and will withstand your local climate. Look for native species that can survive on their own and require minimal watering and pruning.
3. Mulch. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, prevents weeds from growing, and helps insulate your plants from extreme temperatures. It also adds visual appeal to your landscape.
4. Utilize Pathways. Adding pathways throughout your yard allows you to move around more easily and adds a decorative element. Use flagstone, gravel, or brick to create a unique look.
5. Plant in Groups. Planting in groups can make your landscape look more organized and visually pleasing. Grouping plants of the same species together will make them look fuller and more attractive.
1. Shop for Plants at Local Garden Centers
When it comes to plants, garden centers offer a much better selection and quality than big box stores. Plus, you can get advice from experienced staff. Local nurseries also tend to be cheaper and offer discounts when you buy in bulk.
2. Choose Low-Maintenance Plants
Choose plants that don’t require a lot of pruning and maintenance. Succulents, shrubs, and groundcover plants are great options. Native plants will also require less care and can help attract birds and other wildlife to your yard.
3. Plant in Clusters
Grouping plants together can help reduce water and fertilizer costs. Plus, it creates a more attractive, natural-looking landscape.
4. Reuse and Repurpose
Look for ways to repurpose existing materials in your yard. Old pots and planters can be reused for container gardening, and broken bricks and stones can be used for paths and edging.
5. Install Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation systems are much more efficient than traditional sprinklers. They deliver water directly to the roots of plants, which helps reduce water waste and evaporation.
Do Your Research
Talk To Your Neighbors
Chances are, there are other local gardeners in your area who can provide tips and insights. Ask them about their landscaping and gardening successes and failures and get advice on the best plants and techniques for your particular climate and soil type. You can also join a local gardening club or simply observe your neighbors’ gardens to get ideas.
Visit Garden Centers
Garden centers offer a wealth of knowledge and resources. Talk to the staff about your landscaping and gardening goals, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Many garden centers even have classes or seminars on landscaping and gardening topics, which can help you stay up to date on the latest trends and techniques.
Take Notes
As you research, take notes on the plants, tools, and techniques that interest you. This will help you keep track of the information you find, and it will also make it easier to remember what you’ve learned. After you’ve collected all the information you need, make a plan of action and start creating your dream garden.
Comparison Shop.
Before you buy any landscaping materials, compare prices from different stores and online retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Do It Yourself
. When it comes to landscaping, you can save money by doing the work yourself instead of hiring someone to do it for you.
Shop Around.
Check with local nurseries, garden centers, and home improvement stores for discounted plants, trees, and shrubs. Many times, stores offer clearance prices on older or out-of-season items.
Plan Ahead.
If you plan your landscaping project ahead of time, you can achieve a better result without overspending. Make sure you know exactly how much material you’ll need and where you’ll need it before you buy anything.
Reuse Materials
. If you know someone who is getting rid of their old landscaping materials, ask if you can take them off their hands for a discounted price. This can save you a lot of money if you’re willing to put in a little extra work.
Use Perennials.
Perennials are a great way to add color to your landscape without breaking the bank. They’re also easy to maintain and will come back year after
Don’t Overplant
Use Mulch
Mulch helps keep weeds down and reduces water evaporation from the soil.
Choose the Right Plants
Select plants that work with your climate, soil, and sun exposure. Install a Drip Irrigation System Drip irrigation systems are an economical, efficient way to water your plants. Growing Your Own Vegetable and herb gardens are a great way to add flavor to your meals and save money.
Create Zones
Designate areas for entertaining, relaxing, gardening, and playing. Add Lighting can add ambiance and safety to your landscape.
Reuse and Recycle
Recycle materials and use items like old windows or shutters as garden art.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and estimate. We guarantee you’ll be happy you did! Since 2004, Blackstone Landscaping, Inc. has been providing exceptional landscape installation, landscape maintenance, and snow and ice management services to homes and business throughout SE Michigan. (248) 939-3600