Landscaping - Gardening - Lawn Care

Money-Saving Ideas

Keep these tips in mind as you shop for your yard.

Plan before you buy. Knowing exactly what you need and where you're going to put it helps avoid wasting money.

Talk to a pro. You may not need to hire a landscape architect or designer to develop your whole project, but $50 to $100 for an hour-long consultation is well worth the money if it saves you from costly mistakes later.

Buy in phases. Few people have the financial resources to landscape their property all at once. Divide your project into phases, and pay as you go with funds on hand.

Don't assume cheaper is always better. Home improvement warehouses typically offer the lowest prices for common plants and materials. However, they may not have the selection and quality you find at more specialized sources. Also, a local specialty shop may provide more personal service, expert advice, and guarantees, which are all helpful if you're a novice.

Accept cheaper when it's good enough. With some items, there's little difference in quality between top-of-the-line and economy. Take advantage of bargains on common annuals and perennials, mulch, pavers, and containers. Inspect plants closely, however. A "big box" store may not care for them the way a nursery would.

Time your purchases. When you buy can be as important as where you buy. Lumber for outdoor projects is often cheaper during winter months. Save money on trees, shrubs, perennials, soil, and mulch by buying late in the season. Newly released plant varieties are often expensive; when production catches up with demand in a few years, prices drop.

Shop online and mail-order sources. Catalogs and Web sites expand your choices, especially for rare plants and specialized products. Shopping online or by phone is convenient, and prices may be lower than in stores, but don't forget to include shipping costs when comparing prices with local sources.

Check alternate resources. Look beyond stores and catalogs for bargains. Arboretums and botanical centers often hold plant sales. Neighbors may have extra perennials to share. Some cities offer free mulch and compost. Construction and demolition sites can be sources of bricks and stones.

Be sociable. Being neighborly cuts costs. Share the rental fee for tillers, chippers, or other heavy equipment with others on the block, then take turns and save.

Better Homes and Gardens

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