If you’re trying to create a garden on a budget, you can either hire an inexpensive landscaper or, even better, you can do it yourself. This is the way to go if you want to be creative and get just what you want. All you need, besides enough time and a willingness to try, are some basic guidelines and you’re on your way. A green thumb doesn’t hurt, but you may just surprise yourself and develop one along the way!
Some preliminary work does have to be done. You need to plan out what you’re going to spend on what items. Don’t forget that you’ll have expenses beyond those of the plants you choose. Your garden will have to have such things as a watering system, paving in places, artistic focal points, and fences. Of course, you also need the tools with which to garden, so if you don’t already have them, they must be factored into the total cost.
Planning your design is also important. Since you’re on a budget, you might want to have just one or two consultations with a professional landscaper who can give you ideas for the layout of the garden. Or you can just meander through home and garden centers or peruse home and gardening magazines and get your ideas from there. Checking out house tours to see what others have done is also a good thought. Be sure to do your comparison shopping while you’re buying your materials.
Check around at local garden stores to see who’s offering the best buys. It might pay to go to several, or it could be best to just shop at the one that seems most appealing and ask for their bulk rates. There’s also the internet, of course. There are lots of gardening supply places online, and that offers you the possibility of easy comparison shopping. Right there, too, will be easily accessible reviews and comments on how to create your best garden, and there may be some dialogue going on about problems you’re going to face in yours.
Don’t forget that you’re investing time as well as money in your garden, and time is money. Decide on a target date for your garden’s completion. Then decide on how many hours per day or week you can give to this project. You want a well-balanced life, but you do have to live up to your agreement with yourself on this if you want a nice garden in time for the season. Maybe you can get family and friends involved, too, which makes work and play one and the same thing. Then you’ll all feel a sense of accomplishment because you’ve stuck to your timetable and now have a beautiful place to relax and socialize together.