Tips for planting on a budget

There are plenty of money saving ideas so hopefully here are one or two that suit you.

The first thing I always say is make a plan before buying. Even if it’s not a drawn out planting plan a shopping list is a must. It’s tempting to buy a plant you like but if it doesn’t work in your garden it’s a waste of money - so know what plants will suit your garden including its aspect (e.g.sunny, shady, windy, sloping) and soil conditions. The adage “right plant right place” is something to always keep in mind.

Look at what you’ve got and make use of it if possible. Some plants can be moved and perennials can be divided = more plants for free. Of course large shrubs and trees can’t be moved but perhaps it’s workable to make a plan to plant around them. Pruning appropriately to keep shrubs looking good can help too.

Grow your own and here I’m not talking about vegetables but ornamental plants. If you’ve the time and space then grow from seed. You can also easily propagate many plants from cuttings so if you have one Salvia for example, you can make more!

If this isn’t for you then consider self-seeding perennials. In my garden I don’t think I’ll ever need to buy Astrantia (Hattie’s Pincushion), Achillea (Yarrow) or Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) again. I dig up seedlings and plant them in groups where

I want them. This isn’t for the very neat and tidy and you need to recognise small seedlings and not pull them up as weeds…

Buy smaller… Buying plants in smaller 9cm pots instead of 1 or 2 litre is an immediate money saver. A little more patience is required as the plants must be spaced to allow room to mature.

Let the lawn go wild. Ever thought about a meadow area? There are a few ways to do it so look out for my next article.

Adding a water feature is feasible on a budget; it doesn’t have to be moving water or a fountain. By reusing a container or buying a cheap one and putting in a feature aquatic plant or two you can have water on the patio and attract birds and wildlife.

Finally spruce up and tidy up! Consider whether existing wooden furniture be painted to give it a new lease of life or reuse materials in other areas.

© 2023 Karen Roberts Garden Design