Tip
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a lush lawn.
Accept cheaper when it's good enough.
With some items, there's little difference in quality between top-of-the-line and economy.
Hence, why pay more?
Make use of a home improvement warehouse's volume buying power for bargains on common annuals and perennials, mulch, pavers, and containers.
However, inspect plants closely. 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.
- Don't rush out to buy newly released plant varieties, which may be expensive initially because supply is low and demand is high.
- When production catches up in a few years, prices will likely drop.
Shop online and mail-order sources.
Catalogs and web sites expand your choices, especially for rare plants and specialized products. Shopping by phone or online 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.
Botanical centers and arboretums often hold plant sales, and neighbors may have extra perennials to share.
Certain cities offer free mulch and compost, and 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.
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