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16/06/2009How to cut garden costs

Keeping costs down can be the hardest landscape challenge you face, according to gardening expert Elaine Jarvis.

Starting small

Starting with small plants keeps costs under control, but it may take years for your landscape to mature. Larger plants cost more but provide instant results. If you buy large trees, you may need professional help transporting and installing them.

With all plants, the price varies with rarity and quality. For annuals and perennials, buying seed and starting plants indoors is almost always cheaper than purchasing bedding plants. Shoot has a powerful plant database and can connect you with most online seed merchants.

Planning and purchasing

Knowing what plants you need and deciding their placement in advance can save money.

Few people have the financial resources to landscape all at once. Divide your project into phases and budget as you go with the funds available.


Do-it-yourself chains such as Schilliger and Coop offer the lowest prices for common plants and material, but these stores may not have the selection and quality available at a more specialised garden centre, which also provides more personal service, expert advice and guarantees, which are helpful for novices. With some items there is little difference in quality between top-of-the-line and economy. Take advantage of bargains on common annuals and perennials, mulch, paving and containers, but inspect plants closely. Large commercial outlets do not take as good care of their plants as a nursery.

Save money on trees, shrubs, perennials, soil and mulch by buying late in the season. Newly released plant varieties are often expensive. Prices drop when they are more widely commercialised.

Shop online and through mail order sources; the UK has some of the best and most varied catalogues. Check alternate resources. Look beyond garden centres and mail order for bargains. Arboretums and botanical centres often hold plant sales. Associations or neighbours may have extra perennials to share, so being sociable can also cut costs.


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