BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS ON THE CHEAP!

I have never met a flower that I didn't like!  As the new selections make their appearance at all the local garden shops each spring, you will find me oohing and aahing over every single one.  I know that I can't have everything, but I would if I could.

As the years go by I have learned a trick or two about gathering lots of variety in my flower gardens:  first of all I have learned to spend just a little more and buy perennials (flowers that come back on their own year after year).  I have also learned that if you have a friend or two with flowers in their yards they are usually happy to let you have a start from one of their plants.

I also start some of my flowers from seed like zinnias, and marigolds.

Each year I like to add a few annuals for that extra burst of color but I just don't like the cost.  This year I found that one of our local garden shops begins to mark down "stressed" plants to 1/2 price.  I have purchased geraniums, petunias, daisies, and some vines already this year.  As long as they are green and not totally dried out you can baby them back to good health.  This store also has torn or damaged bags of soil for 1/2 price.  I now stroll through this store a few times a week in order to stretch my budget.

Another way to save money in the flower garden is to use containers that weren't  meant for flowers.  I use milk cans, watering cans, tea pots, etc for my flowers.  When I go to a thrift store I'm always on the prowl for things that will work out in my flower garden.  I have an old bicycle, wagon, and trike that I plant to incorporate into a flower garden someday.

Don't be afraid to use your imagination.  I'm sure that you will have beautiful flowers on the cheap too!

Blessings
GrandmaB

This is the day the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it.