In the midst of warmer weather, who doesn’t want to go outside and enjoy an afternoon in the yard? But when you walk outside, are you greeted with patchy grass, wilted flowerbeds, and bird feeders that need some TLC?
It’s time to bring some life into your yard and garden! However, one trip to your local hardware store will prove that landscaping takes planning, time, and — unfortunately — money.
We’ve gathered some inexpensive landscaping ideas that can be both pleasing to the eye and gracious to your wallet.
Create a Minimalist Landscape
When taking a minimalistic approach to your landscape, you’re creating an area that is clean, polished, and well-kept. A yard that gives back to the environment in its structure and format is minimalistic. Landscaping ideas that don’t lead to an overcrowded yard can benefit you and your family.
Choosing a minimalistic landscape also saves you time and money. Since there won’t be as many components to buy, you’ll only spend money on the plants and landscaping items that you really need.
For example, consider adding a garden to the side of your yard. You’ll be able to grow your own vegetables, fruits, and even herbs, saving you some extra money because you won’t need to buy them each week at the store. Gardens also become great educational tools for a family. Young children will learn how food is grown and how to care for a variety of plants.
Besides choosing plants, don’t forget to add other landscaping elements into your budget.
- Pathways. Compare costs of stone, cement, brick, or other walkway materials. Take into consideration their durability. Think, too, about whether you’re up for the task of laying it yourself or will need to hire a landscaper.
- Filler. Rocks and mulch are popular fillers. While rocks tend to last longer, they do cost more up front.
- Outdoor Lighting. Solar lights add a luminescent touch to your landscaping. They also save on your electric bill since they run on solar power only.
- Landscaping fabric and trim. Landscaping fabric helps keep your landscaping weed free. You can also lay black trash bags or newspapers instead of fabric in order to save money. Trim is used to separate your landscaping plants, mulch, or rocks from your grass. It gives it a clean-cut look. People use everything from bricks or stones to rubber or wood pieces for trim, so you can easily find an option that fits your budget.
Incorporate Inexpensive Plants
There are multiple ways you can incorporate plants and flowers into your landscaping plans without going over budget. Perennial flowers will keep your yard blooming every year, saving you money since you won’t be replacing them annually. You’ll want to look for flowers thar require little watering and fertilizing, or plants that grow into the soil and multiply on their own.
There are several choices, depending on what your climate looks like. Most Pennsylvanians will see success with bleeding hearts or daylilies — these flowers do well in Pennsylvania’s climate and are known for lasting many years and growing rather quickly. Coreopsis is also a smart, inexpensive landscaping option because of its abundant availability in most gardening centers and nurseries.
It’s always best to make sure you ask about toxicity levels in the flowers you purchase. Bleeding hearts and daylilies aren’t necessarily toxic, but they’re closely related to flowers that are. Keep these factors in mind when purchasing or planting if you have dogs or other pets who may interact with the plant.
For full-color shrubs, consider oakleaf hydrangea, which grow beautifully in Pennsylvania. They are best planted in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
If you’re adding trees to your landscape, try a thriving beauty like the “October Glory” maple. It grows quickly and can reach a height of more than 50 feet. If you’re looking for a wispier, more draping tree for a soft look, consider the flowering cherry tree or crape myrtle. Both come in beautiful shades of pink and white and are on the shorter end of the spectrum, closer to 35 feet in height.
Inexpensive Landscaping Ideas
Considering cheap landscaping ideas sets you up for success in the long run. By looking for plants that replenish themselves and landscape materials that won’t need constant attention, you’re saving money you can put elsewhere. Effective and attractive landscaping also adds curb appeal to your home if there comes a time when you’re looking to sell.
When it comes time to plan for the future, you can also use your home’s equity for perhaps a much-needed renovation project. PSECU offers members multiple options for home equity loans. Check them out today.
