Gardens on a budget

With frost on the ground and chill in the air it might not feel like time to get stuck into the garden. But if you haven’t already thought about it, now is the time to do it. The economy is still struggling to kick into gear, so budgeting effectively is as crucial as ever. Having your garden completely landscaped can be an expensive process, but it doesn’t have to be if you plan effectively.

It really is possible to achieve your dream, without spending wheelbarrow loads of money or having lots of experience and knowledge.

What will keep costs down and maximise your budget?

Planning:

If you can, contact a garden designer at the earliest possible moment. There are busy times throughout the year for landscaping works, so by contacting a designer early on it will push you to the front of the queue. For example, Winter is a perfect time to get in touch as the works can be scheduled in to get the garden ready for Summer. This forward planning will ensure everything is prepared in advance and minimises the risk of meeting inflated prices from landscapers when they are busy.

Materials:

The layout and features of a garden design determines the cost to a point, however material choices can dramatically increase the price of a build. If prices need to be brought down in a project then it is worth opening your mind and exploring alternative materials, such as opting for softwood over hardwood, gravel driveways over block and simply using more economical manufactures.

Recycle:

A recycled galvanised water tank turned planter
A recycled galvanised water tank turned planter

A morally responsible and often quite inventive way to save money is to look at using recycled materials. This could be from something on your site already, or by using local reclamation yards to find interesting items and materials. We recently saved an old galvanised water tank and repurposed it as a planter which was much cheaper than buying a new planter at that size.

If you would like any advise just head over to our Contact Page and get in touch.

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Who else thinks the brink of Spring comes and goes too fast? 

It’s so good to see Spring flowers bursting to life,  with the bare bones of the garden still on show. Then all of a sudden it’s full steam ahead and everything is in leaf! 

This is a project of mine on the edge of Dartmoor and has held up very well even with our soaking wet winter. Can’t wait to see more of the bulbs come through. The Magnolia ‘Stellata’ is putting on a serious display! 

Plants from @foliumandflosplants 

#gardening #plantingdesign #gardenersofinstagram #gardenlove

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Do you want to make a show garden?! 🪴

Applications are still open for the Designer Gardens @tauntonfs ! 

I will be one of the judges again this year and we would love one or two more gardens to display. The deadline has been extended to Mid April if anyone would like to apply. 

You’ll even get a complimentary 3x3m trade stand at the show as well as the garden, so it’s a win win! 

Applications aren’t just for designers, anyone can apply so I really encourage you to give it a go! It will be a great experience and we look forward to seeing you there. 

Details on the @tauntonfs website 🪴

#tauntonflowershow #showgarden #gardendesign #gardenersofinstagram

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256 9
Top tips for pruning apple trees! 🌳 
 
I’ve used a combination of my @stihlgb HTA 30 pole pruner, @stihlgb ASA 20 secateurs and a long reach lopper to prune this overgrown apple tree. 
 
The best time to formatively prune apple trees is in the dormant season, between November and March. 
 
#Gardening #gardenmaintenance #STIHL

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A job so simple even a baby can do it! 

Jude is exploring the garden now that Spring is on the way and he loved tidying this Festuca. 

Most evergreen grasses just need a simple comb through to remove the dead and that’s all. You don’t even have to do this every year, only if it is very noticeable. 

If you have any garden questions for Jude then please ask away! 

#horticulture #gardenlove #gardening #gardentips

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