We’ve all been patiently waiting on spring to arrive, especially since we’ve endured such a long and harsh winter. At least all the left over snow will provide a good start for our garden and lawn water supply. Before you get started with your spring clean up, you need a plan and that plan should fit your budget.
Now that the weather is milder and most of the snow has melted, take an assessment of your home and backyard. Do any repairs need to be done? If so, make a list of the repairs in order of necessity. For example, if your roof is in need of repairing that should take priority over building a cabana by your pool. What about your lawn? Are you planning to fertilize it; and if so will you require professionals or can you do it yourself? Include in your list any chores you need to do and those you’d like to do. Then estimate the costs associated with each chore. Once you have an idea of the costs, you can choose what chores you can afford. Maybe this year your budget will be dedicated to making a major repair, but it’s important to keep your budget open to affording other things like planting flower boxes and a small vegetable garden. After all it is the spring time so you’ll want to enjoy your backyard as much as possible.
Ok, now that you have a budget in mind and you want to save as much on buying plants and garden supplies, look to your neighbours for hand-me-downs, so to speak. Have you ever admired a plant in your neighbour’s backyard? Ask them for a cutting of this plant to add to your garden. Perhaps there is a public garden in your community you can ask for more cuttings. Some communities also offer a location where the public can access mulch from fallen branches city workers have chipped. Mulch can be expensive, but if you’re not picky on colour, check out to see if your community has a public mulch deposit. You may find you can build a beautiful garden at no cost at all!
Watch your local paper for community plant and tree swaps. You can get your hands on beautiful foliage for a fraction of the cost at any retailer. Plus you can speak directly with the gardener who owns the particular plant for best advice on how to care for that plant.
Build your own backyard furniture and create your decor. If you don’t want to pay for a patio set that seats eight, then build your own. Whether it’s a picnic table you have in mind or a simple table with benches, adding your own whimsical touches can enhance your outdoor living space and be a great conversation piece to your visitors. Make it a family project and invite your children to create some backyard art. Paint a tin can, pop a hole in it and voila you have a personalized birdhouse.
Clear out the clutter and profit from it. Do you have a bike or any clothes that your kids have outgrown? Sell it online or if you have enough items to sell, plan a garage sale. Spring is a great time of year to de-clutter and with the money you will make from your sale, use it to pay for any spring repairs or items you need to get you through the summer.
It’s a great feeling to start preparing for a few months of great outdoor living.
Takeaways…
Get out there to do your assessment now, make a list of your priorities, build your budget and be creative and resourceful when acquiring the things you need to make your home your personal oasis..
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