Every year I tell myself that there is no way that I am spending more than $50 on some annuals to fill in around my perennials.  I try to avoid the extra cost but once I get into the garden center, I often find one or two - okay, make it more like 5 to 10 -  perennials that I could see fitting into a space in my garden.  By the time I wander out of the garden center, I have spent much more than my budget and I hurry home to get the plants in the ground before my husband notices that instead of having a flat or two of annuals, I have filled up the minivan with flowers.

For this reason, I have found ways to alleviate some of the cost of my happy growers finger when I am at the garden center and thought that I would share them with you.

1. Timing:  Although I am usually chafing at the bit to get growing sometime around mid-April (I know way to early) I will force myself to wait until the planting season is almost over.  This can mean that the plants you are getting are not as great in quality but if you find a good garden center, you probably won’t have this problem.  If you wait until early June, you will still have lots of time to get your flowers in and you will also be able to cash in on some deals.  One of my favorite growers offers half off the second annual, the last week of May.  This can usually equate to less cost but usually for me it equates to more flowers. (Hey, I never said my method was solid.)
2. Starting Small:  I know that perennials can really add a lot to gardens and it is often very hard to wait for a small plant to grow large and lush.  Many gardeners will purchase the larger plant so they have more coverage right from the start but plants grow very quickly and there really is no need to start with a 60 dollar plant when the exact same plant, although smaller, starts at 14 dollars.  You will find that you can save money or as in my case, add more.
3. Return Trips:  Go to the garden center, see what they have to offer and then leave.  If you find a great deal, as I did with a braided Hibiscus this year, pick it up but if the prices still seem high or there isn’t anything that catches your eye, don’t bother shopping. You might drive the garden center crazy but it will give you time to plan, decide how many plants you need and what you want exactly.  When you are ready to buy, usually when that sale is on, you can go back, fill your wagon and leave without overspending.

I know that I should probably have a few more tips on saving money at the garden center but it really only comes down to the last three.  To stay on budget, you could bring cash so you don’t over dip into the bank account but it is up to you.  Another money saving tip is to never bring kids with you to the garden center.  This is the one advice tip that I never follow and I can usually add on a good dozen plants that the kids just had to have.

Happy Gardening!

Sirena Van Schaik

Tags: Annuals, flower shopping, Flowers, garden centers, Gardening, Perennials, saving, small plants, timing, trips to garden centers

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