Recently it seems that every time I check out the do it yourself channels there is another garden makeover/landscape renovation program added to the already crowded garden show line up. There was a time when garden shows were informative and geared to people who wanted to get out and garden themselves, like Crockett’s Victory Garden which inspired many to get out in their landscapes and plant a seed or divide a perennial. The shows were inspiring and realistic.

Today’s garden shows feature a crew of people that during the commercial break install a garden with retaining walls and elaborate water features, and walks. Many of these shows don’t tell the viewer the budget needed to attain the grand gardens featured, and truly do not help us understand how strenuous and time consuming attaining the picture perfect garden can be.

When you are ready to install or change your current slice of earth, there are ten things you should consider to help you make an intelligent decision on how to move forward.

Budget

When deciding what to do with your garden keep in mind that traditional thinking says that you should expect to spend 5% to 15% of your home’s value on landscaping. With todays ever soaring home prices that could push you in to the tens of thousands. There are ways to reduce this cost if you are willing to do some of the work yourself. If you are working with a landscape professional, you should decide how much you are willing to spend before meeting with them. Most landscapers charge between $45.00 and $65.00 per hour for regular maintenance. And when purchasing a one time renovation or new install expect to pay 50- 100% mark up per installed plant. This will make a $4 plant cost $6-$8 at install time.

This is one place where letting the hired professional know your budget range will probably help you both have a good experience. Landscapers can make adjustments in the size of plant material they are installing to meet most budget ranges. A one-gallon plant may cost $15 installed where as a five-gallon plant of the same variety may be $100. The good thing about plants is that with proper care the $15 plant will grow to fill the space of the $100 one.

Inventory

You should take an inventory of the plants you currently have. The too-large bush that you are thinking of removing and replacing may be perfect for the space if properly pruned. Preserving existing plants and trees can help you save and reduce your bottom line. Know your yard. If you like plants that are shade lovers and your planting space faces south with no mature shade trees you should probably choose to plant sun loving plants instead.

Avoid costly mistakes

Think about what you want for your outdoor space. If you love water features, yet hate the summer heat, perhaps your water feature could be an indoor fountain that would give you year round enjoyment. Ask yourself what your expectations are for your garden and make a checklist of things you can do yourself.

Hire a landscaper

For the tough jobs like installing a 12-foot shade tree, or redesigning your entire landscape, hire a professional landscape company. For the small stuff hire yourself. Work with a landscaper who is willing to make reasonable adjustments to their estimate to allow you to do things like installing your own annual flowers.

Hire a landscape consultant

Having a full landscape design done can run in the thousands. Another option is to hire a landscaper who is willing to consult with you, look over your design ideas, and draw up a checklist of things that need to be done. He or she can provide you with a list of plants suited to your garden. This professional advice will only cost a couple of hundred dollars yet will save you thousands in improperly purchased and poorly placed plants.

Do it in stages

Dividing your landscape plans into phases will help you save the cost of credit and give you the ability to evaluate the progress after each phase and make any needed adjustments prior to moving forward with the plan.

Join or start a plant swap group

Ever see something in a neighbors yard then ran out to purchase one of your own? Plants that are dividable need to be divided every 3-5 years. Get to know your neighbors. Most of them would be happy to do a plant exchange as a group from the community or individually. This practice can result in big savings. However be sure that your new plants are disease and insect free by keeping them separate from your collection for a time and perhaps treat them with a natural insect repellant.   

Purchase plants past their peak

Many plants have a short peak bloom period. Most garden centers will put their plants on sale once the blooms have faded. These plants usually only need a little TLC and the time to grow and regroup for next year’s bloom period. Purchasing plants this way can save you 50-75% off the list price.

Maintain

When installing your garden, think about and budget for ongoing maintenance. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a company to do your maintenance you will be protecting your investment by properly maintaining it.

Be water smart

Planting plants that are drought tolerant will save you in the water bill department. The EPA has estimated that outdoor water use constitutes around 20% of total home water bill. There are many plants available that will survive well between periods of normal rainfall. Please note that even drought tolerant plants will need water to survive extended droughts like the one we experienced this past spring.  

These ideas will help you have the garden you desire without planning a remortgage to pay for it. And last, but most important, be patient. Plants take years to mature. So sit back, pour an iced tea, and enjoy the process. 

Master gardener, Derek Thomas is principal landscape designer at Thomas Landscapes and Maintenance can be reached at 301.642.5182 or at www.thomaslandscapes.com