I registered with a freecycle group on Yahoo and was able to get a free queen size bed for my sister's new apartment. I check it frequently because there is always something new and cool. Craigslist.com also has a free stuff section.
Today I made my first offer of free stuff. I have a garage full of baby furniture which I would like gone so that I can create my Backyard sanctuary.
Furniture short story....got it from a friend of a friend, didn't have the baby, all is good regardless.
Backyard Sanctuary, long story...in California, my sister took us to her boss's house for lunch (free) and it was good. But the backyard was phenomenal. Now she lives in ever sunny LA, so that's the major difference...but this back yard was an oasis of lush greenery, a waterfall, lots of seating of all types, a pool, colorful ground rock covering. I stole a little bit of the rock ground cover so that I could take it home and buy the exact replica rock.
There was a tree that was huge and had three levels of tree house with swing seating on the middle level. There were pots and planters in every orifice with beautiful plants, it was magical. This lady had big bucks and a gardener, but I was really inspired.
I have a garden that I lucked out on when we moved in. The previous owner was an avid gardener and planted lots of rose bushes, hosta’s and other perennials. I have embraced this garden and planted in all the planters Yolanda left behind, planting is a pricey adventure.
Did I mention we are on a tight budget? We are. So I can’t go out and buy $300 worth of plants and dirt to make it beautiful this year.
The answer: Seeds and books from the library on gardening. It’s only the last day of May and been two weeks since I planted the seeds, but I want immediate gratification which just doesn’t happen with seeds. The screwed up part is that it could take weeks for anything remotely flower like to happen. He Frugal bonus is that by mid June, end of July, the perennials start to go on sale. Perennials are a far better economical investment in long term garden beauty. I won’t get the benefit of the flower this year, but can pay a third of the cost and get full term beauty next summer.
We shall see what happens with those seeds. I have to say I cheated and purchased 2, 3-packs of fully grown plants to get the satisfaction of digging and planning in dirt.
Back to the backyard sanctuary…we can’t make our grass grow due to this Canadian maple that is smack in the middle of the yard and soaks up all water resources, making grass difficult to grow. There is a huge space that is dirt. Using inspiration from the California oasis, I am going to create a backyard sanctuary with seating, pretty rock ground cover and planters. The goal is to do it for cheap without looking it.
So the challenge begins.
