Seeds are cheap and mulch is free

Mid May is here...normally, I would be running to the garden store to stock up on Annuals, happily putting the instant satisfaction into my containers. Not this year. I opted for seeds instead. Lots less money, not instant, but mega satisfaction.

I started with some seeds in my most favorite containers on the front steps then added a few annuals for fun. In the past I have spent $150 bucks on annuals, this year, I spent $30 on seedlings and $15 on seeds.

I got into the flow of seed planting. It can't be done all at once, especially if the seeds are being planted directly in the ground.

Starting May 1st, about every 2 days, I picked an area and started seeding. I charted my seeds into a garden sketch so I would know what seeds were where, because seeds need more nurturing and attention and something called thinning.

Most of my seeds are now sprouting and it is now time for thinning. Another layer of satisfying time spent in the garden.

An important task in a garden that is not compact with perennials and ground cover to keep the ground moist wet is mulching. Mulch is pricey. I scoured my friend Craigslist to find FREE mulch. I went to a strangers house and loaded up the truck with the mulch in their driveway and spread this stuff out and now have a beautifully mulched and frugally stylish front lawn.

Of course, the most economical plant is the perennial, because when planted in the right conditions, will come back every year to satisfy.

Learned a tip from an Ornamental Horticulturist last week: Go to the Garden Center every two weeks and buy the Perennial that catches your eye and plant it. The next year, you will have new budding and variety in the garden every two weeks all year long. Pretty good tip. Thanks Jay.

My garden is shaping up nicely. More pics coming soon!