1. Instead of running out to buy three strings of outdoor garden lights, I raided my light stash and discovered two light curtain walls I picked up on clearance at Big Lots three years ago. I wanted them in the living room window but it just never happened - chalk that one up to use what you have:).
Can't wait to see what it looks like tonight.
Makes an inviting warm-light backdrop for the hanging plants in front of our white fence.
I've been doing a great job of using up what I have - this has also led to serious clutter/ stash reduction which is a good thing.
2. I'm finally using the colorful Macrame Plant Hangers I got as a gift ten years ago - better late than never:). I love them but didn't have any place to use them nor did I have the plant collection then that I have now.
Got three more to go - one red, one turquoise and one natural.
* DIY garden decor ideas - This is what happens when you get sucked in by a youtube project which used some small terracotta pots for a clever hanging baby succulent display. I created my own version of it with my Aloe babies since I had all the material on hand already.
* At the recent plant festival they sold driftwood and other natural wood pieces to mount orchids and use for plant display. I've got plenty of natural material to play with... no cost to me.
* Re-use - re-cyle
Turns out that a good size, thrifted, black iron, five candle holder makes a lovely display stand for small terracotta pots with succulents and other plant babies. So yeah, I'm playing.
3. Spray painted two chairs, a small table and four metal lanterns - looks like new and it's always fun to change the color.
Past color favorites were turquoise and black - this year it seems to be lime green and antique white.
Make do - I used up all the paint from several years ago, but I also purchased a few new cans. Saves money since I'm not throwing out rusty lanterns or slightly damaged plastic chairs with mildew stains.
This was the last of way too many paint projects for this year. I was glad that Mr. R. sanded some of the projects for me.
If I were to guess I spent about $40 for paint but all the garden furniture looks like new and will last a few more years.
4. Indulgence
I found the perfect swing (egg) chair for Mr. R's birthday.
The savings -25% off at the store and I negotiated another 10% and used my 3% rewards card.
5. Held out for the perfect watering can -
instead of buying the really cute one at the discount store that cost less but didn't have the features I wanted need.
A removable spray/pour spout is an essential feature to name but one. Yes, I spent time at three discount stores before I found what I was looking for.
Sometimes one does not wish to compromise or settle in order to save money.
It is a tool and I considered it important enough to get the right one for the job.
In this case, it turned out that I still ended up with a good deal at the discount store.
6. Free plants
Propagation, division and self-seeders, not to mention the occasional garden gift from the birds and Mother Nature, sharing with my neighbors and the occasional freebie in my neighborhood.
*It means I saved a ton of money and have almost enough plants for a large new garden bed/area.
It means I don't feel bad about spending $40 on a (rather rare) plant I really wanted, especially since I've learned how to propagate that plant already.
OF COURSE
7. I harvested, cooked, and froze plenty of veggies and herbs from the garden. I use fresh as much as possible off the vine and off the tree.
8. Off to cancel a monthly subscription for $6.80 that I stopped using six months ago.