When we moved into our south Anchorage log home I had glorious plans for the 1/3 acre lot. Some previous owner had chopped down every tree counting on the neighboring woodlands for green and shade. The house was near the street with a lumpy hilly and narrow backyard that ended in the neighbor's goat pen. I was young, enthusiastic and confident that my green thumb could transform our piece of Alaska into a glorious landscaped garden. Now, 20 years later the neighborhood has evolved from birch/spruce woods to suburban sprawl and I'm still working on the transformation and enjoying every season.
It was very important in those early days, to work on the cheap. With 5 small children the vegetable garden was more important than ornamentals. Composting was the only way I could afford to enrich a flower bed. What was once a necessity became a passion - creating self-sustaining perenial flowerbeds for less than $20/year.
Twenty years later, my garden is still a work in progress. I can and do spend money on plants now. And yet, gazing at my sitting garden I'm surrounded by the memories of those early days and the decendents of the first little slips of green I nurtured so carefully.
Zone 3 gardening on a budget isn't as hard as it sounds.
I started with a small clump of siberian iris that grew in the loose gravel driveway that first spring. One clump became 5, 5 became 10 and every year my irises are the center point of the growing season. With a little luck I won't have to divide my irises for a few more years, but think I know where I can add the next batch...
Near the front porch a shock of Maltese Cross is in full bloom. I rescued 3 plants from the woodpile behind the shed that first year, not knowing what they would be or how tall they would grow when cared for. I get more comments and compliments on these reclaimed wildflowers than any of the exotics I've tried. In the enriched bed, my Maltese Cross grow 3 feet tall with fist sized red flower clusters. Over the years, I've easily divided these plants and use them effectively in my borders.
More treasures that first year included a rosebush that had been nearly choked to death by siberian peas. We've called it a sitka rose but can't be sure. She's now a mother many times over as we've helped deliver healthy suckers that have grown into shrubs nearly 5 feet tall and more around.
Daisy's of course were and continue to be a beautiful pest. My oldest son took over a small "daisy garden" that I was threatening to burn to the ground. Not that he had to do anything more than help me keep the daisy's from taking over the rest of the yard, flower and garden beds!
The second summer I used my budget at a close out table from a nursery in early July. By July, nurseries have little selection and many of the plant markers have disappeared. However, this is my favorite time to shop for plants because the mark downs are practically giving plants away. Every year since, I've added some treasure from one of these sales. The first was a spreading Veronica (who knows what variety), that grows so prolifically, I can use them for garden trades every year.
The third summer I discovered wildflower seed mix. That was the end of bare spots for my yard and provided the original plants that have now been moved to more organized and cared for beds. Columbine, forget-me-nots, lupin, and several varieties of poppies continue to thrive and surprise me.
My favorite plants are are the one's that were free or practically free. The frugal gardener can find dozens of ways to create a sea of color without spending any green. Some of my most successful tips include:
A word of caution though. Many areas have laws prohibiting you from digging up native plants from wilderness areas. These natural habitats are not free-for-alls and should be left alone. When in doubt, call the appropriate government agency and ask. While I don't "steal" from state parks, I've been given the go ahead to "rescue" lilacs, rubarb, and other abandoned plants from city land taken by eminent domain before a road or bike path was constructed.
Your patch of yard can become a garden no matter how tight your budget. Just get a bit creative and never be afraid to ask for cuttings. Compost for black gold and remember to think long term. You'll never be poor when you live surrounded by flowers.
JoMarie Thomson was transplanted to Alaska over 25 years ago. Editor and Publisher of http://www.zone3gardens.com she is known to run her websites and web design company, http://www.crucibledesigns.com with a laptop from her South Anchorage garden. Beauty, JoMarie insists, inspires beauty.
Do you wish you could grow a sustainable vegetable garden?... Read More
Give the same plants to several people, you will see... Read More
Once water temperatures increase in the summer months, fish become... Read More
I recently bought a small tractor for my garden, which... Read More
A rose is a rose is a rose - and... Read More
When planting a garden there are many questions which you... Read More
There is a lot of concern about herbicides and what... Read More
Teak furniture is tropical hardwood that has a rich, golden... Read More
Copy-write 2005 Jan Money.Hydroponics gardening offers many advantages to the... Read More
In general, plants grown in straw bales appear to require... Read More
Often in February there is a surprisingly warm day. Everybody... Read More
There is simply no better vantage point from which to... Read More
In addition to the traditional strawberry patch, there are as... Read More
It is a beautiful evening and you are relaxing on... Read More
Palms Everybody recognises palm trees, they are the... Read More
Hi there,I am Jhon Saunders and recently took up gardening... Read More
Herbs can add a touch of magic to your garden... Read More
So, you have decided to plant rose bushes in your... Read More
It is not difficult to grow bedding plants from seeds,... Read More
If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More
Today's successful water garden usually is designed as an ecosystem... Read More
The word for 'paradise' comes from the Persian word for... Read More
When planning your new landscape, the first place to start... Read More
Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will... Read More
There is nothing quite as relaxing as a leisurely evening... Read More
Do you love swimming? Do you dream of an in... Read More
Dried plants and dried flowers are midway for people who... Read More
Growing your own seedlings is very gratifying and far more... Read More
"The Ancient Art of Placement" called Feng Shui (pronounced phung... Read More
Sure, it makes sense that there's a buzz about vertical... Read More
Having an outdoor patio offers the opportunity and place to... Read More
Orchid Care Part 4 Diseases of the RootsOur final part... Read More
Rising from a muddy pond, a lotus flower blossoms. Such... Read More
The ancient herb, Anethum graveolens or Fernleaf dill as it... Read More
A pond, logically, the first question you should ask is... Read More
Hydroponics and aquaponics are very similar in every way except... Read More
THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.The Success or Failure of Your Plants... Read More
Traditionally Hindu tepmples were located either on hills or forests... Read More
Many gardeners like to enjoy their roses twice - first... Read More
Proper pruning of your backyard grapevines is essential to maintain... Read More
Compost, made from decomposed grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and branches,... Read More
Home and garden accessories make the difference between house and... Read More
First, some background on PINE WOOD. Pine is a naturally... Read More
One of the pleasurable spin-offs in organic gardening is finding... Read More
Women adore getting flowers, most especially roses, as it is... Read More
Indoors or out, you'll find miniature roses very easy to... Read More
Herbs can add a touch of magic to your garden... Read More
Seeds are the most important ingredient in all gardening. Without... Read More
I recently bought a small tractor for my garden, which... Read More
The first thing you need to grow a pineapple is... Read More
Having a beautiful and functional landscape is every homeowners dream.... Read More
It is important when you start to plan a garden,... Read More
Hi Friends;This is the second year in a row I... Read More
Children are continually bombarded with advertising for fast food and... Read More
Oh sure, fried green tomatoes are ok; but I'll take... Read More
Give the same plants to several people, you will see... Read More
So, you have decided to plant rose bushes in your... Read More
Fruit gardening and vegetable gardening is a very exciting venture.... Read More
Are your making mountains out of your molehills? Although lawn... Read More
Here are some of the popular orchid myths#1 Orchids are... Read More
There is nothing more relaxing than kicking back with a... Read More
If you're looking for a beautiful, old world garden style,... Read More
Flowering cherries While the briefness of their... Read More
Today's successful water garden usually is designed as an ecosystem... Read More
Using landscaping ideas can be an effective way to attract... Read More
When spring comes and the ground is thawed, it is... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening |