Yard work > house work any day. I love getting out in my yard, digging in the dirt and feeling the sun on my face. Working in the yard is by far my favorite and IMO, the most satisfying chore. But it can also be expensive and can generate a lot of waste. Over the years I’ve learned how to beautify my yard in some inexpensive and sustainable ways.

🌷 When you first move in, wait to see what pops up

We bought our house in the fall and by then, most of the plants in our yard were on the decline. By waiting a full year before doing much landscaping, we could discover what plants were already in the yard and identify what was doing well and what wasn’t. Which brings me to my next point…

🌷 Use what you already have and don’t be afraid to move plants

You might already have some amazing plants in your yard. Keep them! And if they aren’t doing well, do a bit of Googling to figure out why. Maybe they’re in too much shade or getting too wet. Don’t be afraid to dig them up and put them in a more appropriate spot. Yes, you risk killing it by moving it, but it’s probably dying a slow death in that bad spot anyway, so you aren’t risking much. We had this beautiful azalea (pictured below) when we moved into the house and I’m so glad we kept it.

🌷Talk to your neighbors

Your neighbors are a wealth of information about your little microclimate. Do you have a neighbor with the best daffodils on the block? (I do!) Talk to them and see what they do to create those beautiful blooms. They also might want to share plants. My neighbors have gifted me so many plants and I’m super thankful for them.

🌷Keep an eye on the “Free” section of Craigslist and FB Marketplace.

I often see free landscaping supplies, plants and pots for free on both Craigslist and FB Marketplace. Sometimes you’ll have to dig up the plants or do a bit of washing or repainting, but it’s worth the sweat equity to save that coin and give those items a new lease on life. 

🌷Join your local Buy Nothing and/or Gardening Groups

Looking for a specific plant or need to borrow a tool? Put a call out to your local Buy Nothing or Gardening Group. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people ask for something and someone has the exact thing they need! It’s magic.

🌷Think creatively

Almost anything can be a planter! We have old goat feeding troughs that we made into planters. (Check out the photo below to see them in action!) I’ve seen folks make old wheelbarrows, hollowed out stumps, mailboxes and even dresser drawers into planters. Just make sure to add holes for drainage and the possibilities are endless! But ingenuity doesn’t stop at planters, think about what you can upcycle for edging, fencing or pathways too. 

🌷Native species

Learn what plants are native to your area. Native plants support your local wildlife and will probably perform better in your yard than non-native species. Non-profit organizations local to your area may also give away free or super discounted native plants or trees to encourage folks to plant them. Do a bit of Googling to see if there’s an org in your area.

🌷Check the Discounted Section

Check out the discounted section of your local nursery. The plants in this area may look a bit worse for the wear, but it doesn’t mean they won’t bounce back next season. Just make sure they are “perennials,” NOT “annuals.” 😉 

Got any more tips on beautifying your yard in a thrifty or sustainable way? Leave ‘em below!

(Also, I know I didn’t even touch on environmentally friendly weeding or creating edible lawns, but this is a huge topic!)