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Before heading out to your garden center where you might be overwhelmed by the multitude of choices in beautiful plant materials, make a plan you can stick to so you can buy smart. Many times I have wasted both time and money buying too much, too little, or the wrong plants for the area intended.

First, measure the planting bed and determine how much space needs to be allowed between plants as they grow and mature.

When purchasing plants, don't buy the largest plants just to make your garden look mature right away. Those smaller plants are less expensive and will soon catch up in size.

If you want many blooms on your plants, don't buy plants already in bloom. Instead, buy plants that are just beginning to bud. Once planted, they will soon provide you with the blooms you desire.

Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day or a weekend. Purchase only the number of plants you have time to plant the same day of purchase or,at most, the next day. This will ensure your plants get off to a healthier start.

Do a little research ahead of time and find out which plants are native to your area and which ones are drought tolerant. Some plants really soak up the water and tend to look very neglected if they miss even one watering. How much more satisfying and less labor intensive are plants that can withstand drought! This is a good green practice, too.

Some garden centers guarantee their plants and will refund your money if they die. So ask what the policy is and save your receipts.

Check the Sunday fliers and do some comparison shopping. If you are planting multiples even a small savings per plant can add up.

Finally, take advantage of whatever expertise the employees of your gardening center have.
They may be able to suggest certain types of plants that do well in a shady area or sandy soil, for instance. Plus they can give you tips on other requirements of the plants such as soil additives, fertilizing schedules, and other plant maintenance tips.

Buying smart involves making the greatest impact with the least number of dollars. So, you may want to spring for a few more bucks on some plants and be more frugal with other choices.

Plan ahead considering color, size, plant needs, cost, and time. Then you will have a beautiful garden that is not only pretty the first day you plant it, but for years to come, too.
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Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Wordsmith.
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