We all know that money is tight. More families are vacationing at home. Home owners want to create a sense of place for their families, friends and neighbors to enjoy. Simplicity is in – extravagant frills out.
Creating outdoor dining spaces, adding soothing water features and the edible garden are all great choices in this tough economy.
The edible garden is not only a great way to have fresher produce, it is also a great way to save money. In fact, according to the National Gardening Association, a well tended garden yields on average a return investment of $500.00! Even if you don’t have the space for a garden plot, I have seen some very creative ways to grow produce. At the Northwest Garden Show this year a Vertical Garden was on display. They are easy to construct and some are even made with wheels, making it easier to take advantage of the afternoon sun.
Technology is making it easier to have success with outdoor projects. I recently saw a product that helps determine what plants are suitable for different areas of the yard. It is called EasyBloom. It is a sensor that collects information about the soil. You download it to your computer and it analyzes what plants will do well in that particular soil condition. What a great way to have success with plants without the investment of time and money for trial and error gardening. This is a must have tool for any gardener, novice or experienced.
Don’t forget to set up an area for composting or worm bins for those kitchen scraps. Worm tea is easy to make and is a great fertilizer for anything that grows in the ground. Cedar Grove is a fantastic local resource for everything compost.
All the blood, sweat and tears put into your landscaping won’t go unnoticed. It will be enjoyed now and will likely reap a higher price or a quicker sale when the time comes to move on. Statistics have shown that landscaping adds value to a home.
Snohomish County is lucky to have a WSU Extension Program with many resources for gardening, sustainable practices and more.
So, go ahead and get dirty. What a fantastic way to save money, get exercise, spend quality family time and reduce stress.
Happy Gardening!
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