Here is Part Two of my weekly series of posts about gardening on a budget, Thrifty Gardening Tips.
One of the best ways to get plants and other garden paraphernalia is through other gardeners that you know. Those who garden are generous people and always seem to want to encourage others in gardening endeavors. Often all you have to do is admire a gardener’s garden and they offer you something from it.
What kind of things can you receive from other gardeners?
Plants of all kinds. I’ve come home with maple trees (small ones), lamb’s ear, ferns, and several other gifts from other gardeners. Successful gardeners frequently end up with too much. Who wouldn’t like to be on the receiving end of a hosta that got too large?
Cuttings. This can be an easy way to get plants from other gardeners since you don’t significantly disturb the plant. You can propagate a few more pieces to make a few more plants than you could if it were an established plant.
Old garden junk. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! I’ve received patio doors, windows, and old pressure treated lumber from other gardeners. This “junk” will be used for a small greenhouse when I get around to it!
Seeds. Many plants like coneflowers, coreopsis, and rudbeckia need deadheaded often. A savvy gardener on a budget can take those seeds and grow new plants in their landscape.
There is a bit of an etiquette question involved here. Should you ask other gardeners for their plants or should you wait to be offered first? I think it depends on how well you know the gardener. A casual acquaintance might be taken aback at a request for a piece of their prized peony whereas a good friend might happily hand over half of his heuchera. I don’t think any gardener would be offended at someone taking a few seeds. What do you think?
Thrifty Gardening Tips:
Part 1: Buying and Saving Discount Plants
Once my garden is a bit more established I would definitely offer cuttings or plants to other gardeners. My neighboris the one who sparked my interest in gardening when she gave me some of her extra perennials.
If it wasn’t for my sister and other generous gardeners, my garden would be very small. It is only now that my plants are big enough to share, and I don’t mind people asking for cuttings or divisions. I try to “pay it forward” so to speak.
Jan
Always Growing
Yes, asking for plants can be a tricky business. I say if they don’t offer, don’t ask. I always offer first and cuttings are always a good thing to give away (no digging!)
This was a funny post. Smooching off your fellow gardeners is a great way to get free stuff. I think you just have to be suave about it. Mention that you like their plants and ask how they grow it and maybe that will lead to someone proposing you take something of theirs. 🙂 Nifty etiquette is best!
Dave,
Doesn’t it really depend upon the plant! If it’s new or struggling…no sharing! Although once it has babies I don’t mind.
The better you know someone the easier it is to ask. Good friends ask.
Gail
Hi Dave, Ain’t it the truth! My first perennial garden in my first home of my own was made entirely of pass along plants given to me by elderly gardening neighbor. Almost 30 years later there’s only one variety of hostas from her left after several moves. There are others though, that I’ve replaced and will always have in my garden because they’ll forever remind me of her, like phlox, johnnie jump-ups, and tall sedums.
I dug out a butterfly bush and hauled it to TN last fall and planted it for my dad. The thing died and I felt so bad, that we took him another one this spring. This one is doing great!
I was taught to share from an early age… One M&M for me, one for Molly dog. One for me, one for Molly. Too bad I did not know chocolate was harmful to dogs! Dont fret, she lived to be 17 years old! LOL… Sharing is a wonderful thing!
Those are some great points!
Hadias,
That was a nice gesture from your neighbor. It definitely demonstrates the generous attitude of most gardeners!
Jan,
The “pay it forward” sentiment is a great one. It’s like garden karma!
Tina,
Generally I agree, but I do think that asking for a cutting or a bit of a seed head wouldn’t be out of line. But in general for me it would depend on how well I know the gardener.
DP,
I’m glad you enjoyed it! You’re right sometimes you can lead a gardener to offering a piece of the plant without even asking.
Gail,
That’s great point. If it’s a new plant or extremely young admire but don’t desire! When it becomes more established I’m sure the gardener would pass along what they can.
GardenGirl,
Those pass along plants aren’t just pretty perennials, they come with memories attached! Not to mention stories and history. Great point!
Skeeter,
We had a beagle named Molly! It must be a popular dog name since my in-laws have a dachshund with the same name. Butterfly bushes are great presents, I’m glad the current one is doing well. We’ve had a wetter year which has probably helped!
I can walk through my garden and point out all the plants that were given to me by family or friends. I don’t have that kind of attachment with plants I purchased.
With 4 inches of rain on my dads yard the past week, he told me this morning that he now sees yellowing leaves at the bottom! Arg, I told him to send us the rain, he does not need any more for a while…
Oh, And I have known other Molly dogs also. So yes, quit a popular name for pups…
It is karma.,the more we share the more we have.I find that most perennials respond well to division and you just need to know when to do it.