Things to Know About Considering Native Perennials on a Budget

Gardening with native perennials offers numerous benefits — from enhancing local biodiversity to reducing maintenance and water consumption. However, the cost of purchasing plants can sometimes make native gardening inaccessible, especially for those on a budget.

Why Choose Native Perennials?

Before diving into how to save money, it's essential to understand the great factors of native perennials.

1. Low Maintenance: They don't need much care, such as water and fertilizer.
2. Biodiversity: Native plants help local wildlife, including other helpful animals and insects like bees, butterflies, and birds.
3. Long-Lasting: Perennials, as the name suggests, come back year after year, unlike annuals, which must be replanted annually. This means less frequent purchases.

Let's explore ways to keep costs down while reaping these rewards.

1. Start from Seeds

Buying pre-grown plants at a nursery can be expensive, especially for native species. One of the most budget-friendly ways to start a native garden is by growing your perennials from seeds. Lots of native plants are easy to grow from seed, and you can find seed packets for way cheaper.

• Local Seed Suppliers: Check out local native plant societies or online retailers specializing in native plants. Local seed banks or garden clubs may also offer seeds at low cost or for exchange.
• Seed Saving: Once your native plants are established, you can save seeds each year and propagate new plants for your garden, reducing the need to purchase seeds in the future.
• Seed Starting Kits: Purchase or repurpose materials to start seeds indoors. Recycled containers like yogurt cups or egg cartons can be used as pots.

1. Propagate from Cuttings

Another cost-effective method is propagating plants from cuttings or divisions. Many native perennials can be propagated easily through these methods, yielding more plants without the added expense.

• Division: Some perennials, like purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), can be divided every few years to create new plants. Dig up the plant, divide the root ball, replant the divisions in your garden, or give them to friends.
• Cuttings: Some native plants, like bee balm (Monarda) and goldenrod (Solidago), can be propagated from stem cuttings. Take a cutting in early summer, root it in water or soil, and then transplant it to your garden.

1. Look for Plant Sales and Discounts

Many local garden centers, plant sales, and botanical gardens offer discounts on native plants, especially during the off-season. Some also host annual plant sales or offer "Buy One, Get One Free" deals.

• Native Plant Societies: Organizations focused on native plants often have annual or semi-annual sales, where you can buy plants at discounted prices. Look for plant swaps or sales at local events, which are great opportunities to get plants at low or no cost.

1. Utilize Local Plant Swaps

Plant swaps are an excellent way to get native perennials for free or at a minimal cost. Many communities organize plant exchanges where gardeners can trade excess plants, seeds, or cuttings with others. It's a great way to diversify your garden without spending money.

• Facebook Groups and Local Forums: Many gardening groups on social media or local online forums host plant swaps. You can offer plants you have in abundance or request specific native species you are looking for.

1. Opt for Common Native Plants

While some rare native perennials can be expensive or difficult to find, plenty of common native plants can live in almost any condition and are widely available at low prices.

• Examples of Affordable Native Perennials:
  • Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): A cheerful, hardy perennial that attracts pollinators.
  • Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): A drought-tolerant plant that can be used in various garden settings.
  • Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Not only is it a host plant for monarch butterflies, but it's also widely available and accessible to grow.
  • Bee Balm (Monarda spp.): Known for its striking flowers and ability to attract bees, it is often found at affordable prices.

These make building a garden on a budget easy. Follow these steps for success. They are all affordable and easily maintainable.

1. Repurpose Garden Materials

Creating a native perennial garden doesn't need to involve buying new materials. Repurposing items you already have around your home can significantly reduce costs.

• Mulch: Shredded leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips are often free or inexpensive mulching options for your garden. Mulching helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect plant roots during colder months.
• DIY Raised Beds: For ideal soil, consider creating raised beds from repurposed materials like old wooden pallets, cinder blocks, or bricks.

1. Take Advantage of Free Resources

There are many resources available to help gardeners on a budget.

• Extension Programs: Local agricultural extensions often offer free workshops, resources, or native plant giveaways.
• Online Communities: You can join online groups or forums dedicated to native plants to ask for advice, trade seeds, or even receive free plants from others.