Transform Your Garden Containers Without Breaking the Bank
As winter begins to loosen its grip and gardeners start dreaming of vibrant spring displays, many face the familiar dilemma of overspending at garden centres. What begins as a simple trip for a few pansies often ends with an unexpectedly hefty bill and plants that may not provide lasting value.
With this common challenge in mind, acclaimed gardener and author Anya Lautenbach – known to her social media followers as the 'Garden Fairy' – has dedicated her latest book specifically to helping gardeners create beautiful container displays while keeping costs firmly under control.
Invest in Perennial Plants for Long-Term Value
Lautenbach, who recently became an ambassador for the National Garden Scheme charity, emphasises the importance of thinking beyond immediate gratification when selecting plants. "There is so much waste in spring," she observes. "People go to garden centres because everyone's craving colour and they fill their trolleys with bedding plants. But rather than looking at the short-lived and the quick colour, look at the long-term."
The bestselling author strongly recommends planting perennials in containers rather than relying solely on seasonal bedding plants. Perennials represent a smart investment that will return year after year, eliminating the need to replace plants each season. Many gardeners mistakenly believe certain perennials won't thrive in pots, but Lautenbach insists numerous varieties perform exceptionally well in containers.
She particularly highlights erigeron as a current favourite among container gardeners. "It's such a winner for so many people and is so easy to look after. In some cases, this plant flowers all year round." For added visual interest, she suggests creating mixed containers by combining erigeron with varieties of ivy and muehlenbeckia, a deciduous shrub with attractive dark green leaves that has been generating considerable interest among gardening enthusiasts.
Strategic Planning Prevents Impulse Purchases
Lautenbach draws a clever parallel between garden centre shopping and grocery shopping. "They say never go food shopping when you're hungry. This is the same thing. Going to the garden centre in spring you are craving those juicy, fat, colourful plants and that can be so wasteful."
To avoid this common pitfall, she recommends developing a clear plan before visiting any garden centre. Consider these essential factors:
- How many containers need filling
- Your preferred colour scheme
- The exact number of plants required
"Get prepared. Be more mindful about it," she advises. "Buy what you need instead of what you see or what you imagine you might need." She encourages gardeners to ask themselves whether a particular plant will provide value for weeks, months, or potentially even decades before making any purchase.
Cost-Effective Plant Selection Strategies
Beyond careful planning, Lautenbach offers several specific techniques for obtaining plants economically:
- Plug Plants: These smaller, more affordable plants require some initial protection indoors but will soon establish themselves. They represent significant savings compared to buying fully developed bedding plants later in the season.
- Bare Root Shrubs: Early spring presents the final opportunity to purchase bare root roses and shrubs, which typically cost less than their container-grown counterparts. Plant them promptly in suitable pots for optimal results.
- Seedling Hunting: Rather than purchasing all plants, Lautenbach recommends searching your own garden for self-seeded specimens. Forget-me-nots work particularly well in containers and will readily self-seed for future seasons.
For those without existing self-seeded plants, she suggests buying seed packets as a long-term investment. Snowdrops also transplant easily from garden beds to containers for temporary display before returning to the ground to rejuvenate.
Smart Sourcing for Containers and Compost
Lautenbach reveals that most of her own containers come from second-hand sources. "My top tip is not to sit and wait for those people to say, 'Oh, I have a pot'. Anyone who wants a pot needs to actively say to people, 'Is anyone in the village getting rid of good-quality pots?'"
She recommends checking social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace and local community groups, particularly targeting people who are downsizing their homes or gardens. Late winter represents the ideal time to search for pre-loved garden items, before the spring gardening rush begins.
For compost, she suggests forming buying collectives with neighbours to purchase in bulk at reduced prices. Many landscaping companies and online retailers offer delivery services for larger orders.
Creative Repurposing for Additional Savings
Finally, Lautenbach encourages gardeners to think creatively about everyday household items that can serve gardening purposes. Instead of purchasing plastic seed trays and pots, consider using:
- Old egg cartons
- Clean yogurt pots
- Milk cartons
- Cardboard toilet roll tubes
These repurposed containers provide excellent temporary homes for young plants while reducing both expenditure and environmental impact.
Anya Lautenbach's comprehensive guide, The Money-Saving Gardener Containers, published by DK and priced at £16.99, offers further detailed advice for creating stunning container displays while maintaining strict budgetary control throughout the gardening year.
