A well landscaped lawn is a pleasant view out any home's window. A beautiful garden and outdoor living space can be achieved without spending a fortune. We have a few cost cutting concepts listed here. If you have a cost cutting idea for gardens please post it on the forum or let us know. All ideas are welcome.

1. Mark the edge of the garden to lawn by rolling newspaper into tight tubes and setting them in shallow trenches that mark the edge of the garden. Cover the newspaper with mulch. As newspaper is biodegradable and a recycled item the edging is environmentally friendly and free.

2. Share plants with other gardeners. Trading seeds and cuttings with friends and neighbors can diversify your garden. When buying plants buy ones that are easy to propagate so you can expand their use.

3. Have a pine tree or know somebody who does? Pine straw makes a great mulch and doesn't harm the environment as it replenishes unlike the cypress mulch.

4. Old objects can be used as trellises or flower containers and add interesting focal points to the area. Flowerpots can be stacked together with a bowl added to make a birdbath etc. Painting the pots will bring it all together.

5. Pavers set apart so grass or moss can grow in-between them expands a patio while cutting the number of pavers needed and saving money.