Monday 2 April 2012

99p Garden Fun

After several hours of hacking, strimming, mowing and being raked by brambles last weekend, we got our new-ish garden looking like this:


OK, so it isn't the prettiest yet, and (you may note, by the G plan chair) we have no charming rattan garden furnishings either... but it's finally useable. So we've been using it, to dry laundry, to put out wee seedlings of herbs and small veg. Mainly, however, given the lovely warm weather, to sit about in.


Which brings me on to my latest thrifty garden sensation; 99p stores! It seems to be an open secret amongst gardening types, but humble old 99p Stores and Poundland are the place to go for compost, veg seeds, gloves, watering cans. OK, OK, the only type of BBQ you can get there is a disposable camp one and they'll never do ornamental fountains, but I'm talking more those little things that cost £3.99 in Homebase. Those little things that have you scratching your head when they add up to thirty quid and you've half a bag-for-life full for your pains. Well, I filled a whole bag from 99p Stores and a whole bag from their arch rivals Poundland; pots, seeds (which have germinated), feed, non-poison slug deterrent, bird feed balls...for under £16 the lot! Oh, and these little fellas:



Fantastic little garden lights, just leave 'em out and the sun charges them up by day. By night, they last until 11pm without fading. Superb value at 99p each, ideal for patios or perhaps to outline a path or driveway.

Anyway, as a long time tightwad, short time garden owner I hope to share more outdoor fun with you all soon! Do you have a garden? And if you do, what do you use it for?

12 comments:

  1. Yeah we have one, not that I ever get much chance to be in it without being harassed for something or being kicked out of my deckchair. There's mixed reviews on MSE about cheap plants, but my mum got an apple tree from Lidl a few years ago which is now doing really well.

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  2. I've got several items from the 99p store dotted around the garden and they've lasted well but I wouldn't skimp on plants as it can end up being a false economy. I particularly like your tortoise light. I love my garden and use it for entertaining friends, reading, writing or just sitting and watching the red kites flying over head. Really enjoyed your post Perdita. x

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  3. It's so good to have your own little bit of outdoor space. Love those cute little lights. M x

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  4. I live for summertime when I can lounge in my yard and craft and have friends over for bbq and cocktails. Your yard is full of potential! I do like the turtle light!

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  5. Looks lovely, will be the perfect place to sit and chill out when the weather gets warmer and all of your seeds get going. We pretty much live in our garden in the summer and it is fantastic to get home grown veg. I love the tortoise light!

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  6. I have a garden, D.G, and I have spent the nice weather digging up some of the lawn so we can grow loads more fruit and veg this year, now we have time to garden. We have afternoon tea outdoors in the summer. Hope you enjoy your garden as much as we do!! X

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  7. I have a blank canvas garden and haven't planted anything yet as I need to dig loads of it up to fertilise the soil as it's really heavy wet clay, right now, I just can't be *rsed! So it'll remain a blank canvas until I can find the energy to dig it up, or can afford to pay someone to do it! But I'll check out poundland for stuff, so thanks for the tip!

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  8. gardens don't have to be landscaped to within an inch of their life, I love busy gardens, with veg patches as long as there's enough room somewhere for a sun lounger in the summer

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    Replies
    1. what a good idea! i love that xx
      liloo/@tsunimee xx

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    2. Oh what a good idea! Poundland here I come!x

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  9. Got 3 dogs. Garden essential.
    Our garden is for the dogs, the compost bin, the bird feeders (many many many), eating out, for wildlife such as hedgehogs, sitting and watching the trees. We back onto woodland. Chart the seasons, leaves and blossom.

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  10. Nice clean big garden amor.
    I want grow my tomatillos (green tomatoes) for salsa ,but would doubt it if they hold in this weather.
    love Mr. turtle!

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Let me know what you think!