Start the New Year as you mean to go on
Start the New Year as you mean to go on
Gardening enthusiasts looking to refresh their outdoor spaces this year might want to heed a warning from expert Anya Lautenbach (@anya_thegarden_fairy), a budget-savvy gardener and social media star. Anya’s second book, The Money-Saving Garden Year, is packed with month-by-month tips to help create a garden on a budget.
For January, Anya suggests getting ahead by preparing your tools and furniture. She advises checking out local Facebook groups now, as bargains tend to disappear by April.
Anya said: “Nobody thinks about gardening in January. After Christmas, people often want to clear out unwanted items. This is the perfect time for thrifty gardeners to ask for pre-owned pots, high-quality tools, and garden furniture on social media. Be proactive, post in local social groups on Facebook to see if anyone is selling good-quality garden furniture.
“I’ve found some amazing deals in January because there’s less competition from other bargain hunters compared to April.”
Looking ahead to February, Anya recommends focussing on pruning. She said: “This month is all about pruning. I save all my pruning’s and turn them into beautiful plant supports.
“Whole branches, like beech, can be repurposed for supporting spring flowers such as hyacinths in pots. They only need to be about seven inches long.”
By starting early, Anya’s practical tips can help you save money while keeping your garden flourishing all year round.
