Gardening has been one of my hobbies for as far back as I can remember. I never seem to be able to exit a garden store or nursery without finding at least a couple of plants that would look great in the yard. But just like everything else, having a nice looking garden is getting more expensive.

Experts say landscaping is one of the best returns for money when it comes time to sell your home. So I always look at each plant I buy as a good investment. Last week I managed to find some good buys that fitted into my gardening budget.

I stopped by my local Costco store...just to buy some cheese and salad items. Anyway, there in the entrance of the store was their new shipment of trees, shrubs and hanging baskets. I’ve been looking for some junipers for the front yard and found Costco had just what I was looking for and just $10.39 each.

Then on Sunday a local farm close to where I live had its annual fundraising sale. They sell just about everything, plants, herbs, shrubs, and at close to warehouse prices. I found five perennials I was looking for, and three pots of herbs, total price $22.

I also found this Web site that’s really helpful to gardeners of all skill levels. www.learn2grow.org.

For money saving gardening tips visit www.gardenandhearth.com/Bargain-Shopping.htm