Refresh Your Landscape for Less

You don't need a big budget to make your yard turn heads. Try these wallet-friendly ideas to make your property the envy of the neighborhood.

• Fill window boxes with colorful flowers for a striking display.
• Disguise unsightly areas with tall grasses that also add texture and curb appeal.
• Choose perennials that will come back year after year, such as hostas, Russian sage and hydrangeas.
• Replace sections of your lawn with native plants and shrubs that require less upkeep.
• Consider xeriscaping — water-conscious landscaping — with drought-tolerant greenery to reduce watering.
• Swap traditional fertilizer for compost. Purchase it or create your own in a simple compost yard bin.
• Reduce lawn maintenance with ground cover, such as creeping thyme or clover.
• Plant trees with long-term focal points in mind to increase property value over time.
• Install raised flower beds to improve drainage, maintain soil quality and limit the spread of invasive weeds.
• Add mulch to give landscaping a uniform appearance, retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
• Update your mailbox to reflect your home's style.