I went to our local Lowe's this weekend and found some total steals on perennials. I actually ended up going to both the local Lowe's stores and getting different things at each. They had gallon perennials on clearance for $1 each, and groundcover for $1.50 a six-pack. I picked up over $200 worth of plants for $25! What a deal! Some of them aren't looking spectacular, but they're all healthy enough that they'll survive and thrive in future years if not this season.

I found a few things that work with my front-yard color scheme, including Munstead English Lavender. I was planning to add lavender to this area anyway (I ordered some which will arrive in the fall), so that worked out well.

I also found some Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower, which will hopefully grow somewhat quickly and add some height interest.

Finally for the front yard, I found some Periwinkle Vinca. Not the most exciting plant ever, but it goes with my plan and should thrive and fill in relatively quickly.

The shrubs I planted between our house and the neighbor's driveway have not thrived (probably due to the neighbor's child ripping them out of the ground repeatedly), so I found another option: ornamental grass. I picked up some Adagio Grass and Maiden Grass and put them in. I am not completely giving up on the shrubs until next year - I hold out the tiniest shred of hope that something underground will survive and sprout in the spring. We shall see. The grasses should hopefully fill in over time, and as you can see, the grapes that sprouted there (one good thing the neighbors have done for us is leave bits of them there) are growing like crazygonuts.

I also found some plants for the bed beside the driveway: Petite Delight Bee Balm, Petite Wonder Bee Balm, and Red Fox Speedwell.

I also found some groundcover for the corridor between the garage and the (other) neighbor's fence. It's Moneywort, which has a striking light green foliage and will theoretically flower in yellow.

I feel really good about getting such great deals! Even if I lose a percentage of these plants, I still come out ahead money-wise, and hopefully I'll learn more about a bunch of new-to-me types of plants and gain experience, too. If anyone has any tips or advice about any of these plants, I'm all ears!

More photos on Flickr.

Originally published at LibrariAnne.