Saving money

The pieris with it's wonderful flames of new growth

Herb seedlings

When we had finished digging over the side border on Wednesday, we absolutely decided that we would wait until we came back from our holiday before we completed it.  Yes, well, that didn't quite happen ;)

All neat and tidy, just waiting for some plants

First thing yesterday morning, we were up and about, just trying out a few paving stones . . . and then a few more . . . no way were we going to wait another couple of weeks to get this border finished.  Once we had the paving stones in place we began to think we might be able to scoop enough gravel from elsewhere not to have to buy any more.  Always up for a challenge like that (no way were we going to spend a penny more than necessary!) I began racking off surplus gravel from pathways, and it was very satisfying to find we had more than enough.  We are really pleased with the end result; the whole area has been opened up and tidied up and now looks as if it has some purpose.  A few big plant pots and perhaps a climber, and we'll have a very pleasant area to sit in summer evenings.

In between gardening I've been trying to fit in a bit of pre-holiday sewing - or more precisely, altering - a couple of pairs of summer trousers desperately needed taking in (I don't mind loose-fit, but two whole sizes too big is too baggy for my liking).  Alterations now completed and the trousers are good to go and no cost except my time.  And even more money saved today - I had relented and decided to have a 'proper' haircut, to restyle more than anything else, and I even got as far as booking an appointment when I sensibly enquired about the cost of a dry cut.  Gosh, I knew I was saving money cutting my own hair, but I had no idea I was saving that much.  Oh my goodness!  I couldn't bring myself to spend that amount of money on a dry trim so tomorrow I shall be cutting my hair myself.