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All told, the backyard cost us just shy of $1,000 to install. That includes
* Sprinkler system
* Sod
* Five fruit trees
* Three grapevines
* A flat and a half of Irish Moss
* 15 perennial plants
* Two wine barrels
* Six bags of soil
* Two bags of mulch
That also includes the groceries for feeding our Saturday work crew breakfast and lunch.
Before my mom left on Sunday, she told me that if I had the backyard professionally landscaped, I would have easily paid $7,000. There were several things that brought our cost down so dramatically.
The biggest expense for most landscape projects is labor. Asking my friends and family to help was key. In return, Paul and I will be there when our friends call asking for help on their next project.
Another thing that helped is that I started my plant and tree purchasing at Home Depot where I knew I would get some of the best prices. Once I went through their stock and picked what I wanted, I went to regular nurseries to get the harder to find items. Both the pomegranate and the nectarine trees were $20 cheaper at Home Depot than the other two nurseries. I saved an additional 30% on the perennial plants I was able to purchase at Home Depot.
The entire experience is one I will always remember. In fact, many of my happiest memories include such work-get-togethers. I have the fondest memories of family gatherings where we built fences, branded cattle or helped friends harvest raisins. Within the last year Paul and my friends helped my dad build a stable and brand another friend's cattle.
If you have a project that you have been putting off, consider turning it into a work party. Just be willing to return the favor when your friends are ready for their project.
