What is it about flowers that make a house a home? 
My dream is to always have a bouquet of fresh flowers somewhere in my home. 
My pocket book doesn't always agree with my dream.
Of course during the spring, summer, and fall it doesn't cost anything to
bring in nature from my yard. 
But during the cold days of winter I have to rely on other ways to get my
floral fix on a bargain. 
One of those ways is to look for flowers in unexpected places.
This beautiful bouquet came from a store that carries out of date and freight damaged food. 
The tulips were a dollar a bunch. For that price I felt I could splurge and buy five dollars worth.
Another way to save is to ask what day of the week the florist or grocery store has a fresh flower delivery. That will also likely be the day that they mark down flowers to clear them out (look for great bargains AFTER Valentines).
These blooms were on clearance.
The great thing about potted flowers is that I can plant them in my yard later. To double my delight these bulbs will bloom next spring. 
When I buy potted flowers the first thing I do is lose the wrapping, plop the pot into a prettier container, and surround the top with a little moss.
I try to save on my outdoor flowers too. Bargains can be found at the end of the season and on holidays. Big box stores will often mark down their plants when they look a little lanky or droopy.
I've also been known to ask for the plants that they are throwing away (and have been very tempted to dumpster dive). Annuals can be hard to rescue but perennials can be nurtured back and will bloom for years.
My favorite idea for bargain gardening came from a woman who would walk her dog at night and carry scissors with her. As she walked she would take little snippets from her neighbors bushes and flowers; nothing too big that they would miss. ***Edited to add: If you choose to do this please ask permission before taking snippets from your neighbors.*** 
When she arrived home she would dip the cuttings into root starter. I read that she was able to beautify her entire once-barren yard with just the cost of time, energy and root starter.
Blooming Bargains
Almost Free Florals and a Winner
I always love having a fresh and free bouquet in my living room. In the spring and summer I bring branches or flowers in from my yard and even though it's winter I've found a way to bring in nature without spending a lot of money. One trick is to ask the employees of tree lots or big box stores if you can have the cuttings from the Christmas trees. They're usually happy to give them away for free. I just plop a bunch into a tarnished silver urn and add a few faux glittered branches for a little more interest and then I stand back and enjoy the beauty and the fresh evergreen aroma.
And who says that you have to keep that traditional poinsettia in it's foil covered container? I clipped the flowers and added more evergreens, and curly branches to make this eye catching Christmas bouquet.
The only thing that can beat the beauty of two fresh bouquets is the low, low price!
Congratulations to Cheryl, comment #38. Random organizer picked her to be the winner of the beautiful Mod Lattice Pillow from FabulousButFrugal.com
An Idea Worth Stealing
A few weeks ago I found the perfect bouquet at the thrift store for $1. What makes it so perfect? 
with the heads of faux flowers glued abundantly on top.
It's stunning because it can be plopped atop almost anything andit looks gorgeous.
A white pedestal vase.
An old copper pot.
On top of moss rocks inside a huge hurricane.
Sunflower Love
Oh how I love sunflowers! They are such a happy plant. Those pretty, bright yellow heads that magically track the sun
I have tried for years to grow them.I have only been successful once.
This year I decided to go faux with some realistic looking sunflowers. They're just as pretty but without the mess of hitchhiker bugs, falling pollen, and odd looks from strangers.
And I love how they look in my thrift store vintage brown bottles.Backyard Bargains
Since seashells evoke the feeling of summer, I thought I'd add one into my seasonal vignette.
Of course, I couldn't resist giving the backside a glitzy little makeover 
Then I finished the setting with a little ceramic bird candle holder,adorned with an old key tied on with rope.
It gives me a thrill to add beauty to my home without spending any money!
