Heading back to school is a sign that summer is rapidly coming to an end. But it’s also a great time to score some deals on all sorts of merchandise. Make a list of items that you need (or want) for your garden and outdoor living space for next season. Just about all of the major retailers and locally-owned stores have begun marking down prices.
If you look around, you’ll probably be able to find almost every unaffordable plant that you wanted at the beginning of the summer at a price that will make the risk worth taking. 
Don’t let scraggly blooms deter you from purchasing. When it comes to perennials (like lilies, roses, hostas, etc.) the plant needs a strong root base, so don’t be overly concerned if the plant looks to be struggling a bit. (Retailers typically don’t water as often as they did earlier in the season.) Plant the roots as soon as you get home and give it plenty of water and plant food. It should bounce back beautifully in the spring. You should definitely avoid purchasing annuals, even if they’re dirt cheap. (No pun intended.)
Other end of season items you may wish to consider purchasing for the outdoors includes: patio furniture, grills and grilling supplies (charcoal, lighter fluid, etc.), lawn/garden ornaments, pool supplies and toys, grass seed, hedge trimmers, string trimmers, and fertilizers. As with any bigger purchase, make sure you have a place to store the items during the winter months.
