I am a dumpster dining scavenger and it makes my frugalista heart so happy when it all works out. In this case I ended up with a lovely stone patio. The stone tiles were rescued from a pool hard-scaper who was tossing them (last pic) and the rest was from counter top places. Yep, the granite kitchen counter top folks have to pay by weight to have their dumpster emptied and they were more than happy to help me load my vehicle with their scrap. I recommend asking before helping yourself. Only one place told me know. And one place, that was behind a locked gate, let me in and helped me load. At another place I was in the parking lot when a huge sheet of stone feel off the loading dock. Some of the larger pieces in my build came from their accident. Once everything was in place I gave it 2 weeks to seat itself with the help of the weather. Then I went back with small bits to fill the cracks (pic 4). Dumped a bag of quick-krete on it, and swept into into place then used the hose to 'rain' it all into place to set. Oh and the dumpsters of these places often have whole bath counters with sinks and faucets. My outdoor garden sink as a rescue.

It is so hard sometimes to have a Budget for DIY projects (especially if you are renovating)! What are some of your tips for staying on track?

Have you ever grown Wisteria or a "Creeping" vine? We love ours but it is starting to cause some issues on our Garden Arbor. It is so pretty when it blooms in the spring though! Overall, the integrity of our Arbor is still great though. What is a plant you are most proud of in your garden/landscaping?

What would you say is your #1 setback anytime you start a DIY project? Materials? Timing? Timeframe? Skillset / Knowledge? Weather? Workspace? Tools? Mine would be proper planning. This is something I have to Force myself to do Every Time I start a project. When I get an idea and I just go right into it, I always create more work for myself. Maybe I forgot a second part I needed at the hardware store. Maybe I forgot everything I already have planned for the day, week, month. What would you like to learn more of in this community from the categories above?

This is a lesson I will never forget!