Signs of spring are popping up all around us. Gardeners hope April showers will give way to beautiful May flowers. For many, the yard is a passion project and beautifying it with florals and trees is a labor of love that can also be a costly one.

News 12's Garden Guru Alex Calamia looked at some of the expenses attached with getting your outdoor space to bloom with color and character. He recommends starting with flower flats, describing them as a perfect filler for landscaping that is lacking.

"You have to keep in mind, when you're gardening these plants are only going to get bigger and bigger. So it's okay that they're small to start."

Calamia also touts them as a very affordable option.

"A flat of these costs about $20 and fills up about ten square feet of space," he said.

If you are looking for larger pieces that provide everything from shade to fruit, you are getting into tree territory and a new price bracket.

"A tree is going to start off at least at $100. But for a more specialty tree, you could expect to pay five to six hundred dollars," said Calamia.

For a better deal, he recommends holding off until the fall to find tree options at reduced prices. Savings are also grown in the garden in the form of fruits and vegetables.

"You can get hundreds and hundreds of tomatoes for about $5 for a single plant," said Calamia. "You're paying about that much at the grocery store for just one batch of tomatoes."

If this year's financial plan doesn't leave room for garden spending, seeds are your best bet. While a pack of seeds can run up to four dollars, there are plenty of ways to secure them for free creating a way to grow the garden without your budget.