The owner of a South Plainfield gardening center says more New Jersey residents are maintaining their yards this year rather than hiring landscapers.

Bob Rossi, owner of Coppola's Garden Center, says he's seen a noticeable increase in "do-it-yourselfers" this season because people want to save money on landscaping services. Michael and Donna Ladine, of South Plainfield, say they went to the garden center for tips on lawn care and to purchase perennial plants to replace their annual flowers.

"We want to do perennials instead of annuals because it's cheaper to have them come back every year," Donna Ladine says.

Rossi says more customers are planting vegetable gardens this year to save money on fresh produce, including tomatoes, lettuce and Brussels sprouts.

"I think they're looking for wholesome food," Rossi says. "Everybody's into organic gardening, that's the number one thing, and trying to save a few dollars."