One example - Home Depot on Aurora had half-whiskey barrels for 29.99, 20 gallon capacity last month. I don't know if I saw them when I was there last week though.

Dont know if it's the best, but just one price example for you comparison shopping.

Both Big Lots and Grocery Outlet have had large floor pots suitable for what you want in the past near us. You have to keep an eye on their inventory as it changes significantly over time.

Fred Meyer ain't horrible. But this qeustion makes me miss chubby and tubby's which always seemed to roll out the cheap 1/2 cask barrels at this time of year.

I've used leaky galvanized cattle tanks that can be purchased fairly cheap in the more rural areas of WA. I like the look and they come in several shapes and sizes. I'll be looking for some myself shortly.

When farm supply places get shipments of these in there are often several that leak. These are sold a bit cheaper rather than sent back to the manufacturer. I've used them as planters and worm bins.

you can spend a hella lot of dollars on pots. it is quite ridiculous.  this is especially because if you go to a place like home depot, they'll happily sell you a pot that looks identical for a third of the price. hooray!

if you need something that has a super-intense artesian-thrown hand-fired glaze on it with a modern shape, swanson's has a 25% off sale on their containers right now. caution: even if it were 50% off it would still be twice the price of something similar at home depot.

it's worth mentioning that giant, heavy pots are often so heavy you can't move them about.  that means you'll end up with a perfect circle of rotted, discolored wood on your porch in a year.  get a little pot dolly and save yourself a lot of trouble!

I don't know specifically for gardening/weeding, but I've heard that $15/hr is a pretty standard household labor rate, and what most of the folks outside of Home Depot request.

The lawncare companies I've used in the past tend to charge around $40 to mow my lawn, but that's all I've hired anyone to do.

Tom's suggestion of a list of what you want would be of great use.  You didn't mention the size of your garden.  If your gardening is limited to containers or a small area, you may not want to order a large amount of soil or compost--unless you and a neighbor decide to share.  If yes, there are several good sources, such as Cedar Grove Compost.  The downside is the minimum amount you'd have to order to qualify for home delivery!  

So, I'm going to  assume your garden is more like the average small city lot with some vegetable or flower beds, interspersed with containers.  

My go-to garden supply catalog, when I can't find a tool or gadget locally, is Gardener's Supply out of Vermont.  Shipping charges are more than reasonable and the selection for the average home gardener is quite good.  And, yes, you can order potting soil.  

For greenhouse supplies, big and small, check out Charley's Greenhouse and Supplies in Mt. Vernon, WA.  Even if you don't ever want a greenhouse, you can find other helpful tools and potting supplies.  

If you're looking for plants, well there are so MANY small plant sources in Washington and Orgeon.  Here are a few examples:  

A&D Nursery for peonies, daylilies, and hostas. My favorite source for lilies is B&D Lilies near Pt. Townsend.   Fancy Fronds has wonderful ferns and never fails to disappoint when you see their garden display at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show.  

Speaking of the NW Flower and Garden Show, attending is a great opportunity to discover local growers and suppliers.  The show is next month, February 8-12 at the downtown Seattle Convention Center.  While tickets aren't cheap, once in the show you can attend free seminars, view the inspirational garden displays, talk to lots of experts, and shop.

Also, don't forget to view seed catalogs. I always have Territorial Seeds and Johnny's Seeds catalogs on hand for ordering and reference.  

Well, I hope this is a useful beginning.  Happy Gardening!

Post a list of what you need and how much and I'm I and others will be able to help you figure out how to get it all.

You can contact Elaine Anderson, WSU Extension Master Gardener Program Coordinator, for a list of Master Gardener Landscape Professionals (no endorsement implied) who offer landscaping services.  Elaine said to e-mail her and she will send you the list as an attachment:  elaine.anderson@wsu.edu.  From the list, you can call and get information related to their services, pricing, etc.

Just in case you're not familiar with the Master Gardener Program, here's some info:  "Master Gardener volunteers are trained para-professionals who work in the community as horticulture advisors and resources for home gardeners. Originally focused on diagnosing plant problems, the program now also offers proactive educational programs that address critical issues such as water quality protection and safer pest management practices. Master Gardeners also serve as advisors in Seattle P-Patches and other community food gardens in King County."

My family always had great luck with the Millionair Club. In all honesty, I suggest that without knowing anything about their politics, ethics, or current state of affairs (I think my family last hired through there in 2000 or so). But everyone my family currently hires used to be part of the MC and everyone we ever had help out through the MC was nice, did a great job, and didn't criticize the sandwiches I made them (big points in my book). They are a charity for homeless and disadvantaged people to do a variety of jobs--cleaning, gardening, moving, painting. http://www.millionairclub.org/

kmenex@gmail.com

He's a hard worker and knows his way around a messy garden.

Call Scott Chappel. He's a Certified arborist, but more importantly he has insurance and chainsaws. You might have to tell him Adam sent you. 206-399-7630.

We had one tree removed and two pruned by Urban Arborist. The two he pruned look gorgeous, and the removal was quick and careful. Good price, too, and some extra tree care advice for our big old walnut tree.
http://www.urbanarboristnw.com

Give Ravenna Arborists a call. They did a very good job removing a tree and pruning a couple others for me. And their pricing was very competitive.

Well, I'm going to look oddly rural* all of a sudden here, but
I always fell my own trees.

(* Hey, doublebit axes are sold on AMAZON, dammit, it can't be that strange! http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Nealley-Best-Double-035S/dp/B000LGBT94)