I'm a newbie too
and my garden budget is always tight so got to do a little convincing to DH that clearance plants are the way to go. Clearance plants works for me because I get satisfaction when I can revive them and doesn't hurt my pocket that much when they don't.
Mamalve, I purchased some clearance succulent plants also and I just posted a separate thread of my clearance plants before and after photos.
BluePoppy, I also saw those gorgeous tree Hydrangeas for $15 too in our Lowes. But I don't have the shade that they love :
so I can just admire them for now.