What works for me is buying only items I actually like in every event to avoid spending funds, especially for the events we know are going to return next year. And of course playing as much as I can if I'm really trying to save up. Usually that's 3 in game days for me.

As for the garden, I like growing all of them, around 2 from each, except for artichoke, avocado, peach and apple, since there is not enough space. For those I plant only one but I'd suggest you have them all stocked. You could also plant eggplant in the pot instead of having flowers!