Landscaping your yard On a Budget

Is it possible to have a unique look to your yard without investing thousands of dollars to it every year? I truly believe it is. By practicing some basic conservation ideas you can save money and still make your yard look great.

1. The best way to stay within your means when it comes to landscaping is to do the job yourself as with many other areas of budget concern. This would mean doing everything, from picking your plants to weeding and pruning. Now to many of us who really enjoy being out in the yard this is fun. For those of you who question your knowledge and ability, the information age is in full swing and it is not hard to educate yourself well on all the different tasks specific to your yard.

As for the weeds, you are probably going to have to expect a few. If good isn’t good enough when it come to waging a campaign against your weeds (and this is especially true of your lawn) you are going to end up spending a lot of time and money on various chemicals and treatments. These procedures may in the end be doing more harm than good. Be satisfied with some weeds in your lawn, particularly if they have some intrinsic appeal, such as clover.

2. One great new innovation that is all the rage is the art of xeriscaping. Xeriscaping refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental watering. It is often promoted in areas that do not have a good supply of fresh water, but it is also catching on in other areas as climate patterns shift. With water becoming an ever more valuable commodity, many homeowners, when it comes to their yard, are seeking to conserve their water costs by choosing plants that do not need as much water to survive. These plants are available in many different varieties, and they will add a splash of color to your yard while still saving you money. Knowing which plants tend to use a lot of water like cedar hedges, for example, is crucial so they can be avoided. You won’t want to plant any of these if you are concerned about your water costs!

Another way to save money on water is to include material that has good water retention qualities when you’re planting new plants. For example, Peat moss is very inexpensive. When you mix it in with the dirt and bone meal while planting your new flowers or hedges, any water that goes near the area will be soaked up and retained for later use as the plant’s needs dictate.

3. Don’t be afraid to skip the nursery and buy your plants at a box store. A lot of the time, the plants you buy at a big store that carries many varieties of items will cost much less than those at the local nursery. These plants will not have been tended as carefully as the nursery plants, but with some care taken when you’re planting and tending them, they will grow just fine and should grow to the same levels as the plants which cost more but took less time initially in tending. Most do-it-yourself gardeners like to maximize their time outside anyway, so the extra attention these plants may need will help to increase the time spent on your hobby.

4. One way to keep a low budget in your landscaping is to limit your green space. Smaller lawns and fewer flowers mean less materials needed for the upkeep. Watch what you use as your replacement, though some types of landscaping rocks (such as lava rock) can be incredibly overpriced. Bark mulch can be a fairly inexpensive option, but again, you have to be willing to invest a little extra time into its containment and maintenance. I personally don’t like this option because I love my flowers too much but it will save you money in the long run.

There are many more ideas for landscaping on a budget but we will have to wait for a different time to discuss them.

Landscaping On a Budget “by the yard”

Small Space Gardening

There are many different reasons for people choosing to garden in a small space like on a balcony, patio, or courtyard. For some they have moved from a large house to smaller accommodation, and some have chosen to live in rental property to avoid the high-cost of owning a home. Whatever the reason, this doesn’t mean we can’t garden. No space is too small for a small space garden. You could say that only one plant in a container is a garden. In fact, many gardening options are available in terms of pots, half-barrels, window boxes, troughs, cast-iron planters, recycled materials – the list is unending with possibilities.

Planning a Small Space Garden

When planning your small space garden several steps are fundamental. The first consideration is to determine what purpose this space will serve. Next what do you want to do in it, grow vegetables, herbs; entertain family and friends; meditate; create a place of peace and healing; have a memorial garden – the list is endless. Now, walk around your space and really look at what you have. Where are the doors, sheds, permanent and planters located? Clear out any clutter and start with a clean slate.
If possible, take a chair and sit down, move it around, and think about where the energy feels best for you. Wherever that is, place your seating such as a park bench, lounger, Adirondack chairs, dining furniture, swing, etc. Do you want a formal or informal setting? Think of what features you may want? Features such as water, flowers, wind chimes, wild life, color, etc. These can add the finishing touches to your small space garden. Finally, have a plan particularly if you are going to use large features such as a half-barrel because once filled with soil you will not want to be moving it.

Creating a Small Space Garden

Containers: Generally speaking natural materials such as wood, clay, stone, or cast iron in all their forms make better companions for plants. Remember that wet soil weighs a lot so if you garden is on a balcony you may have weight restrictions. Containers made from lighter weight materials such as fiberglass are ideal for roof or balcony gardens. The styles of containers include hanging baskets, wirework stands and baskets, wood window boxes, sinks, troughs, galvanized buckets, old shoes or boots, and all manner of recycled objects.

Scale: Scale is extremely important in small space gardening. For example, small plants look more balanced in small containers, large plants in large containers. I especially like the effect of vines growing on trellis in half-barrels with smaller plants edging the container. I have found that the effect of scarlet runner pole beans is really a knockout with their gorgeous red flowers and you can eat them too.

Microclimates: You should choose plants according to the conditions suitable for their optimum growth. Plants such as begonia, coleus, and Fuchsia prefer shaded areas while geraniums, marigolds, and petunia prefer full sun. Also if you are gardening on a balcony wind can be a major factor and damage fragile plants. For this you need to choose plants that are wind tolerant such as many of the grasses; the sound of the rustling of the grasses as the wind blows through them is very pleasing to the ear.

Soil: I buy pre-mixed potting soil from garden centers or department stores. These are generally lighter in weight, are sterilized to prevent weed seeds from germinating, and contain a lot of peat moss that helps loosen the soil so that it doesn’t compact in pots.

Watering: Check daily as container plants often dry out more quickly. This is especially true if you are using clay pots. Make sure your pots have drainage holes though, as roots sitting in water will rot. You may even want to empty saucers that are full after heavy rain fall.

Fertilizer: Due to frequent watering, container plants require fertilizer on a more consistent basis than plants in the ground do. I use only organic fertilizers such as blood meal, bone meal, or fish emulsion, as I add the soil to the garden at the end of the season, and chemical fertilizers harm the wildlife.

Function: When you are creating your small space garden you are actually designing an outdoor room. So keep in mind you may want to color coordinated it so it appears as an extension of your home. I also move my indoor plants outside for the summer (which they love) and design these areas as garden rooms.

Focal point: Create a focal point such as a large pot, tall plant or small tree, color, or a water feature. You can also create a sense of mystery by hiding a plant or ornament behind something else to give the pleasure of discovering it.

Color: In a small space, try using three colors such as pinks, blues, and whites; reds, oranges, and yellows; or reds, whites, and purples that provide continuity rather than too many colors which tend to be distracting. Cool colors can make the space appear bigger and brighter while intense colors tend to shrink spaces. A white and green color theme called a ‘moon garden’ is more formal and particularly at night it’s spectacular.

Lighting: I like the small Xmas lights hidden in plants or interwoven throughout a trellis with climbing vines. Small spotlights can focus attention on a particular area for evening entertaining.

Small space gardening is fun and not that much work as you don’t have that much to take care of. But it can have a huge impact on your outdoor living space.

Small Space Gardens “by the yard”

Backyard Landscaping is Important

While the front yard is important because it’s more visible to neighbors and others who drive by, the backyard is no less important. For homeowners around the world, a big part of owning a home is getting the yard just the way they want it. The backyard is important because that is where family and friends gather for barbeques, birthday parties and a place for the family to have fun and play. Special consideration should be given to the placement of the flower beds and the different species of flowers that beautify a backyard as well as the position of the patio or deck and any decorative features in the yard.

The theme of your yard will depend on your hobbies, interests and goals. Flowers, stones and grass are just some of the ways to landscape a backyard. Large shade trees, waterfalls and herbal gardens are some other ways. Whatever your preference, you should make your backyard landscaping fun for the whole family. Actually working on your backyard landscape can be a lot of fun too, especially when you make it personal.

Your yard should reflect your personality and the personality of your home.
1: If you and your family like to entertain, add a bar to your back patio. Clean up the barbeque grill and don’t forget adding some way to keep the bugs away like citronella candles.
2: If you want more fun then maybe you want to build a croquet course, mini golf course, put in a sand lot for some sand volleyball or the favorite of a lot of people a pool.
3: If you are the type who would rather keep your backyard to yourself, then maybe you don’t need to worry about the huge, green lawn. Perhaps you’d rather have a quaint yard with basic backyard landscaping. You can put in some grass, strategically place some shade trees and plant some of your favorite flowers. You may want to include some bigger bushes, if space allows as they will add some gorgeous green to your colorful backyard.

When it comes time to maintain the backyard landscaping then taking care of the yard can be a nice family activity. Large yards will require a lot more maintenance and grooming. There is mowing the lawn, pulling weeds and the kids can help even if they are young. They love water so get them involved in watering the plants. If you have a fruit tree in your backyard, then they can spend some time picking up the fallen apples or cherries. You’ll also need to reserve some time to tend to your garden. It can be surprisingly rewarding growing your own vegetables and herbs and then using them in special recipes that you cook when you’re entertaining friends and neighbors. A smaller more intimate backyard may require as much maintenance as a large backyard, but because of scale not nearly the time commitment.

No matter what your personality says about your backyard landscaping. One thing’s for sure don’t let people tell you how to create your backyard, do it just the way you want to and have fun both creating it and enjoying it.

Backyard Landscaping “by the yard”

A Beautiful Garden is a Work of the Heart

The satisfaction in creating your own garden plan is immense. You get the satisfaction that comes from a job well done as well as being able to relax or entertain in your garden. Planning and developing a design unique to you, will add to the enjoyment your garden provides for years to come.

But where do you begin in creating the garden of your dreams and one that is unique to you?

Here are some easy steps that will help you work your way through the process.

1. Identify the reason for your garden.
Who will enjoy the garden? How will you use it? Getting input from the whole family on how they would like to use your outdoor space is a great place to start.

2. Don’t forget to do a little dreaming.
Let your imagination have fun with all the possible features in your special space now that you understand why you want it and how you intend to use it. This will help you put your personal touches on the garden. Also decide whether you want a formal or an informal garden. Formal gardens are divided by a strong central axis and cross axes while informal gardens have a more natural look with wonderful flowing curves.

3. Evaluate your yard.
What is the climate? How large is your space? What type of soil do you have? The lay of the land, is it flat or sloping? What are the predominate views and where are your quiet spots? It helps to know your starting point in order to get where you want to go.

4. What are your non-negotiables?
Listing your essentials up front helps ensure important things won't be forgotten. Then walk around your property and take note of everything that is essential. Your final design should balance between dream features and "must haves". Do children need a place to play? What about pets? What about a privacy fence or retaining wall? Where will you need a path?

5. Identify your focal points.
Every garden needs an eye-catching spot that causes you to pause a moment. Understand that when you choose a focal point, you are choosing the direction you want visitors to look and move when they enter your garden. If your list of "wants" included a waterfall or fountain, an arbor or even a special tree then you’re well on your way to identifying your focal point.

6. Choose your plants and hardscape.
What you choose to put in your garden will create the character of your garden, adding interest, movement and visual appeal. Mixing different colors and materials and textures will give your garden a strong sense of space. You may want harmonious colors or strong contrasting colors and different hues, warm or cool.

Though plants comprise a significant part of your garden, hardscape materials contribute variety and texture -- wood arbors, brick borders, gravel paths, bronze statuary, and outdoor benches. Keep in mind that each element needs to fit with and compliment the whole.

7. Draw you plan to scale.
Thus far, you have created a list of your needs and wants and of the trees, shrubs and plants you want in your garden. Now you need to create a scale drawing that shows exactly where each feature will go so you can use this drawing to help lay out the walkways, plant the trees, shrubs and flowers and set the arbors and trellises in place.
You will need a basic map of property lines and your house as well as an overlay sheet that shows focal points, "rooms" and pathways. Using a pad of graph paper will really help you with this and let each square equal one foot.

8. Create a budget.
Once you know what you want and what you need, it's time to consider what you are willing to spend. This dollar figure will influence what features you are able to include in the final garden plan -- trees, plants, hardscape materials and architectural elements such as arbors, fountains, ponds and benches.

Budgets comprise two elements: money and time. In terms of time, can you create your garden over time or does it need to be finished by a certain date? As you develop and refine your plan, you may need to balance time and cash costs. If you can’t afford your wants you may need to spend more time to balance things off.

9. Execute your plan.
With your scale drawing as a blueprint, use a tape measure to position all structures, walkways and plants. Be sure to measure accurately so each element in your design fits its assigned space. Be aware that structures such as decks, patios and retaining walls may require a permit from the local city authority.

You CAN do this. It may sound a bit intimidating but if you follow these steps and let your space unfold you will end up with a space that is right for you.

Choosing the Best Plants for Your Yard

Did you feel excited when you first saw the space in your backyard and thought of what you could do with it? Maybe you ran right out and bought some plants and started planting them. Or did you first consider the kind of soil you have in your garden, or perhaps, think about the kind of plants that would do well in your yard? If you didn’t, maybe now your garden is a mess and you need to rethink what you should do. Maybe you haven’t made that mistake yet and are wanting to avoid making it. Here are some things to think about.

This spring before you buy any plants you should think about where you want to place the plants in the garden.
– shade loving plants for those sheltered areas
– sun lovers for the warm spots
– drought resistant plants for the parched areas which may be either sunny or shaded
– swamp plants for the poorly drained parts.

What to plant? These pointers should help you:

- Start small: You can always increase the size of your garden if you choose to. But do it gradually. This is particularly important if you're on a budget, of course.

- Test your soil: First, you need to determine the pH level of your soil and what kind of nutrients you need to add. You can alter the garden soil's pH, however, it is a lot easier to maintain a garden without having to alter it's soil's pH level. Working with what you have is easiest but it means choosing plants that will survive with the kind of soil your garden has. After you know what condition your soil is in, amend your soil and then add fertilizer before you plant anything.

- Color of the plants: Having the right color scheme is one way to determine what you want to plant and a way of maintaining a harmonious look throughout your garden. Start by imagining the color of the flowers when they are in bloom. Another thing is to look for plants that have different colors for their leaves to add interest. Foliage color is not only confined to green you know. Try experimenting with colors. You can even plant flowers whose bloom colors would not look good together in the same bed, if they have different blooming seasons.

- Plant in groups: Some people think a good green thumb rule is to buy at least one of a number of varieties of plants. This method of plant selection tends to make the garden seem spotty however, whereas plants placed in groups makes your garden fuller and more organized.

- Positioning the Plants: Once you’ve decided your selections it is time to choose how you are going to position them in your garden. Before planting anything, try arranging them while they are still in their pots according to how you plan to plant them in your garden. Grouping them in sets of threes or fives usually looks better than planting in groups of even numbers. Lastly be sure that you have an interesting combination of colors and textures of plants.

Choosing the Best Plants “by the yard”

Wipe Out Those Winter Garden Woes

Do you look at your garden at this time of the year and wish it were more alive? Spring has begun and life has started but is still not in full bloom. Well, there are ways to make your yard look more attractive and inviting at any time of year!

1. A non-gardening way to pretty up a front yard is to invest a few dollars in some inexpensive path lighting. The push-in mushroom lamps look quite effective when turned on, and will give your front yard some definition. Solar lights don’t even need hydro and give you that accent that you’re looking for.

2. Another thing you want to get rid of is the effect of winter, those dirty and sometimes murky green garden paths. Hose down your paths and wash your deck (don’t power wash the deck as this can do more harm than good) and get rid of that dirt and mold. Also check for mold at the base of your fences and house. This will brighten things up and make them look fresh and clean.

3. If you didn’t do it last fall (and I don’t as it can leave interest for the winter) then clean up the flower beds of the dead wood and leaves of last year’s garden. This always freshens up the yard and makes it look new.

4. If you live in a mild winter area, then you may need to keep cutting the lawn, but lift the mower slightly so that the grass is not cut so short in the winter.

5. You may want to put your potted plants in their ceramic containers on show. If this is the case, keep an eye on the weather forecasts and pop some bubble wrap over them if the weather is going to freeze.

6. Hopefully, you have already invested in a supply of evergreens, if not, now is the time for you to examine your yard and decide where you should plant some. Did you know there are bronze, yellow, silver and variegated evergreens to choose from? And remember to always include some blue spruce. Many of us also forget the brightness of berry evergreens like holly and rowan trees. (Sometimes referred to as mountain ash or Pyrus Americana)

7. Bedding plants such as pansies and forget-me-nots are quite hardy and can add a lot of color at this time of year.

8. There is also a modern day fad for decorative cabbages in cream and purple. These are a hardy decoration in the yard and can sometimes still look quite good from last fall.

9. If you feel you can't wait for your garden to wake up and come fully alive, then be sure to add some of the early bulbs into your planting plans. Most should have been planted last fall but there are some bulbs that can be planted in the early spring. If you can’t find them, there will be bulbs already growing at the nursery in pots that you can pop right in the ground for that fresh spring show. Bulbs like snow drops, daffodils, crocuses and tulips all come out in bloom very early and can be your reminder that summer is just around the corner!

Wiping out winter “by the yard”

Gardening on a Balcony, Patio, or Courtyard

There are many different reasons for people choosing to garden in a small space like on a balcony, patio, or courtyard. For some they have moved from a large house to smaller accommodation, and some have chosen to live in rental property to avoid the high-cost of owning a home. Whatever the reason, this doesn’t mean we can’t garden. No space is too small for a small space garden. You could say that only one plant in a container is a garden. In fact, many gardening options are available in terms of pots, half-barrels, window boxes, troughs, cast-iron planters, recycled materials – the list is unending with possibilities.

When planning your small space garden several steps are fundamental. The first consideration is to determine what purpose this space will serve. Next what do you want to do in it, grow vegetables, herbs; entertain family and friends; meditate; create a place of peace and healing; have a memorial garden – the list is endless. Now, walk around your space and really look at what you have. Where are the doors, sheds, permanent and planters located? Clear out any clutter and start with a clean slate.
If possible, take a chair and sit down, move it around, and think about where the energy feels best for you. Wherever that is, place your seating such as a park bench, lounger, Adirondack chairs, dining furniture, swing, etc. there. Do you want a formal or informal setting? Think of what features you may want? Features such as water, flowers, wind chimes, wild life, color, etc. These can add the finishing touches to your small space garden. Finally, have a plan particularly if you are going to use large features such as a half-barrel because once filled with soil you will not want to be moving it.

When Creating a Small Space Garden here are some things to think about.

Containers: Generally speaking natural materials such as wood, clay, stone, or cast iron in all their forms make better companions for plants. Remember that wet soil weighs a lot so if you garden is on a balcony you may have weight restrictions. Containers made from lighter weight materials such as fiberglass are ideal for roof or balcony gardens. The styles of containers include hanging baskets, wirework stands and baskets, wood window boxes, sinks, troughs, galvanized buckets, old shoes or boots, and all manner of recycled objects.

Scale: Scale is extremely important in small space gardening. For example, small plants look more balanced in small containers, large plants in large containers. I especially like the effect of vines growing on trellis in half-barrels with smaller plants edging the container. I have found that the effect of scarlet runner pole beans is really a knockout with their gorgeous red flowers and you can eat them too.

Microclimates: You should choose plants according to the conditions suitable for their optimum growth. Plants such as begonia, coleus, and Fuchsia prefer shaded areas while geraniums, marigolds, and petunia prefer full sun. Also if you are gardening on a balcony wind can be a major factor and damage fragile plants. For this you need to choose plants that are wind tolerant such as many of the grasses; the sound of the rustling of the grasses as the wind blows through them is very pleasing to the ear.

Soil: I buy pre-mixed potting soil from garden centers or department stores. These are generally lighter in weight, are sterilized to prevent weed seeds from germinating, and contain a lot of peat moss that helps loosen the soil so that it doesn’t compact in pots.

Watering: Check daily as container plants often dry out more quickly. This is especially true if you are using clay pots. Make sure your pots have drainage holes though, as roots sitting in water will rot. You may even want to empty saucers that are full after heavy rain fall.

Fertilizer: Due to frequent watering, container plants require fertilizer on a more consistent basis than plants in the ground do. I use only organic fertilizers such as blood meal, bone meal, or fish emulsion, as I add the soil to the garden at the end of the season, and chemical fertilizers harm the wildlife.

Function: When you are creating your small space garden you are actually designing an outdoor room. So keep in mind you may want to color coordinated it so it appears as an extension of your home. I also move my indoor plants outside for the summer (which they love) and design these areas as garden rooms.

Focal point: Create a focal point such as a large pot, tall plant or small tree, color, or a water feature. You can also create a sense of mystery by hiding a plant or ornament behind something else to give the pleasure of discovering it.

Color: In a small space, try using three colors such as pinks, blues, and whites; reds, oranges, and yellows; or reds, whites, and purples that provide continuity rather than too many colors which tend to be distracting. Cool colors can make the space appear bigger and brighter while intense colors tend to shrink spaces. A white and green color theme called a ‘moon garden’ is more formal and particularly at night it’s spectacular.

Lighting: I like the small Xmas lights hidden in plants or interwoven throughout a trellis with climbing vines. Small spotlights can focus attention on a particular area for evening entertaining.

Gardening on a balcony, patio, or courtyard is fun and not that much work as you don’t have that much to take care of. But it can have a huge impact on your outdoor living space.

Small space gardening “by the yard”

What to look for when buying Bare Root Roses

Roses are a truly wonderful addition to anyone’s garden, back yard or not. Though you may not be ready to plant them yet, in fact where we live we are still a couple of months from planting but it is the best time for planning. And if you are ordering you will need to order them soon so you have them when you want to plant.

Roses, if properly cared for, can last years. Therefore, do your research in order to be able to gain the most enjoyment from your plants. Spend some time checking out types, colors, shapes and sizes. Check through catalogues, the internet, and if possible go to a botanical garden arboretum this time of year. Maybe you’ve checked out a friend's gardens last summer but try to look at and smell the roses before you buy.

The first thing to look for is the plant's grade.

Nearly all bare root roses sold today are sold in three main grades and are approximately two years old. The Grades are 1, 1.5, and 2.

Grade 2 is the least expensive grade. These plants will have two canes 12 inches long and may be a bit of a gamble.

Grade 1 ½ is the most popular grade and its price is a little less. It should have at least two strong canes which must be at least 15 inches long and 1/8 inch in diameter.

Grade 1 is the best and as a result is the most expensive grade. It will have at least three strong canes, two of which must be at least 18 inches in length and 1/8 inch in diameter.

Where you buy your roses may also determine the quality. There are three main sources for buying roses.

Supermarkets are the least expensive but usually carry a limited variety of plants. They also normally come with their roots wrapped in plastic, therefore you are unable to inspect the roots for damage. The supermarket personnel are the least knowledgeable about what they are selling, and the plants can be treated roughly both by the people that stock them, and also by customers. This leads to a much greater potential for having an unsuccessful purchase.

Mail order suppliers are normally still pretty inexpensive and often have an even greater variety of plants than your local nursery, however you can not inspect the plants before buying and they sometimes arrive damaged due to shipping. Also, although most mail order suppliers are reputable this isn’t always the case and it is hard to discern the difference before you buy. It can also be difficult to return the ones you are unhappy with.

Nurseries are usually the best places to buy your plants. Normally they are a little more expensive but the plants are often kept in sawdust thereby allowing you to inspect the roots. They usually carry a large variety of both new and old varieties and usually provide the best advice as to which plants do best in your area.

So which variety of plant should you purchase? Well that depends on your taste and what is available for your climate. There are hundreds of varieties of roses. The older time proven varieties may not come in as many color variations but they are reliable. The newer varieties are wonderful and sometimes give larger blooms and a bigger show but my determining factor is the smell. I like to smell the roses. How about you?

Roses “by the yard”

How To Improve Your Weekend Gardening Experience

If you only have weekends to work on your yard and you are looking for a hassle-free garden it's vital to start the process now even though it is still winter. In this article I am going to look at giving you the first steps in helping you to achieve your goal of a hassle-free yard. Your goal should be to create a yard that practically takes care of itself and with some sound advice and understanding of what it takes to be a weekend gardener you can achieve your goal.

Don’t be like many who have never found a way to escape the prison of responsibilities and hard, never-ending work that a high-maintenance garden requires.

If you want to avoid this fate, you need to start by making a critical examination of the maintenance of your present yard and garden.

Start by taking a stroll around your property (if not actually then in your mind. Mine is still 2 feet under snow) and make note of how much time you take to tend to various areas. This can be done by thinking back to what it was like last summer.

• Which plants and areas require the most care?
• Which areas please you and take less care?
• Are there areas that you love and no matter how much maintenance they take you’re not willing to change?
• Can any areas be scaled down in size, or be improved by changing to a low-maintenance design or gardening technique?
• Where is the worst problem area for weeds?
• Where is the most difficult area of your lawn to mow?

There are very specific ways to correct your problem areas. As you think about your current maintenance problem areas you must think critically. Take a tour of your yard with a critical eye and a notebook. Make some notes to yourself about what you see, what you imagine, and what you are currently faced with.

As you do this preliminary overview, remember its okay to note what you "hate" to do, in regards to your gardening work. We want to get rid of these areas or problems first and foremost.

Everyone has a different take on this subject. Some hate mowing the lawn, others actually enjoy the exercise and like getting out in the sun. Some find weeding tedious, others will enjoy the process of grabbing weeds by the fistful and yanking them forcefully out of the ground.

So, part of your ‘yard tour' is to make notes of the areas that require work; how you feel about each one, and list which are particularly time-consuming.

Once you're done, take your list and put a mark (*) next to those items that you intend to keep no matter how much maintenance they require.
Then put a question mark (?) Next to the ones you enjoy looking at, but are nevertheless high-maintenance and take too much work. You will later discover timesaving techniques you can apply to these problem areas.

Now make it your aim to eliminate those areas that have been left UNMARKED. You'll want low maintenance ways to turn these areas into sources of pleasure, instead of drudgery. However, you can't DO anything to lessen the work load until you can first SEE the problems out there in your yard. So do this tour as a first step to achieve true joy and freedom in your gardening experience.

Less work more enjoyment “by the yard”