 Add Photo to Journal |
 |
| Photo Credit: martini/fotolia.com |
| Surely, if I just stick with good garden upkeep, my garden will look as beautiful as this! | I have no problem inviting people into my home. It’s not perfect, but I keep it picked up and vacuumed, and there’s hardly a dirty dish on the counter. My garden…that’s another story. It’s lovely – lovely enough to have been on some local garden tours. But let’s face it: Life gets in the way. Work gets crazy, the kids’ activities dominate everything, then the weather gets icky and I just can’t inspire myself to get out there in the heat and the bugs to water, weed and cut back. The result? Nine times out of 10, I’m embarrassed to let people even see it. Maintaining the garden is just sometimes easier said than done. This year it’s gonna be different, by golly! And here’s how:
| Add Photo to Journal |
 |
| Photo Credit: Oleg Kozlov/fotolia.com |
| This year, I’ll make it a priority to get out there and attack weeds early! | - I’ll get organized! The corner of my garage that serves as my tool and garden supply storage area is a mess. If I haven’t used a tool in 2 years, I’ll pitch it – scout’s honor – and I’ll organize everything else on a Peg-Board, shelves or wall hooks. And I’ll do it all in February before the new garden season begins. What’s more? I’ll take in my hand tools for sharpening and my lawn mower in for a tune-up.
- I’ll shop early. I already know I’ll need a lot of rose fertilizer and insecticide, potting soil, sphagnum peat moss for soil amending, plant labels and other garden supplies. This year, I’ll get it all in February so I’m loaded for bear on those first warm days of spring.
- I’ll tackle maintaining the garden the way I do my housecleaning: I’ll make time for a good hour or two (or four) for garden upkeep on the weekends, when I have time for the heavy-duty stuff. But I can’t neglect it during the week, either. Each day I do a little pickup and tidying in my house, and I’ll use that same principle in my garden now, too. In the morning, I’ll go out there – coffee cup in hand – and spend 15 or so minutes watering, doing a little weeding or whatever else needs doing before I head to the office for the day.
- I’ll invite people over to my garden. The “inviting” concept has been a great clean-house strategy: I know that if I have people over regularly, I’m forced to keep my home clean and the clutter kept to a minimum. So the same can apply for the garden. I’m going to invite more girlfriends over for a glass of wine after work, with the plan that we can lounge in my yard. (Hey, I love this resolution already!)
I know this can work because last year, I scheduled a small dinner party in the garden in June, and it inspired me to work like a fiend all spring to have the garden in tip-top shape. This year, I’m also scheduling a late summer one so I don’t slack off once the heat hits!
|
| Tips |
- Creating a garden supply list before you head to the garden center. Not only will it save you extra trips to the garden center, it can help you putting off an entire project because you don’t have the right supplies. A list can also save you money – by keeping you from buying all those other tempting goodies you don’t need at the garden center. Keep your list on your fridge or by your tools.
- Encouraging kids to help with garden chores can be a big help, but you have to approach it with realistic expectations. Keep jobs very specific and age-appropriate, and don’t forget to offer incentives.
|
| Faqs |
- Q: What can I do to help me in my quick garden cleanups?
A: Keep a bucket or basket with just a few garden maintenance essentials (for me, that’s a pair of gloves, hand shears and my favorite weeding tool) by the back door. That way, when you have a few minutes to do a little of this and that in the garden, you’ll have the basics to dash out there and do it. - Q: Any tips for getting my older kids involved in gardening?
A: The key is to have your kids help with chores appropriate for their age group. If you’ve got an 8- to 10-year-old, set your child up with a pair of blunt scissors and small bucket. Tell him or her that that you’ll pay him a penny for every daffodil or tulip head deadheaded – or if you prefer, offer a minute of computer or television time for every spent bloom. Keep in mind that your youngster may miss a lot, but your child will also snip a lot – saving you time when you go out to touch up the job later. And be a good parent: It’s okay to point out where your child could have done better, but keep the tone positive and praise for what he or she did right and well.
|
|
|