How to get projects started in the yard.

Making a house a home takes similar effort as making a yard a garden. The end product of your efforts is the pride of sharing with your neighbors, friends and family an ideal place to hang out.

Identify what you like to be surrounded by to feel relaxed and at peace. Start transforming with inspiration from a book or magazine or visit the garden center to talk with someone who whispers to plants professionally. The best advice I can give to a homeowner looking to redesign their yard is to designate just one or two smaller areas for your 2024 transformation and jump in head first. The effort needed to get a perennial, tree or shrub established into its new home may take the entire growing season, so don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Plant thoughtfully, taking the time to add nutrients to the soil with compost (most urban soils are desperately void of proper nutrients). A trick to gauge watering, set your new plant into the hole and see how long it takes for your hose to fill that hole with water. When plants are planted, repeat that deep soaking water 2-3 times a week to make sure you are supplying what the plant needs. Another trick when choosing an area, make sure the newly planted areas can fit the reach of your sprinkler–this will ensure the maximum return on your investment without overtaxing your care efforts.

Don’t forget the fun textile additions like new cushions for your patio chairs or an indoor outdoor rug to bring a pop of color to you seating area. Flickering citronella candles give instant ambiance.

Expect to manage your plantings a few times a week, just like keeping up with the bathroom towels.  Maintaining a beautiful home takes effort and so does maintaining your beautiful garden areas—I think it’s worth it!