Can we take a brief second to talk about how much yard work sucks!? I’m not talking about going to pick out some pretty annuals and plant a new micro-garden in your backyard. I’m talking about the preparation BEFORE you get to those things. The weeding, edging, digging up GIANT roots from crap you no longer want in your flower beds. The trimming, pulling, mulching, sweating and STRUGGLE that actual yard work really is. Over the holiday weekend, my husband and I took some time to re-do our front flower bed. Let me be honest, it is a small flower bed. Of course in our minds we’re thinking we can knock this thing out in about two hours. HA! Ain’t that a joke. Five hours, a trip to Home Depot AND Lowes, a brand new heavy duty shovel and some hostas from the neighbor later…we finished the dang thing. It seriously took us well over an hour and a half to get ONE freakin’ weed out. This thing was a monster. Now, if you know me then you know I am not one for working out. Truthfully, I really despise most all physical activity so this was a real REAL struggle. My out of shape self jumping up and down on a shovel in flip flops (eventually snapping it in half) trying to get the gigantic root up from the mystery plant in our bed I’m sure was highly entertaining for our neighbors to watch. Let me also mention that both my husband and I are clueless when it comes to gardening or planting anything. (And my husband works for Scotts… hmmm…) I’m pretty sure I’ve killed just about every single living plant I’ve owned in the past eight years or so. Say a little prayer for the hostas that just got planted in our yard. But hey, it’s done. Now, to finish the other two larger ones…NOT looking forward to that.
The struggle is really real when it comes to yard work. Here is the “before” pic and that giant plant is the monster mystery plant I speak of.
We’re attempting to complete our front and side yard on our own. It’s a work in progress and we will get there eventually. But as for the backyard… that’s one for a professional. My dream goal is to have a paver patio put in with some concrete steps, some potted flowers, string some lights, comfy sitting areas around our fire pit, a table for outdoor dining and grow something green up a lattice to hide our AC unit. But like I said, big tasks for people who are pretty clueless when it comes to this stuff. So, help me out internet world!
I’m currently on the hunt for companies who do patio work in the Columbus, Ohio area. Also, seeking suggestions on what kind of flowers to plant in my other flower beds and pots that will be out back as well as what I can plant that would grow up a lattice.
Help a sister out! I obviously need something that’s fairly low maintenance but still looks pretty. If I were a millionaire, best believe this would be at the top of my list to pay someone to do for me. Can I get an amen? I’ll be continuing my research on plants and sharing my knowledge with you all. I can’t promise I’ll be successful but that’s life. Stay tuned to see progress made on the others. This is a small life struggle but still a STRUGGLE that takes up a lot of time. I knew being a home owner would bring on additional work such as yard work. But dang, it looked so much easier than it really is!
Check out the “after” pic below. I feel a lot less accomplished when I see the pics… womp womp. But still an improvement.
Signing off for now and remember, it’s okay to be “unfine”!
-Amber
Embracing Small Steps 
Let me just say that hostas are hearty! They will grow and become huge! Just wait till you see them fill up that space! Job well done, sister!
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That’s what my mother in law said! Truthfully, I had no idea what to put there. haha! I just liked the look of hostas. Thank you!
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Great choice on the hostas! They will fill out and come back year after year. They are hearty, hard to kill (even if you intended to), and they have pretty flowers in the summer, meanwhile they have very attractive colored foliage. It looks really good! I’m very impressed for first time gardeners! You should give yourself a pat on the back, sit back with a glass of wine and relax. Mission accomplished! 🙂
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A huge thanks!! I like the sound of that. I’ll be pouring my glass of wine tonight! haha!
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Amber, I had to laugh. That big weed is a shrub and I’m sure it’s roots extended under the sidewalk! I think the hostas look great! You may not feel good about gardening now but when things start to bloom, it will have all been worth it. Some advice, have sturdy, waterproof shoes, use nature to help you, as in, weed after a rain when the ground is soft, sweep up with the wind etc. and slow and steady wins the race (break big jobs down to little ones). A garden is a lifetime commitment and doesn’t have to all be done at once. I’m sure you and Danny will turn out to be the best gardeners ever!
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LOVE the advice! THANK YOU! hahaha I am sure that those roots do go under the sidewalk. You learn something new every day! And I really appreciate those encouraging words and tips. They are always welcome!
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Hi Amber! Depending on when you are doing your other beds my mom probably would have some perennials for you. You can transplant them in the fall or spring time is best. They are moving this fall. Any lillies would be great. I love the stargazing ones. Shasta daisies would be good too. Black eyed Susan’s are pretty. I’m guessing you want a variety. Shade, full sun? The little tag on any flowers you buy should say and how big they get. Don’t be afraid to ask. Lowe’s always has ones that look like they are dead for really cheap. I buy them, keep them watered and they are perfectly fine! Lol Are you looking for something tall or short? I always put heavy plastic down before the mulch to cut down on weeds. I just cut a crisscross big enough to put the flowers down into the dirt. I also buy some potting soil when I first plant anything bc it has fertilizer in it to help them grow. You can always plant vegetables too like tomatoes, peppers, squash,zucchini. Let know if you have any questions! Between my mom and I we can answer questions! I would stick to perennials bc they are less work! Lol most of my beds are perennials but I have a few pots around the house. I have an old wash bin on my porch and an old collander in front of the garage. I buy antiques and plant flowers in them.
P.S. I love working in flowerbeds!!! I will come help you if you want!
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Hi Stacy! You’re the best and this is SO helpful! I have an entire bed on the side of my house I still need to fill eventually. I would LOVE some perennials if she has some to spare! Maybe this fall we can get together and transplant some on my side bed! I love the look of lilies too! I am just loving all that you shared and it’s so very helpful! Thank you!!!! I will definitely be in touch for the future and may take you up on that offer!! haha!
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