Mulching:
In order to save money on our lawn care this year, I decided to spread pine straw instead of paying the landscapers to do it. To get us started, I ordered 20 bales and yesterday my daughter helped with the back breaking task of spreading it. This did not cover the entire front yard but certainly freshened up most beds. I need about 25-30 more bales to finish up the front and freshen up the back yard once I get over the aches.
What prompted me to do this and save money? Last year, I was quoted $900 to straw our entire yard. WOW! I asked why so expensive and they explained overhead: they purchase the straw, pay for the labor to off load it and reload to transport, gas, and labor to spread the straw. I am not covering every square inch of my flower beds and probably not putting it down as thick -- just enough to spruce it up.
In order to save money on our lawn care this year, I decided to spread pine straw instead of paying the landscapers to do it. To get us started, I ordered 20 bales and yesterday my daughter helped with the back breaking task of spreading it. This did not cover the entire front yard but certainly freshened up most beds. I need about 25-30 more bales to finish up the front and freshen up the back yard once I get over the aches.
What prompted me to do this and save money? Last year, I was quoted $900 to straw our entire yard. WOW! I asked why so expensive and they explained overhead: they purchase the straw, pay for the labor to off load it and reload to transport, gas, and labor to spread the straw. I am not covering every square inch of my flower beds and probably not putting it down as thick -- just enough to spruce it up.
I paid $3.50 per bale (free delivery). So far I have spent $70 and the yard looks great.
Flower Containers:
We have a large area in the front yard that gets to much shade and grass refuses to grow. We expanded the flower bed but needed to add some color. Instead of filling the entire area with plants and in order to keep costs down, we decided we needed to use containers.
For the area, I purchased 3 very large, matching, inexpensive baskets (varying sizes) from T. J. Maxx and filled them with potting soil and added Impatients. Once the flowers get a little bigger, these flower containers will pop and I believe they will be beautiful. I have used baskets before in the landscape. Looks good and inexpensive. The basket should last a couple of years.
My husband was unable to help us since he is recuperating from an ankle fusion. He says he feels like James Caan in Misery. I guess you know I am "Kathy Bates." I started gardening really early while it was cool and before I knew it -- it was 11:30 AM and I realized I had not given him breakfast or coffee. He accused me of running a prison camp. Oh well, I do love my gardening!
Photo: No, not my house -- photo taken in a garden in the South of France.
Photo: No, not my house -- photo taken in a garden in the South of France.
"Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing.? - Kim Rohn
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