To Thine Own Self

If you have been reading these posts (and, yes, I’m talking to both of you) and you disagree with any of my “insights” into yard maintenance then I say, “good for you!”.  I would never want you to substitute my judgment for yours.  If, for instance, your idea of a dream lawn is a front yard filled with spring blooming yellow flowers only, then, by all means, do just that.  Having a yard that expresses your personality is more important than having someone else’s ideals. If you have the means and opportunity to hire a professional landscape designer, first let me say, I am completely jealous, and secondly, it's still your yard so it's important for you to have a voice in the design and concept.    

We have friends who had a “professional” draw out a plan for their yard that included perennials, trees, and shrubs.  The plan was never put into action as it was an accompaniment to a greater plan for a deck expansion and other work that didn't get to the construction phase.  In looking at the plans, which our friends brought out of retirement when I inquired, I was surprised at the large number of perennials (roughly one hundred or more) that surrounded the entire perimeter of their house.  My surprise was at the fact the designer did not take the personality of our friends in mind.  Our friends rarely have time to maintain their yard as they are often busy with kids, kids’ sports, extended family, and travel.  To plant so many perennials would be requiring them to water, weed, divide, deadhead, etc. during their busiest times of the year.  Perhaps the “professional” was looking for more business down the road, to redesign the yard once everything was overgrown, weedy, and/or dead, or perhaps they had a side business specializing in yard maintenance for which they were drumming up clients.  In either case, it was fortunate that the plan was not put into action as I do not think our friends would have been prepared to provide the care or cost of care that all of those perennials would have required.  Our friends did not ask the relevant questions when the plans had been prepared, so at least in reading this blog, while you may stumble across some piece of advice you do not agree with, you will have begun to think long term versus instant gratification.