A Vacation from Vacationland

Over the past couple of weeks we took a vacation outside of Maine.  While it was good to get away I was in such a hurry to pack and get work (paid not hobby) related items done that I didn't even take the time to mow the lawn.  Fortunately, my sister was kind enough to mow the back yard while she was house and cat sitting so that we didn't have to sickle our way through to the composter when we got home.  However, I didn't realize the extent of my neglect until the first weekend home.  The weeds had taken over throughout the front lawn and most of the flower beds. Yikes!  I knew that weeds like sun and rain as much as any other plant, but I guess I had gotten complacent.

The good news is that it is never too late to get a handle on your yard.  Using scissors to deadhead the plants that blossomed while we were away, a two pronged weed puller (especially useful for large dandelions) and a narrow spade, after a few short (ok, a few more than a few) hours, the yard looks even better than before we left (or maybe it looks that way because it's neat and organized, like cleaning out a clothes closet).  After the next rain and bit of beautiful weather, it will probably be a mess again (like your closet before laundry day) but it's the natural cycle, so go with it and don't get discouraged.

Another good summer activity (besides dead heading and weeding, see, gardening can be fun!) is to take stock of your plants, what works and what doesn't.  For instance, I realize that in my haste to put in plants the last two years I didn't exactly plan their placement as well as I should have.  I currently have an incredibly tall grass plant (a stray my sister dropped off) far too close to a couple of peonies (it casts a shadow over both) plus two daylilies that are side by side (same color) that should be moved to either side of a complimentary red wine weigelia.  There are other adjustments that need to be made and hopefully I will remember to do them all.