It’s Yard Prep Time Again

By Joan Whetzel

 

Not to brag about our lovely mild winters down here in Texas, but it’s one of the perks of living down here. That and the fact that spring arrives much earlier than the northern states. We get to plant spring flowers earlier.

The last couple of weekends my daughter, oldest granddaughter, and I have finally been able to get back out in the yard again. We’ve had about 3 months of having no yardwork to do and I’ve found that I missed my yardwork time. So, now we’re finally able to do a little of the necessary prep work before our early spring brings us some new growth.

We began with trimming back the crepe myrtle trees in the back yard. Last year it took us about 3 days for each crepe myrtle tree. My husband had never trimmed them since we moved into the house, so they were way out of control. But all that work last year made this year’s pre-Spring trimming way easier. It only took about 1 hour for each tree.

Last weekend we went outside to rake and sweep the massive amounts of pine needles and pine cones in the front yard. That one took a couple hours and 4 large trash bags.

This weekend we mowed and edged. No the grass isn’t growing that much – yet. But the clover has definitely come to life. So basically, we were mowing the clover, weeds, a handful of green blades of grass, and a few early wildflowers. But the yard looks nice again. And this morning I enjoyed one of my new favorite pastimes – a sunrise breakfast picnic out on the back deck. It faces east so I actually get to watch the sun rise over the neighbor’s garage.

I used to dread yardwork. Actually, I downright hated getting out in the yard. But over the last couple of years, I have come to relish getting outside and doing the yardwork. I enjoy the exercise. I even rather look forward to sweating when the temps get warmer. (February is still cool enough that I don’t work up a sweat).

I think I’m finally beginning to understand why grandma always wanted to get out in the yard and put in the effort on her flower beds. Sure, it’s a lot of work, but the payoff is great. I’ve got a yard that looks nice and I love spending a little free time outside after it’s done. Plus, when the weekly jobs are finished, I feel physically restored from getting a bit of exercise, breathing in some fresh air, and absorbing a little natural vitamin D from the sun.