A bright spot in my yard
Over my years of home ownership, I’ve grown to like flower gardening and to learn a little about it. In fact, one of the things I was saddest about when we moved was leaving our yard and all of our plants and trees. I’m sure that makes me sound like a freak. I kind of feel like one! But we chose and planted nearly everything in our yard ourselves and even designed the shape of the flower beds, patio, etc…
The rose arbor in the background was planted for our 5 year anniversary.
We actually had trees planted in our backyard when we bought our first house before we ever bought new furniture. We had a lot of successes and a lot of failures. But I almost always felt a sense of pride and was happy to do the work. I am sure my husband would probably interject here that in the beginning, he did the brunt of the work. I think this is true, because in the beginning there was a lot of digging and heavy lifting. But for the last 4 or 5 years in the house, I did everything but the mowing. And I enjoyed it.
Looks pretty, but is actually a picture of some of my failures. Many of these plants never came back for a second year.
Once we moved, I had some trouble getting that feeling back. I’m guessing this has to do with none of the plantings being my idea. Last year was our first full year in the house. Luckily, I had a large party on the horizon. There’s nothing like vanity to spur you on when all else fails! This year I don’t have that. And the husband has been extremely busy at work again. So, I have resorted to hiring someone to come in and give me a little help. This should be easy, but is actually stressful. And also seems to have highlighted some communication problems between myself and the husband. Am I the only person to become attached to my plants? Is what to do about the garden a “discussion” in your house? Please weigh in and hopefully make me feel better! I’m feeling like a nut job!
40 Days Of 
Posted by lou on April 30, 2010 at 11:43 am
No, and Yes….D is very attached to his plants, grass, mulch, you name it! And the yard is a discussion in our house daily in the spring. It drives me nuts. Speaking of which, I did take pictures of our bare area for you…at some point I will try to send them to you!
Posted by 40daysof on April 30, 2010 at 1:34 pm
I’m glad to know that it’s not just me. And that having a gardener while growing up didn’t wreck D for yard work! 🙂 Please send pictures before it’s too hot to plant!
Posted by Kiana on April 30, 2010 at 2:34 pm
What a beautiful area! No, I’m not sad about the plants I leave behind. They are hardy souls and, if they survived me, they will do just fine on their own. 😉 Although, if I had your garden, I would be sad to leave it behind too.
Posted by Ken on April 30, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I like all of my plants and feel bad when they are not doing well, which is seldom. I think part of the joy of gardening is spending time with your plant ‘friends’. I don’t think your feelings toward your gardening efforts make you crazy… there must be another reason. I think it’s great you are getting some help with picking plants to go around your home. I always seem to pick the same plants each year and would like some fresh ideas. I like your blog, love, Ken
Posted by 40daysof on April 30, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Thanks Ken! You’re so supportive and such a modest gardener. 😉 Thanks for always reading my blog. Love, Nichole
Posted by Megan (Best of Fates) on May 1, 2010 at 9:10 am
I’ve never gotten into gardening – probably because I’ve never had my own yard before. But I think it’s normal that whatever you invest time and effort into you become attached – especially such beautiful flowers!