Green Ambition

February is here, and (until today) the feeling of spring was scenting the air; warm sunny afternoons of about 60, even a few bees. And like many I have been bitten by the green thumb bug. Ok, so maybe that’s a bit strong, but the weather has definitely made me want to go outside enjoy the sun and get my hands in the dirt.

    

I come from a line of people who enjoy doing yard work; Dad, Grandma A, Aunt Judy, Mom if she had her druthers, etc. they seem to find it relaxing. I’ve mostly found it taxing; pulling weeds, raking leaves, trimming bushes and trees. Never quite found that joy. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the end result, it’s getting there I don’t always appreciate.   

This last year the exterior of the Home Ranch went through a major restoration. (I must confess it’s nice to come home and not wonder if you can get in the door, or to have scaffolding out your bathroom window! Although the plastic over the windows was a nice touch for Halloween).

 It’s looking gooood. Between that, and Dad working at the Hill, I have been inspired to want to do something creative with the yard. Last summer a lot of ice plant and run away burmuda grass, was pulled out of old flower beds creating the possibility to plant flowers or something. (For anyone who’s curious, ice plant and burmuda know no masters, are very hardy and quite good at growing with little encouragement).

In the midst of all of this I also had some small success, (along with a several failures) of not killing some flowers I bought and keeping a few plants alive in the “garden”. Not only did I enjoy not paying for vegetables I don’t like to eat, it became a sort of challenge.

Turns out the area I picked to plant my garden, is probably the worst place in the yard soil wise. Years ago they put in a septic tank compacting the dirt; since then that area has been lying fallow leaving the ground like cement. And this is what I decided to claim. Aunt Judy and Dad suggested I might want to move it this year, but true to the spirit of Mom’s steadfast nature, I am determined to make this work. Which is why, a week ago found me with a shovel, cultivating by hand.

 I know, I know, me, doing real physical labor, voluntarily! Not only that but I’ve been going out consecutively this week to work a little here and there.  And I find myself excited and looking forward to it!?!

 I don’t know what the end results will actually be. But I’m sure it will create some interesting moments along the way. And maybe, just maybe, if you’re lucky enough I’ll share the “fruits of my labors” with you.

Now I am going to swathe myself in layers, and trundle out into the fog to see what a pick does to a lawn. At least the fog will make things quiet. Which will be a very good thing if I swing the pick amiss…