So call me crazy, but yesterday I grabbed some hot pink stretchy tape{?} and roped off the backyard. I plan on expanding the garden next year and I thought if I could see what needed to be done, I could pick a new section each day so the task would not seem so daunting.
The easy thing to do would be to cut down the trees and level the back with machinery. But the last time my husband cut a tree down he nearly severed his leg. Not cool.
And anyway, we live in the Pacific Northwest and there are trees everywhere. In fact the reasons we picked this property was because of all of the trees, and the I want to see nature when I look out my window, not a perfectly groomed, blah, typical suburbia backyard.
Plus if we took out the trees, where would the berry stealing chipmunks and squirrels go? Where would the birds build their nests? So the trees are here to stay. But the brush?
Well as you can see, I have a lot of work cut out for me. And I say ME, because the HH doesn’t do brush removal. He’s more of the lift heavy objects, works on cars, rat killing, kind of guy. And that’s fine with me.
So. Do you think roping off the back yard was a waste of time? Or a clever way to keep my eye on the prize?
~Mavis
indio says
With so many trees, will you get enough sunshine to make it worthwhile to plant a garden there? Also the soil will likely have a lot of nitrogen so you will need to test it.
Lisa says
Does your family know how lucky they are to have you?!! I have not one drop of desire to do yardwork and sadly my yard shows that. I do the very minimal that is required to not live in an overgrown jungle. Every once in a while my husband gets a wild hair and will spent the day out there, but you make me feel like a bad person for not doing more. But not bad enough to actually go out in the rain and cold and do anything about it! 🙂 ha!
Ashley says
Oh my! I just read the post from last fall about your HH and the chainsaw. Yikes!
Carol says
Mavis, the pink tape is a great idea. When my husband wanted to build a garage, but didn’t know what size he would need I got out the tape measure and some flags. At first he thought I was nuts because then I measured our cars, the ATV, his motorcycle and added some space for a workbench. Then I laid it out on the ground and told him he needed at least that much space….the light bulb went off in his head, he added more workspace and then he called a contractor…….good going on using visual aids!
And seriously, I want to compliment you on your commitment to your trees and the wildlife. People who don’t get it destroy so much nature. You rock, Mavis!
Laurie says
i think its great that you mapped out what you want to get done! Its a smart idea and will help you keep on track! Way to go!
michelle says
I live in a similar area– I’m lucky to have a patch in the back corner which is up on a hill and cleared of trees. It gets very hot up there & is the perfect little garden spot. The rest of the yard, however, is douglas fir & underbrush. We leave it that way on purpose– our tiny little “forest”. Makes me cry when people in the neighborhood cut down trees. Why move to tree country if all you want is a patch of bare lawn? Are you trying to grow 4,000 lbs of food next year or what?! That’s a LOT of garden space!
Elaine Standley says
Absolutely clever! It will motivate and inspire you until spring! Good luck!
Desi says
Eye on the prize Mavis. Can’t wait for next year.
Heidi says
I think the visual aid is a great idea. My guess is your OCD will kick in and keep you motivated to finish until the pink tape comes down. Can’t wait until you reveal next years goal.
LaToya says
What’s that orange and green thing to the right in picture #4? Looks like one of those mechanical bulls they have at the country bars. You partying it up back there, or what?
Mavis says
It’s a chicken coop you dork! LOL
LaToya says
Mechanical bull….chicken coop…same diff – LOL!
Cheryl says
What a great idea!!! I don’t have near the size of back yard you do and my HH wants to keep what little grass we have – figuring out my plan and I would like to see green from plants as our weather is so hotttt here that grass doesn’t do good anyway with water rationing. I may try my hand at “roping” off some areas to show him what I want to do.
I’m still learning my way around your site – I’m sure there is much I’m missing.