By hope
I’m sure you’re tired of hearing me complain about working in the yard. Honestly, I’m tired of it too. And I haven’t even started. So I decided to start making my own garden, less of a lawn. Less maintenance. More edible. And this started…
I envisioned and sketched a backyard design that included plenty of plants native to Georgia, multiple areas with established garden beds and walkways with pavers.
Why native plants?
- the plants Doesn’t need fertilizer.
- the plants Requires less pesticides From the meadows.
- the plants Requires less water From the meadows.
- Native plants help reduce air pollution by Eliminate clipping.
- Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife.
- Native plants enhance biodiversity and manage our natural heritage.
- the plants Saving Money.
source: H2GrOw
the plan
A few weeks ago, a friend and I built two more beds. I started covering parts of the yard with thick layers of cardboard (free from my local part-time job) and landscaping tarps. Since I have the time, energy, and money, I will cover those areas with mulch. I also keep an eye on mulch sales.
The beauty and her boyfriend have snapped up a few garden beds too. She is definitely our family cook and loves using fresh herbs. We have rosemary and mint growing in abundance, and she has plans to build a full display of herbs and specialty items.
We have plans to plant berries and fruit trees. However, I don’t think that will be in this year’s budget. My real goal is to put in all the beds and get the ground cover done.
Now is the time
With the plan to not travel other than a last minute trip to Texas. I have to have plenty of time to spend in the yard doing a little at a time. And that’s all my back will allow… Getting older can definitely be hard on the body!
I rely heavily on local greenhouses to guide me in homegrown plants, with low maintenance selection. I know it will take time, and we all know that patience is not one of my virtues. But seeing the beautiful, “barrie” courtyard motivates me.
Resource sites
Hope is a creative, solutions-focused business manager who helps clients grow their businesses and operate more efficiently by leveraging expertise in project management, digital marketing, and technology solutions. She has recently become an empty nester as her five foster/adopted children spread their wings. She lives with her five dogs in a small town in northeast Georgia and prefers the mountains to the beaches any day. She has the travel bug and does her best to help each of her children finish school and become independent (but it’s hard!) She’s been running her own consulting company for nearly twenty years! Hope began sharing her journey with the BAD community in the spring of 2015, and feels like she’s finally in a place that allows her to truly focus on making wise financial decisions.
