spring cleaning

We have lived in our home for nearly 5 years. Nathan and I were fortunate to buy our house and practically every day I am grateful we had an opportunity to buy something we could afford. It’s not my dream house- honestly, the price was right and we took the opportunity. But, it IS now home and the only one my kids have been in/memories. Now that we have been in this house we need to start tackling projects.
We started off with tons of energy to get things accomplished. There were many obvious reasons WHY we needed to…Winnie-the-Pooh wallpaper in the dining room, stinky carpet, and much more wallpaper! So once we moved in and we had freshly painted walls we took a break…kind of a long one, actually.
But to be fair, we had another kid…Nathan working full time, received his Masters, coaching track, and I was work part time as well. This Spring and Summer I am claiming it to be “start it and get it done!” season.
So- I am keeping track of all the work and hopefully I can get all giddy seeing the process and you all can cheer me on. Plus if it motivates someone to act, then even better.

We actually have quite a bit of yard. The previous owner did a marvelous job with plantings and adding her own touches, but now everything is overgrown or tired. This past weekend I totally tackled this corner in my side yard. It was covered in weeds and peppermint (EVIL! never ever plant in the ground or it will take OVER!).
I had the thrill of discovering little plants poking themselves through like echinacea, shasta daisies and my lavender getting bigger. I am hoping to plant a sunflower tent in the corner with more echinacea and zinnia…this coming weekend is promising to be nice so hopefully I can do a bit more “tackling”.
By the way, on the other side of the fence is another huge plot of land that we have used in gardening. Everything from pumpkins, to tons of sunflowers, to tomatoes. This year it will be a mini barley field for my husband and his beer making antics. We already grow hops along the trellises.
Below is some beautiful “lamb’s ear” I uncovered.


Over Spring Break, my husband built these great raised gardens (You can see my corner in the distance). Each of the kids will have their own plot to care for…Ellie asked if this was a lesson in responsibility and I was quite impressed with her receptiveness. Although I was wanting them to experience the wonder of nature, but sure, responsibility it will be…maybe this will help the kids to remember other chores around the house.
I’m excited to get the yard projects I have in mind done AND some interior ones as well. I am partly motivated because now I no longer have a baby that needs my attention- instead, she is wanting to help!
Happy Friday!
April 27th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Mmmmmm, you’re speaking my language
Can’t wait to watch the progress in the gardens. It’s great fun to involve the kids, I just love it when they show enthusiasm toward activities so close to nature and that are so rewarding.
I am one of those crazies who loves to plant mint (and various other aggressive herbs - lemon balm). I am a bit of an obsessed herbalist, so if there is a blank space anywhere that I don’t forsee ‘needing’ for anything else, in goes a new herb.
At least you never have to buy boxed herb tea again and they are stiff competition for the weeds!
Your house is really cute, and how lovely that it’s YOURS. We’re still renting, but hopefully in the next year or so…. we’ll be joining the world of home-owners.
Have a great time puttering this weekend on your projects.
April 27th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
I love seeing the pictures of your yard! It looks like you guys have a nice piece to work with. Have fun!
April 27th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
oh, a home of your own. Isn’t that all the incentive you need? Life seems to just take over doesn’t it?
Good luck with it all. I think it is very exciting!
April 27th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
How wonderful it all is! What a beautiful home, flowers and herbs in the backyard and a garden spot too! Isn’t spring satisfying? Getting out and planting and watching everything grow!
I’ll keep watching for updates as you make progress.
BTW, we have some raised beds also and are so happy watching our own seeds grow into something real!
April 28th, 2007 at 2:39 am
What fun to “uncover” so many great things already growing! Happy digging.
April 30th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Oh I have so much to say about this post, a comment seems inadequate and I wish we could go out for coffee! I love oyur side yard. it looks like a little park. We spent the weekend “tackling” too. Iris helped plant seeds and flowers. Lucky you to have found some lamb’s ear growing… I love that stuff!
April 30th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Nathan’s blog seems to be down today, so I want to come on yours and wish him a very happy birthday! I hope he enjoys the day! He’s still very young! Bless you all!
June 5th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
[…] Whew- I am officially finished with planting my garden. I am really pleased with everything and find it so exciting to anticipate seedlings (I know I am a bit late) and plants to grow lush. My little corner is thriving and my husband’s hops plants are gorgeous (shots of our deck and then the door shot too). He also planted a bunch of barley in our backyard plot- all for his brewing hobby! […]