One of the comments people in my industry often hear, is this: "I want a landscape that is low-maintenance." And on occasion, we hear: "I want no maintenance". I will smile and nod, initially, because I understand where they're coming from.
But truth be told, there is no such thing: Anything of value, anything worth having, requires maintenance. This applies to pretty much anything in life. Your heart, health, family, relationships, pets, home, vehicles, job situation, etc. The list goes on and on and will look somewhat different for each person. But for most of us, the basics require maintenance to thrive and grow and serve their purposes well.
What our clients are saying, is this: "I want a more functional/beautiful space but I don't know how to make that happen. And I don't have the time to care for it." So they reach out to a professional for some help.
What I've learned from tending my own yard, the last 15 years, is that it takes a plan to start the process. After the installation, we water, pull weeds, watch plants fill in and make adjustments as needed. Sometimes plants don't thrive where they're at and need to be moved or replaced. Sometimes they get too big or are not big enough for the space. There are many variables, and each yard will have its own unique challenges.
The important thing is to know what's going on. Do a walk-through at least once a week, during the growing season, and see what the needs are. I spend a good 2-3 months pulling weeds, almost daily, in the Spring...especially tree seedlings...augh!
The more time you spend outdoors, the more connected you will be with the Nature happening around you. A pair of Wrens have made their home by my front door, this season. They have a twig nest in the overhead light above the steps. I've seen the remains of fallen eggs, on several mornings, and have wondered if they made a nest elsewhere and if the babies survived? Sometimes these little birds will perch on my storm door, scolding anyone who dares to pass through. When I'm sitting out front, they're continually squawking, flitting here and there.
Once I noticed one of the Wrens on top of the spruce tree, with a Japanese beetle in her mouth. After doing a little research, I discovered these plucky little birds eat a variety of insects, spiders, worms, etc. Now I was glad to have them here, in spite of the accumulating mess on the front steps! Maybe it's the dry weather or perhaps it's the birds: but less Japanese Beetles on my trees is definitely a bonus.
Natural pest control, and I had little to do with it. Except for helping create an environment for them to live in. And not tearing down their nest, once they moved in. The reward is seeing the ecosystems working in harmony: plants, insects, bees, butterflies, dragonflies, birds. It happens when we learn how to manage what's growing and when to leave it alone. Sometimes less is more. Less chemicals, more natural alternatives. Sometimes it means putting up with a little cosmetic damage so we can enjoy all the beneficial insects and winged creatures that also live here.
Maybe you're not into the outdoors or have limited time? If that is you, I would encourage you to take small steps to becoming more connected. It is so good for a person's mental health to get outside and breath in some of that beauty. I believe it's what we were made for. Whether we realize it or not, each one of us is searching for Eden. We'll never find it, entirely, on this Earth. But we can get a little closer if we carve out some time and space for beauty in our lives.
And if you happen to live in the area, I might be able to help you start the process, in your own yard :)
Cheers,
Liz
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