As we soak in the warmth, sunshine, and fresh air of Mother Nature's renewal... so also sets in the reality of hours of work to be done to prepare the yard for Spring growth.
Yep.
As I have said before on the blog, working in the garden is a labor of love for me. That being said, at least in our yard, the biggest headache comes in the form of 13 ornamental grasses.
Gorgeous, lush, NO maintenance, and the perfect privacy screen (and often the backdrop of Nenonen family photos) in the summer ...
By Spring, after months of being dormant, they must be cut back to clear the way for new growth...
HOURS wasted over the years made us search for a solution. Hacking and gathering individual blades makes no sense. A ridiculously simple discovery that I shall share:
Before you cut- wrap and bind. Think ponytail...
Not an easy task but worth the effort, TRUST ME! Do not be stubborn with the twine.
We wrap each grass a minimum of 3 times.
Then cue electric trimmers...
A clean cut for Spring growth and...
13 perfectly bundled grasses ready for the curb on refuse day!
During my daily AM reads, I bumped into these exterior makeovers on the Better Homes and Gardens website and I had to share as they are unbelievable. Amazing what a little creativity and vision can do to transform a house from "so so" to STELLAR?!
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If you like what you saw, I highly recommend checking out the BHG website, Pinterest, and/or Twitter. All 3 are packed with valuable info, delicious recipes, and fabulous project ideas that are guaranteed to inspire!
This fully renovated and spotless Hazelwood condo is totally your opportunity to take advantage of the strong Buyer's market! It now sits 21K BENEATH the Seller's 2005 purchase price, is fully updated, and 100% move-in ready. You wouldn't even have to clean. Seriously.
SUCH A DEAL!
This one is priced to sell. Fast.
More information about the property can be found HERE:
For St. Louisans, the Arch is truly the backdrop of our city...
Started in 1963, opened to the public in 1967, and built as a symbol of Westward expansion...
It has been the catalyst for the extensive downtown growth and development St. Louis has seen since its erection. On the riverbank of the Mississippi River, dividing Missouri and Illinois, it is the true Gateway to the West and a sight to be held.
The Arch stands watch over the city's beloved Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals (AKA the 2011 World Series Champs)...
It has appeared in most of our baby photos and wedding photos. It has been the destination of our school field trips and family outings. The Arch IS St. Louis. It just is. Despite the fact that most of us are used to the sight of its grandeur in the sky, it still never ceases to impress even the locals.
The Arch is the icon of our city.
As with any architectural icon, it is also expected that our city has witnessed the Arch be the backdrop of the good, bad, and ugly...
In completing a school paper recently, my son had to "google" the Arch. I found the results entertaining enough to share.
Some were awe-inspiring...
Some were clever...
While others were just hysterical...
The cat holding the MET One building is my personal favorite! ;)