Nathan and I, being home-owning rookies, didn’t really look at our side yard from about October until March this last year. Last summer, we grew vegetables over there and it looked ok. There was a bit of moss, some dead leaves and plant debris, but it was ok. Leaving it unattended for six months was not a good idea. When we went out there in the spring the entire thing was pretty much covered with weeds and moss. We even had some wheat growing out there. Nathan joked we should just let it grow and try to get a federal subsidy. The place was a mess and we wanted to have a vegetable garden again. But it was just so much work and we didn’t have time or energy for it.
We finally buckled down and decided that we were going to get that side yard fixed this weekend no matter what! And…we chose the hottest weekend of the year so far! Friday evening we had my parents over for dinner so that we could discreetly use their babysitting powers to entertain the boys and put them to bed while we weeded for hours and hours. I wish I had taken a before picture, but didn’t think of it until we were almost finished. Here was the last small area before we weeded. Just keep in mind that this is basically what the entire 10 foot by 50 foot area looked like:
Don’t judge me too harshly. Remember we are yard rookies?
Anyway, we worked and worked discarding weed after weed on Friday night. We got the area cleared and ready.
On Saturday after swimming lessons, we borrowed my dad’s truck, picked up some bark dust, and got to work. Yes. We were shoveling bark dust in the 90 degree heat. Actually…Nathan wouldn’t let me shovel it because of my “delicate condition.” So he shoveled it all and I raked and spread it all.
Here are the boys helping get the bark of the truck. They were so proud and happy to help.
We didn’t let them stay out working for long, though. After the bark was offloaded we sent them inside for nap time and quiet time.
After many hours of sweat and discomfort, we were finished. We are very pleased with the results!
I think I may have the boys make some pavers or something for the area. We even saved this hosta plant that was being eaten alive by weeds! We can finally plant a few vegetables. I know it is a bit late in the season, but I don’t think it is too late yet!
There ended our crazy side yard adventure. Let’s just hope whatever weekend we decide to do the other side is not this hot!