we have lived here for over a year and I have not done a thing with the landscaping in the front of our house because I have no idea where to begin. Any recommendations?! The bushes in the front HAVE to come out because they are full of thorns, which makes it nearly impossible for me to clean up the beds because even wearing gloves I end up being stabbed with thorns. One of the only things I have considered keeping is the Japanese maple.
by Alarming_Sand_2959
2 Comments
What’s your level of interestabilty for maintenance such as trimming etc? The narrow areas with the stone border would be great for boxwoods
Hi u/Alarming_Sand_2959, don’t be so down about such an interesting project! This could be fun, you know!
Consider this:
* You don’t have to do it all at once. Owning a house is a marathon of maintenance and renovation.
* Start with something simple, unless you plan to hire out the work. If you hire a guy like me (I’m a pro Gardener), you can break down the work into individual jobs that you can afford.
* If you plan on removing shrubs yourself, get help. It’s one of the worst, hardest jobs that I do. It’s digging pushing, pulling, and cutting roots. I use a sawzall type electric reciprocating saw with a long blade. Once I get the roots dug out, I cut them as low as I can. Then I either transplant the shrub or junk it.
* Start w/something that’s easy & fun. Rent a power washer and have at that ugly sidewalk. Make hubby or your sig/othr (I’m not judging, don’t know you) rent a gas powered pressure washer for the day at Lowes or someplace like that. It’s hard work, but oh is it ever fun. Anybody w/the slightest OCD or perfectionism will think they died and went to heaven.
* Some of those bushes can be saved. The boxwoods and I think I saw an Azalea in there don’t have thorns, and are nice to keep. You have good taste regarding the Japanese Maples too. They are one of my favorites.
A trick that I use to get motivated to start on my own yard is this: do nothing. What? Well, it’s not that simple. I take a chair out to the yard and just sit down for a moment and look at it. Do nothing but look all around. After awhile I see several things that need doing. Something inside me (after sitting there doing nothing) forces me to get up, form a plan, get the tools, and start. Maybe it would work for you, too.
No matter what, we’re rootin’ for you. Keep updating your post, or make a new one w/new pictures, ok?