The Johnston's: Kari's Garden

When we bought our house, I was really excited to see that in the corner of our property, at one time, was a garden. Mrs. Wissler, former owner of our home, had a lovely, fenced garden and ALL of the neighbors have told us about how beautiful it was. She supposedly had more than one garden, but I can only see one place where she did.

The overgrown garden and the neighbors home

Anyway, last summer I didn't make time to get the area all cleaned up due to planning the wedding and being lazy. So, I've decided to start cleaning it up now. I know absolutely NOTHING about gardening, but I'm pretty sure I can't have tall grass and weeds in the way. So I'm starting there: Just cleaning up the area. I've been doing research, but I do get a little overwhelmed. I am not a huge fan of yard work...particularly because of the bugs. I'm a baby when it comes to critters...so hopefully this experience will help cure me of my phobia.

After running errands with my hubby yesterday, I layered on the clothes, put on my polka-dot yard work boots, brought out my ear muffs, pulled out the tools needed (and then some) turned on my iPod and started cleaning out the garden. The fence needs some work done to it, but Taylor did help me get the door fixed so I could at least open it. When I tried, I think I just broke it more! (Good thing I have a carpenter around)

The pictures won't look like much was done, but after almost 2 hours of cleaning out the mess, 6 wheelbarrows full of moss, grass, weeds and who knows what else (there was a water bottle full of a yellow liquid...) , my body ACHED. Today, it feels even worse! I'm obviously really out of shape! But I know that just a little here and there should get the job done in no time.

If anyone has any tips, ideas or blogs that would be helpful, please feel free to share!

BEFORE:

Standing in front of the door looking right, although there are several feet of garden space to the left

Inside of the door, view from the middle of entrance

I remembered I wanted to take a few pics. The door still was broke here, I had to squeeze through

I don't know what kind of trees these are, but I trimmed them back. I couldn't even walk through without being stabbed!

To the left of the entrance.

Front, left of entrance

Ridiculous trees (I didn't do much to that side)

Another photo to the right of the entrance

AFTER:

I could open the door!

Hopefully you can see how thick the overgrow is compared to what I cleared out

Right before I took my last load, Taylor came in and broke up some more of the ground for me. He makes it look so easy!

I can actually walk in!

To the left of the gate door

I'm so proud! It doesn't look like much, but I worked my hiney off!

Me and my proud, tired self

The door closes AND can lock!

See you later garden: we'll be spending a lot of time together. I hope you can stand my singing voice

My body was so sore after I was done working, and still is today. I was happy I hadn't committed to a fancy dinner, cause I would have had to cancel. We had one of Taylor's favorites: sub sandwiches on french bread. Mine was tiny compared to Taylor's, yet I was stuffed from all the meat I put on it, not to mention all the bread. I love my husband so much. He helps me enjoy the little joys in life, like BIG, MEATY, sandwiches!