A weed free garden….nope…not here.

My turf landscaping is definitely not weed free.

Even though I am a master gardener the overwhelming abundance of lawn weeds and size of the lawn is too extreme to consider this fight.

Moving away from a preplanned community with a perfect manageable lush turf lawn with sprinkler system was a big change —-resettling moving to a more rural situation.

Being waterfront you want to be careful of chemical applications and potential nitrogen run off for our lakes health. Having no irrigation system, part time neighbors, just about every weed that can exist around in the lawn- it would be a daunting unsustainable superhuman effort to worry about turf weed elimination. Besides its fun to look for those four leaf clovers.

So we mulch our dedicated flower beds 172 bags this year.

We attempt to keep the beds edged mulched weed free and the trees, shrubs and flowers happy.

My favorite plants …..wow there are many -too many to list.

Over the years probably the lilac tops the list as it has been planted at every home we have ever purchased. Wonder if they are still there at those prior residences? It does struggle here in Central VA compared to the Northeast. Be happy with Crepe Myrtle they say….

As a retired RN I am hardwired to take care of things.

Gardening has been a similar caretaker activity - a pleasant and relaxing hobby.

Even shopping clearance racks , a challenge to rescue and save the impacted stressed plants.

Garden can be a creative, problem solving and fluid situation.

When you’re working with issues ( drainage /erosion -soil conditions- disease -insects) you have to adapt appropriately.

If the plant is not happy something as simple as moving it around to a new spot can make it thrive.

Gardening— you nurture the land as its steward, hoping to leave it in a better situation than you received it and -in turn -it can nurture your soul.

❤️ Absolutely love gardening ❤️