When we moved into our house, one of the things that I really wanted to change about our house was the landscaping. There were, however, many more pressing concerns though that required our funds and attention- a leaking roof, a monstrosity of an air-conditioner, cosmetic updating that made the space more livable. All of these repairs have trumped the landscaping funds for now and we have been doing things little by little in our yard.
One of the things I have disliked the most though has been one of our side beds. It is filled to the brim with giant ferns. The ferns are enormous and I have to mow through them to cut the grass. I don’t find them all that attractive and they keep popping up in my other beds. Each year I have vowed that I am going to rip them out, but my efforts usually end up on other things and I forget about it…until the ferns pop up the next year.
When we had the original owner out to our house last summer, she commented how pleased she was to see those ferns there. They came from her father’s lake cottage and she brought some back each time she went. Her eyes were misty as she told me how happy she was to see each of those ferns there and she shared with me her happy memories of planting them and the summers with her dad. I began to see the ferns in a different light than I had before. To her, they were a thing of beauty and held wonderful memories of her family’s summers.
Last night I brought bunches of them in and started putting them in recycled single-size coffee jugs. They looked so pretty all fanned out that I started putting them in each room, adding a touch of green here and there. I marveled at how beautiful they were and how they added that little bit of life I needed to my living space.
Frugality is a lot like that though, isn’t it? Sometimes it takes seeing all that you have through another pair of eyes to appreciate all of the bounty you already possess. My yard was filled to the brim with vases of green and all I had to do was pick it from my own backyard. Yet, each year I grumbled about mowing around them, shaking my fist as more ferns popped up.
Sometimes it just takes someone else pointing out the beauty for you to appreciate the ordinary.
Amy I loved todays article! We’re in much the same situation-our yard needs so much work but the interior systems must be taken care of first.
Still, I can see the potential of this yard and it keeps me going, and you’ll find a way to work around these ferns.
However, if you want someone to take them off your hands, I’ve got just the place!
[Reply]
Awww…you made my eyes get a little misty too. What a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.
[Reply]
I love your ferns. I have always wanted a place to grow ferns but we don’t have the right spot. Enjoy them. When life gives you ferns, cut them for vases, right?
[Reply]
Very pretty. Not so ordinary!
[Reply]
You simply were not meant to tear those ferns out
When I saw your picture over at the Nester's, I smiled. I had JUST put some ferns from a floral arrangement into a clear vase and sat them on the end of my kitchen counter and marveled at their simple beauty!
[Reply]
Great lesson! Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
[Reply]
What beautiful thoughts you have on your blog. Looking through eifferent eyes helps us to really see.
Thanks for sharing.
Charla
[Reply]
I too inherited a garden…at the time we moved in it was a terribly overgrown and unkept garden. The elderly lady who lived here before us was once, in her heyday, a master gardener and active member of the garden club. After a few years covered in dirt and sweat, I managed to tame many of the things she planted and it looks beautiful now. When people compliment me for it, I can't take the credit though, because she was the "designer". Great post.
[Reply]
I will come to your house and dig some up! Seriously, you can always pot some and share with friends.
I am acquiring several types of ferns for a prehistoric playhouse garden (ferns and pines were found in dinosaur days). Each fern costs at least $5 for a small pot at Lowe's.
[Reply]
I love the change in perspective. We should look at all our difficulties from a different angle sometimes. The ferns are beautiful!
[Reply]
As someone who has worked as a professional landscaper (though on the maintenance side, not the installation side), let me encourage everyone with ugly yards that a little beauty can be done cheaply!!! Yes, landscaped yards with huge mulched beds and stone paths are beautiful… and can be costly. But do-it yourself stuff only costs time, and sweat. Weeds come up easiest right after it has rained. Call Asplundh (or any tree removal/trimming company) to find out where they dump chipped wood = free mulch. They may even dump a pile in your yard if they're working close to you. Any garden store sells annual flowers pretty cheaply, or buy seeds for even cheaper. If you want free bushes or trees and have patience, convince your friends/neighbors to let you make cuttings – put them in a jar of water, then plant when they have developed roots.
The professionals might have you think that plants are scary and temperamental, and some are… but mostly all they want is sun, water and food, and if you give them that it's pretty easy.
[Reply]
Such a beautiful post and a lovely reminder of perspective.
[Reply]
Thank you all for stopping by. I am so glad I shook the dust off on this entry! I really appreciate your visit and sweet comments!
[Reply]
It seems as though all of us fern-lovers would enjoy digging up your bed for you!
I'm dealing with plants & bushes that were not planted within their light requirements…hydrangeas in the only spot of full sunshine, etc…
Like your fern lady, I have some lilies-of-the-valley that were originally planted by my grandmother at my father's teen years home that I also grew up in. When he sold that house, I dug up as many as I could and they have moved them several times along with me. Once I was in an apartment for a few months so they wintered in Wisconsin with a friend.
Thank you for sharing from your heart; we can all learn from your example!
[Reply]
Pingback: Welcome, New Readers & Cheer for A Year ends 09/07 | The Motherload