Landscape Therapy

“I’m in my glory!”  I thought to myself as I cleared the river rubble rocks away to make room for the next brick.  Then my mind started generating other thoughts as follows:

“This is fun!  What a beautiful day.  This is going to look great when we’re done.  And it’ll provide a useful function.”

I was happily landscaping our new rental property.  The main landscaping was completed and Marieta and I were just coming in to give it a few finishing touches.

Marieta, initiated the working bee; she wanted to add some “green” to the yard.  The desert landscaping was a bit too desert for her.  Her solution was simple but effective; cut some vines from our back yard garden and plant them next to the trees the landscaper put in.

I decided to tag onto her project.  I felt uneasy about the barrier separating the river rubble rocks from the fine sand plant area running along the front yard fence.  What made the matter worse is the the relatively steep slope leading down to the fence line.  The river rubble rocks would – over time – tend to mix uncontrollably with the fine sand planted area.

At first I didn’t concern myself with this issue as we were selling the home.  But, when it became apparent, the market wouldn’t deliver the price we were asking, we shifted our attention to renting.  Now, because we were renting, I felt more inclined to fix this landscaping deficiency.  I wanted to create a virtually no maintenance situation for the tenants.

The task would be relatively easy, but would require a bit of heavy lifting.   Just use the large quantity of leftover bricks from our back yard to build a better barrier between the course river rubble rocks and the fine sand plants area along the fence line.  What I didn’t expect was how enjoyable this task would be.

It was enjoyable on three levels.  First, I enjoyed doing it.  I seemed to be in the moment, having fun as I kneeled down to put each brick lovingly onto the ground.  I took pride in placing each brick as level as I could and giving it that “I care” look.  I even got excited about heading back home for more bricks to load up and bring back.  I even skipped a lunch date with Marieta to continue the project.  I was excited about getting it done.

Next, it was functional.  It provided a much more substantial barrier between the two yard areas.  Now, the rocks would have a lot more difficult time mixing in with the sand area.  It would require much less effort to maintain.

And, finally, another added bonus – it made the yard and landscaping look better!  I was surprised how this simple added touch made such a great addition to the overall look of the property.  It had that, “I’m loved and I’m cared for” look.  I took pride in gazing at the finished product.

I also added a brick boundary around the large sandy plant laden mound in the front yard.  Again, this little addition gave me the same three levels of statisfaction.  1) It was enjoyable, 2) functional and 3) beautiful!

I’m glad Marieta decided to put some “green” into our new home landscaping.  It provided an excuse and motivation for me to roll up my sleeves and get to work.  And, this provided a much appreciated and unexpected side benefit – I enjoyed it!  I had fun.  I was in my glory.

And, in case you’re wondering … Marieta’s added greenery was a big hit as well.  The wandering vines give the property some much needed colour.  I think she derived a great deal of satisfaction from her project as well.  She seemed to enjoy adding the vines and seemed to be very proud of the overall improved appearance of the yard.

So, the next time I’m feeling a bit under-whelmed, a bit under-utilized, a bit under-appreciated, I’ll know just the cure – undergo “Landscape Therapy!”    GET A LANDSCAPING PROJECT!