As you might recall, I recently channeled my inner landscape architect in an attempt to convert a jumbled pile of rock and dirt into something more visually appealing. This little plot next to our stoop (I was outvoted 15-0 in the online poll…thanks for nothing, “loyal” readers!) (At least my mom and aunt agreed it was a porch on Facebook, so there’s some small comfort there)) once contained a beautiful rock garden, courtesy of Doris, the previous owner.
And then our sewer line up and quit working, to the tune of $11,000. Because it ran directly beneath that rock garden, they tore the whole thing up.
Once the weather warmed up, we could no longer ignore the fact that something had to be done. So I went and done something. What do you think?
I was able to rescue most of the pink quartz. It’ll sparkle better once we get some rain. Right now, it’s still pretty muddy from being buried. Overall, I’m pleased with the way it turned out.
I’m also really digging all the flora Tara has been planting around the house. Her obsession with plants and pots is downright adorable.
And remember her seed starts? They are almost ready to be transplanted into the ground. We’re planning on digging up the rest of the garden this weekend.
And since I’m posting all this greenery, here are some more things blooming in our backyard. I absolutely love it out there this time of year!
What I don’t like about the backyard is all the stupid dandelions that are popping up. I blame this on our neighbor up the hill, who just lets them grow as they please. Damn hippie. I actually did a little dandelion research this morning and found out some interesting facts:
- Dandelions probably arrived in North America on the Mayflower—not as stowaways, but brought intentionally for their medicinal benefits.
- Dandelions have been used by humans for food and as an herb for much of recorded history.
- Dandelions suck. (Err, sorry…that’s my interjection.)
- The entire plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots, is edible and nutritious. The flower petals are used to make dandelion wine. Its ground, roasted roots can be used as a caffeine-free coffee alternative. Dandelion is also one of the traditional ingredients in root beer.
- The English name, dandelion, is a corruption of the French dent de lion (“lion’s tooth”), because of the coarsely toothed leaves.
- Some of the other less-than-complimentary names include blowball, cankerwort, doon-head-clock, witch’s gowan, milk witch, lion’s-tooth, monks-head, priest’s-crown, puff-ball, swinesnout, and—my personal favorite—piss-a-bed. I swear I’m not making this up; it’s the English folk name for the not-so-dandy lion.
Dandelions aren’t technically a noxious weed, and to be fair, there are some benefits to letting them grow. But the ability of their seeds to spread so easily and potentially take over a yard puts me squarely in the Not a Fan camp. I wish I could be all Zen about ’em and let them do their thing like my neighbor up the hill, but I just can’t.
So, every morning—EVERY. SINGLE. MORNING.—I am going outside with my trusty weed puller and committing murder. And yet, without fail, there are a dozen new ones the next day…sometimes in the very holes from which I yanked them up 24 hours earlier, as if they are mocking me and my vain attempts at eradication. No shit, dandelions are tough. They’re like the Tony Sopranos of the plant world. No wonder they freakin’ thrive.
So our lawn now has a patchwork of holes all over. I could probably open up a golf course back there if I wanted. But, I told Tara, at least I’m aerating the lawn, even if it is an inch at a time. You know, I did make a vow that 2020 would be my year of leisure (ha! little did I know…), so maybe I should just give up and let them take over. I like wine. I wonder how many flowers it takes to make a bottle….?
I’m curious what you guys think, so here’s a new poll. And a chance to redeem yourselves!
Tomorrow I’ll be on assignment again, but this time it’s a true assignment, as in, I was assigned it. True, I begged volunteered, but let’s not be nitpicky here. The Keystone Chamber of Commerce is one of our clients, but honestly, few of us know much about Keystone, other than it’s the town people drive through on their way to Mount Rushmore, minutes away. Since we’re doing all this work for them, and I’m the guy writing about them, a field trip is in order to learn more about the town. I’ll be strolling around—nay, loitering—for a few hours tomorrow, visiting different places and taking a ton of photos. Half the office is on vacation anyway to stretch the three-day weekend into four, so it’s a good day to be on the road.
By the time I get home, I’m sure I’ll be ready to kick back with a big glass of dandelion wine…
Mark My Words 
Leave a reply to cupcakecache Cancel reply