Plan

A plan can be simple or extensive. It is better to have a plan than none at all.

Everything in life happens for a reason. Whether or not we understand the reason there and then does not really matter. All that we should know is that every action has its course. Therefore, before taking any action, we should have drawn out some sort of plan.

We can have a noble goal but without a plan, we could be moving aimlessly towards many directions and end up nowhere.

Having a yard is great. Sometimes we have a clear idea of how we want to use the yard but sometimes we are just clueless. Making use of the space for some greens will be ideal but how do we go about it? What kind of plants do we want in our garden? Though we may not have the details now, we should already have a big picture. For example, a tree, a water feature, a bird bath, probably some berry bushes, and a little space for nurturing wildlife.

Depending on the size of the yard, we may or may not be able to fit everything we want in it. Perhaps it would be great to go for some window shopping to check out the options available. Anything that is common is more cost effective. If we want the customized options, we will have to really plan out the budget. Or, we can choose do-it-yourself (DIY) projects.

Getting landscaping experts to do the initial set up of the garden would be hassle-free. We only have to consider doing our own maintenance. While this is the easy way out to transform an empty yard to a tempting garden, we should understand that it only stays as beautiful as we can keep.

DIY projects are always more cost saving but it requires quite an amount of time to setting things up. We may not be an expert in this area but we know everything about the garden we made. We can choose to set up part by part, plant by plant, feature by feature, as and when. We can add on at a pace we can handle. We know the behavior of each plant. We can move them around until they are in the perfect spot. The sweat we contribute give us satisfaction, especially when the garden flourish.

Though DIY projects seem to be ad-hoc somehow, it is really well thought. We have the time to digest each and every part of the garden as it grows in value. Beauty comes with time. When it is too crowded, we can create space. When it is too empty, we can add to it.

Life will be even better if the garden can provide for. An edible garden is value added in multiple ways. Fruit trees provide shade and food. Herbs and spices are natural pest control. Vegetables are able to fulfill our everyday needs. There are several species of edible flowers too that adds to the esthetics of the garden. We can indulge in the produce, we can enjoy the scenery, we can breathe in fresh air, and best of all we know that everything is organic. When we eat what we plant, we will never use any harmful chemicals. We know for sure.

When the trees have grown tall to provide enough shade, we can start to think about inviting wildlife. We can have a featured bird bath with water fountain. We can even add a pond at the bottom for some koi. We can start building a few little bird houses so that lovely couples can nest and raise their young there.

At some point of time, we can even include bee boxes. There are many varieties of bees to choose from. Bees are very beneficial insects. They are responsible for good pollination in the garden while providing us with delicious honey. Having bees in the garden is great but we do have to be alert of fogging times. When it is mosquito season, we have to be extra careful with the bee boxes, ensure to seal them tight. Fogging kills most insects, bees are not spared.

We can have all sorts of ideas in our mind. Whether or not we can see the outcome is entirely up to us. We can aim for any goal that we want. Whether or not we will reach the finish line is entirely up to us. We have the power in our hands, as long as we plan ahead. Somewhere along the way change happens, it is okay. We still have a plan to guide us through to success.

Imagination runs wild. With a little planning, any dream can come true. Act on the plan!

 

To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream. Not only plan but also believe.

Francois-Anatole Thibault (Anatole France), French poet, journalist, and novelist, 1844-1924