Four years ago Jim and I bought our little patch of Florida. The house we chose was built in the 1980s (a grim chapter in architectural design) and had absolutely no landscaping. In nearly forty years not one previous owner dug a hole and dropped in a bush or two? Weird.
Shortly after moving in we found a landscape designer and had the place prettied up. Along the sidewalk he planted Emerald Goddess Liriope. It was beautiful the first year, pretty the second, tired the third and now, coming up on four years, it looks sad and mostly dead.


Yesterday I suggested to Jim we rip out all thirty-two plants and replace them with something that “stays nice.” Jim simply laughed. I took that as a “fat chance, lady.”
So I decided to do a little internet research. It seems liriope is to be pruned back early each spring. Who knew?
I have always loathed yard work. I know some among you find it therapeutic and satisfying. By all means, come here for your therapy and satisfaction. Me, I’d sooner endure a root canal than a day yanking weeds. However, yesterday some insanity overcame me! I decided to cut those darn bushes to the ground. I grabbed the kitchen shears and had my way with seven of them.

K
Early this morning I hit the yard once again. Halfway through the first bush of the day my arthritic old hands declared a strike. I went to Jim and he set me up with a power tool! I ripped through the rest of those plants like a hot knife through butter.

Now I merely have to sit back and wait for manifestation of new growth! Altogether the yard work was a satisfying experience. Perhaps I’ll do it again in another sixty-five years.
a) Nice work! I hope they’ll be even more beautiful as they grow out from their haircut.
b) Why didn’t he see you out there with kitchen shears on day 1 and provide the power tool?
c) You may have destroyed a toad habitat. I think they’ll be alright, though.
Thanks Jay! He did see me with the scissors. At that time he brought me pruning shears. Uh Oh, I forgot about the toad. Oops.
Jay- I’m curious- how does one identify a toad habitat?
Alice- you did yard work?!?! I’m so proud of you!
Yup! I did yard work! I am an animal.
I had such fun doing the itty bitty bit of yard work. Not enough fun to make it a habit, but once every sixty-five years is great!