Spruce It Up!

We are always so glad to see spring, warmer days and more sunshine. BUT, there’s also a lot of work to do. Clean up from winter – and how does that happen? We do clean up in late fall to prepare for winter and some how we need to clean up and pick up again in early spring. Hmmm…

Anyway, we’re hard at work here at Cottonwood Court but, actually, enjoy being outdoors and getting some exercise.

So far, we’ve weeded, fertilized, watered, cleaned up, picked up, and done a little sprucing up. The lawns are looking pretty good, a few spots that are a little bare now will look better in a few weeks. The trees are leafing out and things are greening up. We have olive, maple, salt cedar, elm, plum, willow, mulberry, spruce, pine, and, of course, cottonwood. Some people don’t like the salt cedar or olive but, I’m a “tree hugger” that loves all trees and the more, the better.

The bubbler was another project that needed attention. Had to clean the filters on the pump, pull the tub and clean it, put everything back together, and stack the rocks. It’s placed in a sitting area and makes a zen like atmosphere that works great for a reading or napping spot. The sound of water is always relaxing.

The patio set is located under a big balloon willow that provides shade and a canopy of protection from a light rain, no need of an umbrella.

Lots of projects left to do. The old garden swing was here when we moved to Cottonwood Court. It’s an oldie, needs some repair, and I’ve started with some paint. It was green and, at one time, orange. I should have it finished in a couple of days. I’ll have some after photos.

The wood swing will get a new coat of stain and so will the wood slab table. Then, finished with a good sealer.

The park bench and chair get a coat of paint on the wood slat seats, along with the little table. New cushions and we’re all set.

The old iron bed is a special napping or reading spot for me. It gets an air mattress which works great for outdoors, more bedding and dressed for cozy cute.

Yep, it’s the vegetable garden. We get enough food out of here to freeze or can for a year. Doesn’t have to be a huge space to furnish a good supply of food if the space is well utilized. We will have: tomatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, chili, squash, potatoes, cabbage, and cauliflower. I don’t plant until the day after Mother’s Day, just a good rule of thumb for this area. Now we will till, add in a natural compost, plant, and mulch. Two of the lattice panels in the front have to be replaced. This will happen after the tilling. We need the high fence to keep the deer out.

I’ll be following up with some after photos as the projects get finished.

Happy Spring from Cottonwood Court to all!