Making a difference in my own front yard

I spent the morning working in my front yard today.  I've been avoiding even the thought of doing it lately.  The project frankly overwhelmed me to the point of tears.

You see, we've put our house up for sale this winter and now that the snow is melting the 'deferred maintenance ' that has been going on in our yard is a blaring testament to our busy, aka: lazy, lifestyle.  Wow, that feels really good to say that out loud.

So, I spent the morning raking, bagging, digging, cutting, bundling twigs and all in all, preparing my yard for the next phase of transformation. Adding curb appeal is as easy as those TV shows make it all seem.  There are big decisions and big bucks to be spent. Adding a few decorative touches in a room can be fun and not too expensive.  A few throw pillows, an area rug, a cool vase are all easy and won't break your wallet.  But outside projects are not that. 

First, your canvas (the work space) is massive. The size is not contained like in the house by a floor and a ceiling. The work is back breaking. It just is, lugging dirt, rock, and mulch my arms, legs, shoulders are all not very happy with me in the moment. And most important is, it's DIRTY. 

Second, the design elements, plants, rocks, mulch are all expensive and because of the massive canvas you need a lot to make an impact.

Finally, I'm nervous about doing it wrong. Now, for those reading this who know me you are most likely thinking, 'You nervous about doing it wrong???’  Yes, even I have moments of confusion and fear. I just am worried that it won't look good. It will look crazy or stupid or just not enough.

Now, I know that I will work through all of this. That when I let go of my fear, anxiety and confusion I will fall gracefully into the arms of creativity and the outcome will be spectacular.  But, until then I'm going to make another cuppa tea and do a little web surfing about plants and grass seed that loves the shade.

Photos to follow when I'm a little further along.