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I put back yard in quotation marks because it is barely any space at all. For the most part, we're OK with that. We aren't home that much in the first place and we certainly don't have time to take care of an actual yard at this point, which is why the back yard is in such disarray in the first place. The HOA mows all of the grass, but we have a full fence (as opposed to just the two side walls which came withe the unit that seperate our space from the houses on either side). They don't mow on any type of regular schedule and I usually keep the gate locked, so sometimes our back yard will go weeks at a time without being mowed. Add in a dog that uses that small area as his toilet, humans who are too lazy and forgetful to pick up after him on a regular basis and lots of rain and you have one big mess.
We've always had a plan for that area, we've just never implemented it. By the time we think about it summer is usually in full swing and its hot as hell out there. But when I grilled out Wednesday night I noticed the weeds were back with a vengence and were already a foot high. The other day when I mentioned working in the back yard this weekend Kirby asked me, "So, is your mom coming over to help?" as if to imply I am not capable of doing it myself. Again, if you know me, you know the best way to get me to do something is to either imply or tell me I can't. So, while my mom is out of town I figured I'd tackle it myself. Besides, the weeds are getting too out of control already to keep ignoring. There was a point last year where we were amazed Rocky could even go out to the bathroom because they were about 4 feet high. We called it "the jungle." I had to get out there with pruning shears and cut them down by hand. We sprayed weed killer out there and it worked for a few weeks, but like a stupid cat, they came right back.
The plan is to first get rid of the existing weeds. Then I'm going to chop it up and turn the soil a bit and spread some weed and feed. Its pretty level, but not 100% so I'll take some of that dirt and level out one corner. I got cement pathway blocks at Home Depot and I'll "pave" a corner for the grill, smoker and maybe some chairs. I gave away my outdoor table and chair set when I moved back from D.C. because I didn't need it anymore. For the time being I think plastic patio furniture will suffice.
I also bought some pepper and herb plants and potted them last night. I've never had any luck growing plants. I kill everything. And I really mean everything. I asked for a ficus tree once when I lived at home and that thing was dead in a matter of weeks. I even killed a cactus. But I'm determined to learn how to grow things because (1) I love peppers and want to start making hot sauce; (2) once we do have a house with a sizable yard I want to have a garden; (3) I eat a ton of veggies so it would be nice to have some now and cut the grocery bill for a few months. I have to pot the pepper plants because they need to be on the front porch, as its the only area that gets direct sun for any amount of time. I also bought some veggies that I want to try planting behind the shop. There's an area in the back corner of the lot that will be good. I will have to have my mom come help because I'm assuming I'll need a tiller. Out of all the things for which I take after my mother, baking and gardening are not two. Nor is cleaning. Or the ability to tan.
I'm sure I'm not going to like this. Its going to make me tired and cranky. But when it's done I'll be very satisfied to say the least. Not only will the back yard be presentable and functional, I will have proved to Kirby that I am capable of doing certain things regardless of what he thinks about my ability. I'm just praying I don't make a bigger mess of it than it already is, which is sometimes how my DIY projects turn out......
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