How do I get my yard in shape?

Kat
by Kat

I have never worked in the yard. My dad is now 73 and keeps saying he will do it but I’m not sure he can. Our weeds are over three feet tall. I need to blow and collect leaves. Most of our front yard is rocks. We have areas for flowers. I know nothing about flowers. Do they have some that come back each year? What flowers and colors go together? How do I trim bushes? I’m on disability so I need to learn as I go.

  5 answers
  • Jan Jan on May 01, 2019

    Hi Kat, Where do you live? You need to get rid of the weeds first before they go to seed. It's not easy pulling weeds out from around rocks once they get a good foot hold. If you know your dads neighbors you might want to approach one and ask them what they would do. You can always go to to a second hand book store (I use thriftbooks.com, spend $10.00 and they will ship for free) there are many books out there that can help you or there is always the nursery. or the library. They will be able to answer questions for you. The number 1 thing you need to know is what growing zone you are in. That is how you will know what plants can servive in your area. Yes, there are plants that come back each year, they are called perennials. Good Luck! PS If the weeds are 3 feet tall in your dads yard, I'm sure the neighbors will be happy to see them cut down. lol

  • Betty Albright-Bistrow Betty Albright-Bistrow on May 01, 2019

    Hi Kat! I agree with Jan. You have to begin by pulling and cutting back all the weeds. It is a hard job for sure and one that is not done quickly.


    https://homeguides.sfgate.com/clear-overgrown-backyard-weeds-brush-41954.html


    https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+do+i+get+my+yard+in+shape+from+pulling+weeds+to+planting+perennials&qpvt=how+do+i+get+my+yard+in+shape+from+pulling+weeds+to+planting+perennials&FORM=VDRE


    https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-get-rid-weeds


    Good luck. Don't try to do it all in a day or even a week. It will take you a good deal of time to get rid of the tall weeds/grass, and then go from there

  • Bev Bev on May 01, 2019

    I found that a local teenager will do a good job for money. He will then be available for other projects you think he can do. Mine even kept other kids from being pests. Worth the investment and helps the teenager out.

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on May 03, 2019

    Yes, you can contact your local schools to ask if they can recommend a few kids to come help you out. Also ask what is the general pay for yard work. Or area churches/temples. Kids always want a way to earn money and it's soon summer vacation!


    The first thing is to cut down the grass & weeds! With so much height, it will be overwhelming for anyone. You can apply "weed and feed" to the grass areas and that will help for the weeds in the lawn. It will take many treatments to get it under control.


    The weeds in flower beds must be pulled by hand. Get yourself a small spade (your size) as you'll use it a lot. Also purchase (dollar store is good) a hand spade. And something (cushion) to sit on while you work.


    Google your city + growing zone to find out what plants will do the best in your area. I only purchase perennials which mostly come back every year. You can also harvest seeds from the flower heads that you can scatter into the beds. Some will come up!


    Any colors you like go together regarding flowers! You want to have some of different heights for interest. Pay attention to where there is sun, shade or part sun. Put plants where they need to be - full sun, etc.


    Work on things as you feel up to them. Have FUN above all! I find that my garden brings me not only so much joy, neighbors love it and it is my form of exercise. It's a healing activity for the soul. 😎👍🌼🌺🌻

  • Ginnyd Ginnyd on May 06, 2019

    Your county extension agent / Master Gardeners are a wealth of info and help.