Change Always Requires a Shift in Perspective
Many friends have asked what’s going on with our front yard since we’ve been stuck at home. “Josh is clear cutting it,” I reply (somewhat) jokingly. He started with the 10-foot azaleas that bordered our property—they got cut back to knee height.
Then two crepe myrtles, three river birches and a leyland cypress were removed to allow full sun to shine on freshly laid sod. I cringed through the whole process. I worry about the birds that nested in the azaleas, I miss hanging our hammocks from the shady trees and it pains me to watch the amount of water that is being used for irrigation.
As uncomfortable as it can feel now, I know that eventually these sacrifices will pay off. The azaleas had become overgrown with weeds that were impossible to manage. Within weeks of being cut back they were filled with lush, new growth and within a year they’ll be functioning as a privacy border once again. I’ve noticed the birds adapting as well—a mama bird built a nest in one of our hanging planters and it’s been a joy to watch her three babies hatch and grow.
place to play soccer, so we chose a hardy type of grass that requires almost no watering
once established. The remaining river birch and our neighbor’s oak tree will eventually
provide a canopy over our yard for shade that the grass can tolerate. And with fewer
trees, our herb garden and perennial flower beds stand out more.
this month’s theme was going to focus on travel, it never occurred to us that the whole
world would be living under safer-at-home orders and social distancing requirements.
Respite and Adventure Close to Home” and “Everyday Adventures: Taking to Vans
and RVs for Life on the Road.” This month’s issue also offers home workout ideas, brain
boosters and mood-lifting recipes.
tree or the freedom to go wherever we want, whenever we want. But when we do,
we often make space for new developments and a fresh outlook on life. As we make our
way through the third month of this new reality, take time to reflect on the things you’ve
given up, the adjustments you’ve made and the challenges you’ve overcome. Acknowledge
the positive impacts these choices will have on you in the future and celebrate the seeds of new growth you’ve sown.
With gratitude,
Meredith Montgomery, Publisher
