Beyond Ready for Spring

Last weekend in SE Alabama, we were temporarily blessed with 70+ degree weather. It was incredible playing in the backyard in short sleeves after weeks of frigid temperatures. The only problem was the view which looked like this:

 

 

Weeds, compost in various stages of decay, dormant perennials, dead annuals, and way too much brown. Ugh! Even sadder, the arbor for which I had great plans didn't survive.

 

I never did get around to cleaning my garden tools, which is my least favorite task, but I did make note of all the changes I'd like to make in Spring. Maybe I'll spend this cold weekend sharpening and oiling those pesky, but necessary tools.

Hedge Trimmers Part Deux

Second time's a charm. We upgraded to the Black and Decker Hardened Steel Electric Hedge Trimmer. What a difference. Not having a battery reduced the weight and for nearly half the price, I more than tripled the power. I had my hedges tamed in about an hour.

Hedge Trimmers

I convinced the DH to invest in a cordless hedge trimmer, thinking it would make my life easier. So we bought the Black & Decker 2-in-1 Garden Shear Combo:

http://www.blackanddecker.com/outdoor/GSN35.aspx

What a colossal waste of time and money! If I were simply looking to chop off the tops of our Bahia grass, then this would be ideal. But trim hedges, this tool does not. Not even delicate new growth on boxwood. Seriously, how is this product still on the market?!?

It's marketed to women and the elderly. No offense, but that should have been my first clue. I give them props on it being lightweight as advertised. But if my three and a half year old son can manage it, then it's probably not the right tool to be in my shed.

So it's back to the drawing board. I'll probably end up getting some chain saw type concoction that will intimidate me, thereby using my lady parts to sweet talk my husband into taking over the hedges.




(***OMG I can't believe I just typed that. Thinking it is one thing...but actually typing it? I've been reading too much Erica Shickel!***)