Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of inviting you along on my journey to decorate the exterior of our new lake house. It’s been an exciting process, particularly styling our deck and gazebo with vibrant splashes of turquoise and lime accents. There’s a certain joy in experimenting with furniture placement, shifting pieces around until each nook feels just right, truly transforming these outdoor spaces into inviting extensions of our home.
While I meticulously handle the aesthetic appeal of our outdoor living areas, my wonderful husband, Ed, is the unsung hero behind the meticulously maintained landscape. His domain encompasses everything from the lush green lawn to the diverse collection of bushes, trees, and shrubs that frame our property. It’s a harmonious division of labor that works perfectly for us: I curate the interior and the decorative exterior, while he nurtures the natural beauty that surrounds us.
The Hydrangea Revelation: A Touch of Home
When we embarked on our house-hunting adventure last fall, one of our unspoken priorities was to find a home that wouldn’t demand an overwhelming amount of yard work. However, as often happens with matters of the heart, those pragmatic thoughts completely evaporated the moment we stepped into our current home with the real estate agent. It wasn’t just a house; it was “the one.” Every detail resonated with us, and the overall feeling was simply perfect. What truly sealed the deal for me, in a delightful twist of fate, was the sight of a beautiful hydrangea bush nestled at the base of the deck steps.
For those who have followed my blog for a while, my deep affection for hydrangeas is no secret. They were the one cherished element from our previous home that I truly thought I would miss after we sold it. I had cultivated an abundance of hydrangeas there, each bloom a testament to summers past. Finding one already thriving in our new yard felt like a warm, welcoming embrace from the house itself.
Since we closed on the house in the autumn months, the blooms on the hydrangea bush had already faded, their colors muted and petals starting to dry. The specific hue of its flowers remained a mystery, adding an element of exciting anticipation. Nevertheless, the mere presence of my beloved hydrangeas was enough to fill me with joy, knowing I would soon have my own vibrant blossoms to admire and cherish each summer.
This week, I ventured to New York City for a whirlwind trip, immersing myself in the vibrant energy of the metropolis. Upon my return yesterday afternoon, tired but content, I was greeted by the most wonderful surprise right in our own backyard. Stepping outside, my eyes immediately found the hydrangea bush, now bursting with life and color. It was an instant mood lifter, a perfect welcome home.
Pink… YAY! My excitement was palpable. I adore pink hydrangeas, just as much as I love their regal purple counterparts. The day after my trip was packed with unpacking and settling back in, leaving me no opportunity to capture a close-up photo of the fresh blooms. But this morning, awakened by the gentle patter of rain, I knew I couldn’t wait. Despite the drizzle, I ventured out, camera in hand, to capture their beauty. I got a little wet, but frankly, I cherish a rainy day now and then; the raindrops only added to the serene atmosphere.
A quiet, rainy day by the lake was precisely what I needed after the relentless hustle and bustle of NYC. It granted me the perfect excuse to slow down, unwind, and fully immerse myself in the cozy comforts of our new home. The sound of rain on the roof, the fresh scent in the air, and the sight of those beautiful pink blooms created an idyllic scene of peace and contentment.
It had been a while since we last had rain, having enjoyed a stretch of truly fabulous weather. We’ve spent countless hours outdoors, exploring every corner of our yard and getting intimately acquainted with the exterior of the house and its surrounding landscape. This hands-on exploration has been invaluable in understanding our new environment.
Mastering Our Southern Landscape: Identifying New Flora
Our new property features a delightful array of shrubs and trees, many of which were entirely new to us. Coming from a northern state, where many of these distinctive southern species simply don’t thrive, we quickly realized we had a learning curve ahead. To ensure we provided the best care for our new botanical inhabitants, we made the wise decision to hire a professional landscaper. This expert guided us through our yard, meticulously identifying each shrub, tree, and bush, and providing essential insights into their specific care requirements. This invaluable consultation equipped us with the knowledge needed to nurture our growing outdoor sanctuary.
Ed now possesses a comprehensive list, detailing not only the identity of every plant but also the precise methods and optimal timings for their care, including when each one should be trimmed for maximum health and aesthetic appeal. Our yard boasts a diverse collection, including stately Burford Hollies, distinctive Horn Hollies, vibrant Crepe Myrtles known for their summer blooms, fragrant Gardenias, colorful Azaleas, structured Red Tip Hedges, aromatic Tea Olives, three majestic Palm Trees, and a graceful Wax Myrtle. And, of course, a Partridge in a pear tree! Just kidding, of course, but it sometimes feels like a veritable botanical garden!
While we may not have a partridge, we certainly have an abundance of delightful birds, both large and small, who have made their home in the towering Loblolly Pines that gracefully flank each side of our house. Their cheerful chirping adds another layer of natural charm to our lakeside haven.
Effortless Yard Care with GreenWorks: A Review
Knowing the extensive care our new landscape would require, I was thrilled when earlier this spring, the wonderful team at GreenWorks sent me their cordless GMax Pole Trimmer to review. I had a strong feeling this tool would quickly become an essential part of our yard maintenance arsenal, and Ed was more than happy to put it through its paces. GreenWorks is renowned for its impressive line of cordless lawn and yard tools, designed to deliver performance comparable to traditional gas-powered equipment, but with the convenience and environmental benefits of a rechargeable battery system.
Ed immediately set to work, trimming back several of the bushes and shrubs that line our deck. Among these are numerous Tea Olives, which, when in bloom, produce small white flowers that emit an absolutely divine fragrance. He carefully trimmed only the tops of those that had grown a bit too high, ensuring they maintained their natural shape while keeping the pathways clear and the views unobstructed.
What Ed particularly appreciated about the GMax Cordless Pole Trimmer was the incredible freedom it offered. No more wrestling with long, tangled cords, and no constant search for nearby electrical outlets. This cordless design significantly streamlined the trimming process, allowing him to move freely around the entire perimeter of the house. He also highlighted the versatility of its 3-position pivoting head, a feature that allows for precise trimming at various angles, making it easy to reach both under and high above tall hedges with remarkable efficiency. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining the diverse shapes and sizes of our many shrubs.
While Ed praised the overall ease of use and the tool’s performance, he did note that its weight could be a factor, suggesting that I might find it challenging to hold for extended periods. And he’s right; it is a bit too heavy for me. But thankfully, since he’s the designated expert for trimming our bushes and managing the heavy-duty yard work, I never need to be the one wielding it. My domain, instead, is often found indoors or on the deck, paintbrush in hand, transforming spaces with color and creativity. It’s a perfect partnership, each of us contributing our unique talents to make our house a home.
Embracing Lakeside Tranquility: Rainy Days and Scenic Views
With the bushes around the deck now neatly trimmed and perfectly maintained, our already spectacular lake views have become even more enchanting. These unobstructed vistas are a source of constant enjoyment, especially on a serene rainy day like today. As I write this, I’m doing exactly that – savoring the moment with a warm cup of hot tea in hand, simply “chillin'” and luxuriating in the comfort and peace of our sweet home. The gentle rain outside, the vibrant pink hydrangeas, and the expansive lake scenery combine to create a truly idyllic atmosphere, proving that even a grey day can be filled with profound beauty and contentment.
It brings me to a question for you, my readers: Do you prefer to tackle the lawn mowing and shrub trimming around your house yourself, finding satisfaction in the physical work and the transformation, or do you enlist the help of others to manage your outdoor spaces? I’d love to hear about your approach to yard work!
I was graciously sent the GreenWorks cordless hedge trimmer to try out and share my honest experience. It’s important to note that I was not compensated financially to write this review. However, I genuinely enjoy sharing products and tools that I personally find helpful and that genuinely make DIY projects and home maintenance easier and more enjoyable for me and my family.