There is something about the newness of a season that encourages people to indulge in ambitious thoughts—especially spring. Something that makes all the lists of things that must be done seem less overwhelming and more enthusiastic. Instead of belaboring another task at home, we think of the freshness and promise of ‘spring cleaning.’ Instead of cursing weeds, we search for green shoots of life and plan for backyard barbecues and getting the yard in shape.
I know these feelings well—these romantic feelings are always the ones that get me deep into some project for which, let’s face it, I am ridiculously unequipped and which generally ends with some kind of frantic plea for help to one friend or another. I’ve found myself on more than one occasion covered in dirt or paint or grout, awkwardly maneuvering a rented wet saw or caught in a storm that appeared in that special Kentucky way known as out of nowhere.
When I bought my little house about this time three years ago, I couldn’t wait to start executing all the HGTV techniques I’d learned. I was obsessed with home improvement. I spent all my money and free time on the house—a unique preoccupation for a young, single person, but the house allowed me to do what I really love best: host friends and family. And I wanted it to be perfect…don’t we all?
Well, time has passed and, with it, some enthusiasm, which is why I felt a bit of trepidation when I started researching and writing for this issue. Every time I looked at the list of ‘remodeling for resale’ tips, I wondered if I should be doing something more. Every day I came home after a day full of talking to gardening experts, the flowerbeds looked worse than the morning. And that was before I got to gardening for food, at which point I realized I would be relegated to a diet of only sickly herbs from my windowsill.
Panic was setting in and I could just imagine another entire spring and summer blowing by without getting one single thing done that was needed. Then, the most wonderful thing happened: one morning I stepped onto my porch and into the most gorgeous sunrise, the sweetest breeze and that scent of spring that intoxicates and transforms must do’s into get to’s…and I was ready to take on the world again.
I’ll stop just short of inviting you over for dinner because it’s not quite perfect, but you get the idea. Here’s to a beautiful, productive spring!
With the newness of spring in mind, we’ve added a new feature that will appear regularly—check it out on page 32. Each month, we’ll feature a directory like this issue’s guide to garden centers that will help you find the spots to shop, dine, learn and live. Hear about the trends, tips and general need-to-know items in the magazine.