TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More

My neighbor built the deck and the gate to the stairs.

Never underestimate the power of teamwork in gardening or in life. For example, I have many team members who help me maintain my garden as well as my home. First, and most importantly is my dad. I told him my vision for the yard and he worked with me to design it and choose the proper plant life. He even helped me plant the "foundation pieces" such as the Rhododendrons, Azaleas, etc., and he doesn't hesitate to roll up his sleeves to help plant the flowers. One year I came home from work and my mom and dad had planted all of the flowers I asked them to pick up for me. Needless to say I was both shocked and happy! But I don't expect that every year.

Another "team" member is the lawn service I use to cut the grass. They cut it every week in less than one hour. It would take me at least two hours each week to cut it myself, besides the fact that lawn clippings have a tendency to make me cough repeatedly. For a small fee they cut the grass, remove the grass clippings, and keep their equipment in tip-top shape, while I avoid running back and forth into the house to clear my throat, or wonder if my own lawn mower would work that week or needs a tuneup.

Finally, I have a neighbor and an uncle that help maintain things like the deck, outside lights, the fence, and other areas. In fact, I may be the only person in the world with a sump pump "outside" of my house. When my neighbor  built my deck I discovered the run-off of rain water from the deck would likely go down steps leading to the lower level of my house. I called my uncle and we looked at various options. I said "why not put a sump pump at the bottom of the steps?" My uncle said, great idea! So he and his nephew made my suggestion go from idea to reality! I rented the tool to break through the concrete, they dug out enough concrete and dirt to place a container with a cover in there. The sump pump was put inside the container, power was run from inside the house, and a false floor was built at the bottom of the steps with space between the wood. This way water could reach the sump pump and people could walk on that area to access my lower level from outside.  It worked!

So never feel that you have to do everything alone! Keep good people around you. Find good service providers. Having the right team will save you time, money, and headaches. Teamwork makes the dream work!