There are all sorts of myths about fall clean up.
Myth #1. You feel so good when everything is done. Nope. I’m a bit sore and a little miffed I missed the Lions win to clean the garage.
Myth #2. Everything looks so much better when it’s done. Well, maybe. Some of it anyway. The garage looks better with the leaves swept up and the squished grape wiped up. But you know what? The leaves will be back next week and even if we keep the squished grapes in the bag and not on the floor something will replace them.
Myth #3. This stuff has to get done in the fall. Nope. I cleaned up the pool hut and garden shed months ago and they stayed tidy. That’s good enough for me!
Myth #4. You have to rake the leaves. Probably true but I didn’t and don’t intend to. The lawnmower chops them up pretty good and although I’d like to get the leaves out of the shrub beds it’s a miserable task with a rake and I cannot use the leaf blower. If Dave does it, that’s great. If he doesn’t then the leaves will be there next spring when I will (probably) regret not getting them out now.
Myth #5. You have to cut down the perennials. Actually there are some good reasons to leave them intact: Birds can eat the seeds and it’s easier to find the plants in the spring, I will cut mine down this fall as otherwise I’m racing against spring cutting back and moving and weeding and planting.
There are a few jobs that are must dos. Dave covered the cement fountain, I plugged in the bird bath heater and put out the pumpkin door sign, he will put the glass in the storm door and I cleaned the cars (I detest dirty car interiors), cleaned up the garage, water sealed the deck and he’ll take down the hummingbird feeders. It’s amazing just how much work goes into basic living.
Leave a Reply