Big results without a big time commitment.
Chapter 22 is a classic “Part of Tens” list. Here are ten weekend projects that deliver noticeable improvement with minimal tools and skill.
Edge your beds – Use a half‑moon edger or a spade to cut a clean line between lawn and garden beds. A crisp edge instantly makes your yard look maintained.
Mulch everything – Buy bagged or bulk mulch and spread 2–3 inches deep. Mulch hides weeds, retains moisture, and gives a uniform appearance.
Plant a container trio – One thriller, one filler, one spiller. A 14‑inch pot with a spike, petunias, and sweet potato vine looks like you spent hours.
Install a rain barrel – Attach to a downspout. A 50‑gallon barrel costs $60–100 and pays for itself in a season or two.
Prune one overgrown shrub – Not everything, just the worst one. Remove dead wood first, then shape. You’ll be surprised how much better it looks.
Add solar path lights – No wiring required. Place them along walkways or driveway edges. Choose warm white (not blue) for a cozy feel.
Build a simple trellis – Four cedar stakes and some twine make a bean tower. Use it for a clematis or morning glories.
Create a bird bath – A large terra cotta saucer on a stacked stone pedestal. Add a rock for bees to drink safely.
Weed the front entry – Focus only on the area within 10 feet of your front door. Pull weeds, add fresh bark, and place two matching pots.
Divide a perennial – Dig up an overgrown hosta or daylily, cut it in half with a spade, replant both halves. Free plants!
The authors emphasize: choose one project per weekend, not all ten. And take before/after photos for your blog (hint, hint).
Weekend wisdom: Small projects repeated over time transform a yard.
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