I often write about the rewards from DIY’ing, but hired help is also rewarding. We have an experienced landscaper who comes about once a month to trim ivy, clean beds, and plant flowers. He will typically spend 2-3 hours on a Saturday cleaning the yard, leaving our place feeling tidy and magical.

The Kentucky Derby, for me, is a day to embrace luxury and elegance. I love fawning over fashion and am fascinated by fascinators. Also known as “The Run for the Roses” in the horse racing world is a homage to the garland of roses draped over the winner. The rose garland is comprised of 450 hand-selected freedom roses. I celebrate the afternoon by arranging a red rose centerpiece, lunching on delicate cucumber sandwiches, deviled eggs, and a glass of Rosé. 

Week 18 recap:

• Removed tulip bulbs
• Trimmed Lelands and crape myrtle
• Cleaned house
• Celebrated the Kentucky Derby

Week 19 plans:

• Plant red-leaf hibiscus
• Plant fist succession of farm row
• Start corn, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds
• Plant green mums
• Plant astilbe
• Transplant dusty miller and Hucrucra
• Paint the new back door and front door
• Finish bathroom renovation tile

Week 18 in bloom:

• Butterfly Ranunculus
• Pink and White Ranunculus
• Bolero Roses
• Life’s Little Pleasure Roses
• Clematis
• Allium
• Iris
• Honeysuckle