“November at its best—with a sort of delightful menace in the air.” — Anne Bosworth Greene.
“Some of the days in November carry the whole memory of summer as a fire opal carries the color of moon rise.” — Gladys Taber.
“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” — Lauren DeStefano.
“Leaves grow old gracefully, bringing such joy in their last lingering days. How vibrant and bright is their final flurry of life.” — Karen Gibbs.
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house.” — Nathaniel Hawthorne.
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach and pass, and as the current year fades away and a new year comes forth, meditate on spiritual growth with encouraging and enlightening reading to inspire a renewed walk in faith with God and a profound commitment to living as such. This is a great season to reflect on the renewed and living hope we have in this life and beyond. We can trust God in the days and year ahead for He has good plans for our future. Be good stewards in all that we have been given on this journey called life!
Some landscaping tips that might be helpful to you in the coming weeks include:
Sketch before digging or building: Always plan your steps in the landscaping process. Part of the planning involves sketching your ideas onto paper. Do the math! Determine the quantities of plants needed, the volume of materials necessary, and the costs to complete your project. This approach will help you determine exactly what you need and avoid wasting your hard-earned dollars.
Pursue the right resources: As you begin your planning, do the necessary research to find the professional assistance needed to determine economic savings with minimal waste from start to finish. Find the right personnel who will give you sound and accurate advice. This resourceful support and information may be partial or for the entirety of the project. The price you pay for an hour of consultation could prove priceless, especially if it saves you money on designs, plants, supplies and other items, as well as preventing costly errors.
Complete your project in phases: Very few people have the necessary and available funding to landscape their site or property all at once. Divide your project into phases over the next few seasons or years. This approach will be a “pay as you develop” with current funding on hand which will save you on credit or loan costs and fees. Also, you will be able to assess your progress within each phase and make any necessary changes or modifications before moving to the next phase. Do keep each phase on a time schedule to keep your family happy and interested in the project.
Look at price and quality: You should never assume that cheaper is better! You always get what you pay for, so if you go cheap you may end up with low quality and a less desirable space. Your planning choices should include all types of retail outlets from warehouse to specialty shops to determine the best investment for you. Also, when (time of season) that you buy can be very critical in so far as being a bargain or not.
It is best to buy Christmas decorations about the first of the year, plants in middle or late season, equipment in the off-season, etc. What about personal service, expert advice, guarantees, and rebates? Are these available? And, if you are planning specialized hardscapes, seek a specialty company rather than a general installation company that seldom deals with hardscapes.
Effective shopping and buying: Develop an instinct for finding the real deals. Always accept the lower prices when it’s good enough and you know for sure that quality is not sacrificed. With some items, there’s very little difference in quality between first class and economy. (Like in a plane, both sections will arrive at a destination together so are you willing to pay extra for the comfort since timing is equal?) What benefits are the extra costs providing you?
Online shopping and mail-order sources: Research catalogs and websites to expand your choices and buying power. Shopping online or by phone does offer a convenience but be assured of product quality and availability. Be certain that the company you are dealing with is reputable and not a scam. Also, are handling, shipping, taxes, and other costs added to the purchase price? If so, is it now such a bargain? Buying local does make accessibility more convenient and much simpler.
Adapt sharing opportunities: Through friends and neighbors, you can share equipment and tools. Also, this becomes another way to be sociable and neighborly. If you are planning on renting a tiller, chipper, tractor, trencher or other piece of equipment, always plan in a manner that will provide best investment and wise use. Check with your friends and neighbors for the possibility of renting together and sharing costs to complete all projects in a specified time frame.
Prepare for end of year savings at the stores: This is a good time (after the holidays) to purchase any needed items at a significantly discounted price. These savings may mean more bang for your buck thus minimizing your project expenses.
From giving thanks to enjoying seasonal color, Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. “The Lord is my strength and my shield, in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7. “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High.” Psalm 50:14. “You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest, as soldiers rejoice when dividing the plunders.” Isaiah 9:3.