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(ARA)
- It's five in the morning; even the sun is still asleep. Sue
Buerkle is working in her backyard garden, picking weeds from
between the marigolds, snapdragons and geraniums. "On my
days off, I like to put on a pot of coffee, and head out into
the garden early in the morning," she says. "It's quiet.
It's serene. It's the most peaceful part of my day."
She's not alone. A recent national
survey reported that working in the yard continues to rank as
America's number one pastime. Another survey, by a housewares
trade organization, identified gardening as one of the top trends
for 2002, fueled by people seeking a return to a simpler life.
The rise in gardening's popularity
may be just beginning. During stressful times, more and more
people tend to rediscover the simple pleasures of caring for
a lawn and garden. "When life or world issues seem out of
our control, it's therapeutic to be able to cultivate a special
place in our own backyard," says Michael Miller, president
of backyard tool company Hound Dog Products, Inc.
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Miller's life reads like a chapter
in the story of America's return to the backyard. Like a growing
number of people, he became interested in gardening as a hobby
that soothed his nerves and beautified his backyard.
As a corporate cog for nearly
10 years, he often spent the better part of his weekends puttering
in the yard. "I found I got a huge payback on the energy
I spent in the backyard; I enjoyed the leisurely process of doing
backyard chores alone or with the kids. On Sunday night we could
look back with pride on what we had done, and we could enjoy
a nice backyard sanctuary all week long." |
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In 1994, he decided to make it his
living, creating clever tools that made chore time easier. Miller
attributes his thriving business to identifying and embracing
the trend toward backyard living. "We're in the simplicity
business," he says. Innovative tools with names like the
Weed Hound (a stand-up tool that pops weeds with the punch of
a button) and the Bulb Hound Garden Planter (designed with a
hinged coring tube to make it easy to transplant flowers or dig
holes for bulbs), are flying off store shelves nationwide. Miller
says homeowners are focusing more time and energy on creating
a feeling of tranquility in their own homes and backyards, and
they're looking for the right tools -- and tips -- for the job.
Looking to transform your own
lawn and garden into a personal oasis? Miller offers some tips
to create a peaceful backyard sanctuary with a minimum of effort
-- and to enjoy yourself in the process:
* Small, bite-sized projects
rule. Even when you're embarking on a larger project in the
backyard, view it as a series of small projects. That takes the
pressure off and gives you more successes.
* Relax and enjoy the process.
Take your time; there's no rush when you're enjoying yourself.
This is an uncommon opportunity for you to leave any "Type
A" tendencies behind. Who knows? Maybe you'll discover the
virtue of patience.
* Remove nuisances and clutter.
That ugly shrub, those weedy areas, the branches that block your
efforts -- get them all out of your way and start fresh. If something's
nagging you, vanquish it. After all, you're the master.
* Involve loved ones.
Chore time is really playtime in your own backyard. Sometimes
it's even more fun when you share it with someone you love. Plant
a tree with your children and it will stand as a memory through
their lifetimes.
* Use the right stuff.
The tools of your craft should minimize strain and maximize results.
Think quality, not quantity here. Rather than aggravating yourself
with tools that will break or deteriorate, purchase reliable
ones, maintain them well and they'll reward you with a lifetime
of loyal service.
* Engage all the senses.
The most relaxing garden sanctuaries are the ones that tickle
all of our senses. Plant some fragrant herbs next to those beautiful
begonias, or save some space in the back of the garden for some
tasty onions or tomatoes. Install foot lighting along the path
to the back door or the gate. Create a small rock garden and
install a pump to enjoy the sound of water trickling throughout
the season. Express yourself -- this is living art.
* Enjoy the fruits of your
labor. Gardening isn't only about getting your hands dirty.
Once you've planted, tilled, cultivated and weeded, remember
to appreciate your sanctuary. One of a garden's most vibrant
therapeutic qualities is how it makes you feel when you're nearby.
The bottom line is to keep it
simple, and to make it your own. No matter which kind of backyard
or garden you choose, keep in mind that the best backyard sanctuary
is one that you create -- and care for -- yourself. |