This is a tale of two yards in my neighbourhood.
One yard is a showcase. Green grass? Check. Edged and weeded flowerbeds? Check. Trimmed bushes? Check. Thoughtful plantings for visual interest in every season? Check.
One yard is a mess. Gravel ground-cover disappearing under weeds? Check. Overgrown bushes? Check. Weeds in the gutter? Check.
These two yards are across the street from each other. The meticulous owners look out on the mess; the hapless owners look out on the showcase.
It’s such an obvious disparity in effort and standards that it makes me wonder whether I owe it to my neighbours to match their landscaping, exterior home maintenance, or holiday decoration. Meh. It’s not a great way to frame the question: Obligation doesn’t feel motivational. I have an opportunity, maybe, to give pleasure to my neighbours.
This is not just a tale of two yards in my neighbourhood.
