How to landscape during a pandemic: play the long game

As we turn the corner away from Spring and towards Summer, Landscaping during the continued lockdown has been quite a challenge for the profession. We are still adhering to the strict OSHA guidelines and practicing safe landscaping. Suppliers are still experiencing delays with longer delivery times, and pick-up lines for materials remain longer than usual. Our entire Team is putting in overtime each day as we try to get to all of your properties on time. 

Now is the perfect time for folks who are spending more time at home to play an active role in their own landscaping and gardening as much as they can or want. This unprecedented time of reduced commuting and in-home office conference calls actually affords property owners an opportunity to assess their landscaping in a more detailed, acute fashion, and it provides an opportunity to put more thought into planning for the bigger, long-term goals.

While Massachusetts continues to loosen restrictions (and let’s hope it goes from strength to strength and we don’t dip into that second wave), much of this summer will consist of activities predicated on a ‘sheltering in place’ mentality. I’ve spoken to nobody that has made travel plans to Europe this year or booked their kids into camps. Instead, folks are really thinking, and getting excited about, gardening in their own back yard, sharing their land with their intimate circle and providing an area of enjoyment and relaxation for their tribe. 

Because of this trend, people everywhere are dreaming of lush vegetable gardens, refreshing pools, cozy fire pits, patios and other outdoor features. Even a cleanly kept backyard with a few chairs situated in a circle formation is an attractive, desired enhancement.

Invest in Maintenance.

Maintenance is essential, not only for aesthetic reasons but also for the long-term health and viability of your property, which is a huge foundational aspect to any landscaping vision.  Removing tree and bush limbs and other debris reduces places for rodents to take refuge. Pulling weeds now reduces competition with wanted plants, and perhaps one of the most beneficial things you can do this time of year is to build up available nutrients in the soil.  These tasks can significantly help control insect populations such as mosquitos and ticks, and if you’re planning on enjoying some ‘staycations’ this year, it’s an essential part of the job.

Garden.

Making the garden both a beautiful and a productive space, both in terms of output and experiences, is a great way to spend time with friends and family, and there is so much satisfaction and joy in harvesting from the work you personally put into your land, whether it is to brighten rooms with floral displays or use the bounty in your own kitchen.

Gardening is also a calming endeavor; research has shown that just putting your hands in the soil reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, increases attention and focus, and interrupts harmful ruminations. During this time of uncertainty and stress, nurturing your own garden is a fantastic way to relieve some of the anxiety we all are experiencing, and it can serve as a source of pride for you and your loved ones.

Inspiration is Everywhere.

Now is our chance to finally take in the beautiful region we live and take for granted in our busy lives. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the country, thanks to property and land partners like the National Trust and The Trustees. From the ocean, beaches and salt marshes, to our State Parks, historic estates and pocket parks, there are so many things we can discover in our ‘new normal’. Take a deep breath, head out to one of the properties nearby and find your inspiration. Stop and smell the lilac, the hyacinth, the viburnum; visually revel in the textures of the many fern species, the skunk cabbage, lady slippers, or admire whatever brings you the most joy. Then, take that inspiration and apply it to your own landscaping plans. Or, call us and share your ideas and let’s work together to make them a reality.