Kathy Weaver’s outdoor Zen den. Photos by Bea Cheesman
By Kathy Weaver
After moving back to Arkansas as a retiree, I entered a new crossroads where I chose the road less traveled to no longer be a homeowner. There were a lot of pros and cons with this decision. I have always loved working in the yard. From my first childhood zinnia and marigold garden to mowing and raking leaves, how would I be able to exist without a yard?
As a First Year Master Gardener, the Landscaping and Container Gardening training material was my North Star, charting the course to create my outdoor Zen den for my upper-level east-facing apartment balcony. Design first, hardscape second, then find the right plant for the right place.
I made my final decisions: comfortable seating, a baker’s rack plus a variety of containers to hold my soothing palette plant colors purple, yellow, and white.
Finally, all my purchases were made. I enjoyed the challenge of potting my balcony plants utilizing a portable table, a vinyl tablecloth underneath it, and a whisk broom and dustpan since sweeping soil over the balcony edge was a No! No!
My plant babies are thriving. The tradeoff of not having a yard means minimal maintenance. Instead of mowing, I sweep; instead of pruning, I deadhead; and instead of a sprinkler system, I hand-water, the good old-fashioned way. The best benefit – no weeding required.
Ultimately, the yard question has the same conclusion. I have a relaxing outdoor space to come home to after the fulfillment of working various Master Gardener beautification projects around town where the public says, “Thank you for all your hard work. It looks beautiful.”
Kathy Weaver volunteers with Garland County Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification.
