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One thing I’m learning as I do this ShapeUp is the importance of my master list.

When I was writing that list, I deliberately focused on things that would make a big impact from an outsider’s viewpoint. There’s a big temptation, however, to get sidetracked away from the things on the list by other garden jobs NOT on the list.

Those other things may be important, and they need doing, too, but this is one of the reasons my garden upkeep tends to get bogged down: I never get to those big impact things.

I become blind to those things UNTIL—someone comes over. And it’s embarrassing to have a huge pile of trash in one corner.

My blackberry vines have been pruned, the handle on the wheelbarrow is fixed, I moved the blueberry bush. BUT–an entire disassembled swing set is strewn all over the back yard and I’m making hahaha-aren’t-I-bad excuses about it when a friend drops by.

Then they leave, I get over the embarrassment for the time being, and then I go transplant some lemon balm. I have a problem.

I’m a believer in not letting myself be ruled by what others think, but I also believe in making an effort to eliminate eyesores. I’m a believer in keeping things reasonably tidy. Why don’t I do it?

There’s always going to be something to do. My problem is prioritizing and focusing.

What have you learned about what stands between you and a tidy and spring-ready garden?  What helps you the most?

For me, it’s that LIST!

So back to it. Eyes on the list, Daisy! FOCUS!!!

Next, I’m going to show a couple of before and after shots. Are you making progress?