I hurt. Everywhere.

I bought preemie-pansies this weekend and a LOT of mulch. Preemie because they are itty-bitty little things. The original plan was to plant pansies and mulch. I thought I bought 96 pansies, but it was 144. I, apparently, struggle with simple multiplication. And I probably still need about 60 - 80 more.

I have four large holly bushes on one side of my house that were looking very overgrown and out of control. I like the natural look to my bushes, and briefly pondered just yanking them up and starting over--but it is the wrong time of the year for that. Planting the pansies around them just didn't look right so I decided to give them the mushroom treatment. It looks REALLY neat--and very different--but the mess underneath them will require more mulch and more planting. And that was so much work. I bet I spent at least four hours pruning those hollies today. All of the 144 pansies are planted and mulched and I also mulched around my ferns. I've been doing nothing but yard work today and I did about five hours yesterday.

My Dad stopped by for a few minutes while I was pruning and he asked why didn't I just get my hedge trimmers and square them off because "It looks great." It looks muy horrible, no bueno!!! I told him to come back tomorrow when I was all finished and tell me if he still thinks I should have squared them. LOL

I'll be going back to the nursery first thing tomorrow morning to pick up some more pansies, more mulch, and find some interesting ground-cover to plant around what is left of the hollies. Cutting those things back SO much let a lot of extra light into the house. And, I'll be able to enjoy my flowers from INSIDE my home for the first time, ever. Bonus!

I'm going to attempt mediocre pictures with my camera phone when I am finished. If any are worthy, I will post them.