Welcome to Mission #45 of our 52 Get Organized Missions.

Your garden can be a source of beauty and joy. Don’t let disorganization spoil the pleasure – spend just 30 minutes today and make your garden into a happier place.

If you’ve completed the previous mission Get Organized Mission #44: Live Within Your Home’s Boundaries, congratulations! Now let’s take those organization skills outside.

Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might like to start here -> 52 Organizing Missions.

Get Organized Mission #45:
Organize Your Garden

Step 1: Choose Garden-Organizing Projects (5 Minutes)

To make the most of our 30 minutes, we’re going to focus on the one or two tasks that will bring the most transformation to your garden space.

Go out into your garden, yard or balcony, or survey your indoor plants.
Decide which of these mini garden projects you’d like to complete in this mission:

• Clear junk and rubbish
  If you have eyesore junk in your garden, this should be your priority. Looking at rubbish every day is no good for you – get rid of it today!
• Hire a horticulturist, gardener or mower to provide regular attention
  Ask a neighbor for a recommendation or rummage through those letterbox drops you’ve been collecting. Make a call today and book someone.
• Install a water-saving sprinkler system
  If watering the garden is your downfall, investigate options for something automatic and water-smart.
• Remove weeds
  Get your gloves on, cue some good music on your iPod, and out you go. Thinking about it is worse than just doing it.
• Remove plants you don’t like
  Do you feel icky every time you look at that plant? Now’s your chance to move it out of your garden once and for all.
• Trim trees or prune hedges or bushes
  This is another one of those tasks that you dread, but is not so bad once you get started. So get started!
• Fertilize
  If your garden needs it, then show your garden a little fertilizer love. You’ll enjoy the rewards in the weeks and months to come.
• Update garden furniture
  Rusty, ancient furniture brings no joy to you – or to your clothes. Refresh your garden setting, and perhaps have breakfast out there next weekend?
• Plan new plantings
  If your garden is crying out for some new additions, this is the time to pop over to the nursery and stock up on seedlings and such.
• Buy new flowers or plants
  Are your indoor or outdoor plants looking lugubrious? It might be time to update your collection.
• Add a bench, lights or other touches
  If your garden is in pretty good condition but needs something fresh, a slatted bench or some solar lights might do the trick.
• Mow the lawn
  Prosaic I know, but this might just be the touch that makes your garden glow.

If there’s something else that would make your garden a more joyful place, do that instead.

Step 2: Organize Your Garden (25 Minutes)

Next, pull on your gardening gloves and get out there! Or pop over to the nursery or store and complete your purchases, pronto. Or make that call.

Now that you have a plan and a vision, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll get done in just 25 minutes. Complete as many projects as you can.

You’ll be delighted at the pleasure your rejuvenated garden will bring.

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t aim for a perfect garden. This mission is about pleasure and joy – focus on creating a garden space that makes you happy.
• Do be guided by your heart and your eye. Choose flowers or plants that have meaning and beauty for you.

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• Do this mission as a family. Let everyone choose their preferred mini-projects in Step 1, then power through your allocated tasks together in Step 2.
• If you like, set aside an afternoon or a day and do a bunch of these mini-projects. You’ll really transform your garden.

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Start The 30-Minute Timer

Before You Go: Check In!

Please add a comment to say you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission and you’re keeping your commitment.

And see you back here next week!

Did You Know

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Click here to sign up for 52 Organizing Missions.

[Image: by nosha]