With the start of the new growing season for homeowners comes the many financial decisions when taking care of your lawns, flowers, plants and gardens in a way that everyone in the marriage is happy about. We have a few thoughts to share on this.

First, consider how you both grew up and how your house and gardens were taken care of by your families. Did your parents really enjoy dirt under their fingernails and smelling like cut grass at the end of the day? Or, did your parents keep a supply of goo by the washing machine to help lessen the itch of poison ivy, and allergy medicine close by for everything else they encountered in a day? Did anyone mind the constant bills for new leaf blowers and hedge trimmers and other shed equipment (and gasoline)? Or, were there monthly discussions about the bill from the landscaping company? Were there complaints of time spent on the outdoors that could be better spent elsewhere, like with each other? Think back to why you’re feeling how you are about the summer jobs around the house and let your spouse know your reasons.

Next, look at your new family’s house and garden. Admire how the two of you take care of your space. Whether you own, rent, lease, it’s still your space to take care of. It’s a great feeling to know that you are responsible for the meticulous lawn, amazing flower boxes or weed-free patio, but it’s also a great feeling to come home from a long day of work and not have to spend four hours mowing, trimming and watering. We recommend that you talk to each other about which feeling you want to experience and why.

Decide together how you want to manage the cost of taking care of your property. Whatever your family decision, there will be some expense to maintain your space. So, strategize about what’s best for your family and try it for the next month. You may even try tracking associated costs with your solution. Remember to be open to changing the plan if it’s not working for either one of you, or your wallet. Last, consider planting a tree or other favorite plant on your first anniversary as a celebration of your growing marriage. We’re pretty sure that tradition will have a much better outcome than eating that year-old top layer of the wedding cake!

Posted: 2008-05-04