Garden Corner: Use the 15-minute rule to make whole-garden chores manageable

Published 9:30 am Friday, April 22, 2016

A visit with several gardening friends brought to light a very common and shared problem. Each of these gardeners has a lovely yard with a variety of garden beds, home to roses, lilies, dahlias, and a long list of ornamental and native beauties. But each of these dedicated gardeners admitted to an on-going battle with procrastination.

“Once I get going I’m all right,” shared the Rose Queen.

“The same with me,” added the Lily Lady. “I moan and groan about how awful my flower beds look, but I can’t seem to get started on cleaning them up.”

We all agreed that not getting started often stems from that little voice inside of us that says we will not be able to get it all done in the time we have allotted, and it won’t be perfect, so we had better wait.

Aagh! This little voice is a rascal when it comes to garden cleanup, and we agreed that we suffer from the “perfectionism bug.”

“I always feel that my yard should be perfect, and when it isn’t I feel very guilty,” said another visitor. This is silly, of course, but we all have our little quirks.

I suggested to these friends that they try my Fifteen Minute Rule. It’s no panacea, but it works for me (when I use it, that is). I set my timer for 15 minutes and tackle a job that I have been putting off. When the timer goes off, I give myself permission to quit.

I may choose to re-set the timer for another 15 minutes if I’m making good progress, but if not, no guilt allowed.

It’s amazing how much I can accomplish in just 15 minutes. I have used this little trick for household chores (emptying the fridge for a thorough cleaning), writing challenges (just one more page), cleaning out my car (trash bag anyone?), sorting clothes for donation (I know I’ll fit into that skirt someday), but most of all I use it for weeding.

Another helpful hint for those of us who have a little trouble getting to yard work is to have a few tools for the job ready to go. Keeping a bucket filled with a trowel, hand cultivator, clippers, twine, and kneepad near the back door and next to my boots has really made my 15-minute rule easier to follow.

Previously, I would spend 15 minutes just looking for my clippers if I’d forgotten to put them away properly. My bucket makes life much easier. Grab a bucket or sturdy basket and get organized, then sit for a few minutes (15 maybe?) and think about what you will tackle next in your garden!

Happy Gardening!