"Sometimes less really is more..."
Couldn't agree more with this. When we first moved in, I was all about having a big yard—imagined BBQs, kids running around, the whole deal. But reality check: mowing, edging, fertilizing... it adds up fast. And don't even get me started on the water bill. 😅
We ended up downsizing our lawn area and putting in some gravel paths and raised beds instead. Now we've got a little veggie garden going, and it's honestly way more enjoyable. Plus, my wallet appreciates the lower maintenance costs. I still envy those magazine-worthy yards sometimes, but then I remember how much work they are and quickly snap out of it.
We went through something similar—thought we'd love a huge yard until we realized weekends were disappearing into lawn care. Switched to native plants and mulch beds, and it's been great. Did you find raised beds pricey to set up initially? Been considering them myself...
Yeah, raised beds can get pricey upfront, especially if you're going for cedar or composite materials. But honestly, they're worth it—less weeding, easier on the back, and veggies seem happier. You can always start small and expand later...that's what we did.
Raised beds definitely have their perks, but honestly, the upfront costs can make you pause—especially if you're already stretching your budget for the lot itself. I've found that being smart about lot size from the get-go saves headaches later. A slightly larger lot might seem like overkill now, but it gives you flexibility down the road (think sheds, compost areas, or even a greenhouse). Trust me, nothing worse than realizing you underestimated your space when you're knee-deep in tomatoes and zucchini plants...been there, done that.
