New Year, new experiences, new lessons!

Published 8:00 am Tuesday, December 31, 2019

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” -Edith Lovejoy Pierce.

“And now let us welcome the New year, full of things that never were.” -Rainer Maria Rilke.

December is winding down and the new year is almost upon us. January and 2020 will bring new experiences and new lessons as each passing day brings us closer to springtime. The depths of January must be experienced before we can enjoy the colors which will follow. Bring in the new year meditating on spiritual growth with encouraging and enlightening reading to inspire a renewed walk in faith with God and a profound commitment to living as such.

This is a great season to reflect on the renewed and living hope we have in this life and beyond. We can trust God in the year ahead for He has good plans for our future. Be good stewards in all that we have been given in this journey called life!

While kicking back with a good book, a movie, surfing the web or simply watching the final bowl games of the season, take the time to plan into spring. And as you are thinking ahead, please take the following points into consideration.

End of year savings at the stores: This is a good time to purchase any needed items at a significantly discounted price. These savings mean more bang for your buck thus minimizing your project expenses.

Sketch before digging or building: Always plan your steps in the landscaping process. Part of the planning involves sketching your ideas onto paper. Do the math! Determine the quantities of plants needed, the volume of materials necessary, and the costs to complete your project. This approach will help you determine exactly what you need and avoid wasting your hard-earned dollars.

Pursue the right resources: As you begin your planning, do the necessary research to find the professional assistance needed to determine economic savings with minimal waste from start to finish. Find the right personnel who will give you sound and accurate advice. This resourceful support and information may be partial or for the entirety of the project. The price you pay for an hour of consultation could prove priceless, especially if it saves you money on designs, plants, supplies and other items, as well as preventing costly errors.

Complete your project in phases: Very few people have the necessary and available funding to landscape their site or property all at once. Identify the use areas (public, private and service) and divide your project into phases over the next few seasons or years. This approach will be a “pay as you develop” with current funding on hand which will save you on credit or loan costs and fees. Also, you will be able to assess your progress within each phase and make any necessary changes or modifications before moving to the next phase. Do keep each phase on a time schedule to keep your family happy and interested in the project.

Look at price and quality: You should never assume that cheaper is better! You always get what you pay for, so if you go cheap you may end up with low quality and a less desirable space. Your planning choices should include all types of retail outlets from warehouse to specialty shops to determine the best investment for you. Also, when (time of season) that you buy can be very critical in so far as being a bargain or not.  It is best to buy lumber in the winter, Christmas decorations about the first of the year, plants in middle or late season, equipment in the off-season, etc. What about personal service, expert advice, guarantees, and rebates? Are these available? And, if you are planning specialized hardscapes, seek a specialty company rather than a general installation company that seldom deals with hardscapes.

Effective shopping and buying: Develop an instinct for finding the real deals. Always accept the lower prices when it’s good enough and you know for sure that quality is not sacrificed. With some items, there’s very little difference in quality between first class and economy. (Like in a plane, both sections will arrive at a destination together so are you willing to pay extra for the comfort since timing is equal?) What are the extra costs providing you?

Online shopping and mail-order sources: Research catalogs and websites to expand your choices and buying power. Shopping online or by phone does offer a convenience but be assured of product quality and availability.

Be certain that the company you are dealing with is reputable and not a scam. Also, are handling, shipping taxes, and other costs added to the purchase price? If so, is it now such a bargain? Buying local does make accessibility more convenient and much simpler.

Check alternate resources: As you follow through in the shopping process, look beyond stores and catalogs for bargains and good deals. Be reminded that arboretums, botanical centers, and school programs often have plant sales and may have exactly what you need.

Also, keep an open line of communication with your neighbors and friends who may have extra annuals and perennials that they will share. Furthermore, cities and municipalities may offer free mulch and compost throughout the year, and construction and demolition sites may be sources of bricks and stones (recycling at its best). By being very aware of your surroundings and what is going on in your communities, you will be one of the first to know about such opportunities.

Adapt sharing opportunities: Through friends and neighbors, you can share equipment and tools. Also, this becomes another way to be sociable and neighborly. If you are planning on renting a tiller, chipper, tractor, trencher or other piece of equipment, always plan in a manner that will provide best investment and wise use.

Check with your friends and neighbors for the possibility of renting and sharing costs to complete all projects in a certain time frame.

Many blessings to everyone in this new year as you face new challenges and reach new plateaus in this journey called life. Have a Happy and Blessed New Year throughout 2020!

“Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” -John 14:6.

 Direct inquiries to Seagle can be made at csi_seagle @yahoo.com.