This looks just like what happens with my to-do lists. I found that if I make up a To-do list to cover just a short span of time...what I can realistically hope to get done in one weekend, for instance, I'm better able to get things accomplished. I have taken to seeing my "major To Do lists" as more "strategic." I know that I want an Asian Garden in one particular spot, but it's not a "to do"...it's just a strategic goal that I'll work toward.

I also found it's very helpful and encouraging to have a "Done That" list....at the end of the month I list the stuff that I DID get done...and a lot of it never got on a To Do list.

BTW: I'm copying some of your list onto mine....what great ideas!!!

That sounds like a better approach! I think I'll do it that way too. Seems like it would be so much more optimistic that way. I am still working full time with a long commute to Washington DC every day, and there just doesn't seem to be enough time to do all the things I'd much rather be doing, especially in the garden. I am so looking forward to retirement - 14 more months.

As I was looking over the list, there are a few that are really easy that I can probably knock out in short order. I get a lot of ideas from Pinterest, and the solar lights around a tree was one of them. I just found and ordered 4 strings on ebay for $7 each and no shipping cost (gotta love that) - not sure if they are the same, but is a similar look. I also found star lights at Plow and Hearth - pricier, but another thought if the ebay ones don't work out. Left picture is the original idea, middle picture is what I found on ebay, and right picture is what I found on Plow and Hearth.

I REALLY like this idea...especially if it's solar powered. I may just check out eBay etc. for these too! A house here in my town strung white twinkle lights through 2 flowering white dogwoods (not solar lights), and the effect was unbelievably beautiful when the tree was in flower.