Wildflower Project: Day 1 – The Battle of the Stump
- Lance Ripka
- May 2
- 2 min read
Welcome to the beginning of a new project! I’ve decided to transform the space right outside my townhouse into a vibrant wildflower bed. Not only will it add some serious curb appeal, but I’m excited to see what kind of local wildlife and pollinators we can capture on camera later this year.
But, as with any good DIY project, nature had a few obstacles waiting for me before I could get to the "flower" part.
The Main Event: Me vs. The Stump
The biggest hurdle? An old tree stump that was left behind. It was cut down a while ago, but the roots were still holding strong. My goal for Day 1 was to dig around it and get it cut about 3 to 4 inches below the dirt line so I can eventually cover it with soil and flowers.
The Tools of the Trade:
The Basics: Shovel, rake, and some elbow grease.
The Heavy Hitter: A hatchet.
The DIY Secret Weapon: A simple garden saw.
I’ll be honest—there are definitely better tools for this job (like a stump grinder!), but I’m working with what I’ve got. There’s something satisfying about taking your time and doing it yourself, even if it takes a bit more sweat.
Progress & Pivots
After a fair amount of digging, raking away debris, and hacking at the roots, I’ve made some great progress. The stump is being stubborn, but it’s slowly giving way. I actually had to take a mid-day nap—one of the perks of being your own boss on a home project!
After recharging, I shifted focus to the rest of the bed. I cleared out the rocks and loose branches to get a better look at the soil.
The "Homemade" Solution
To prep the ground for the wildflowers, I need to clear out the existing weeds. Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, I’m using a homemade weed killer recipe I’ve heard great things about:
* 1 Gallon of Vinegar
* 1/2 Cup of Salt
* 2 Tablespoons of Dawn Dish Soap
I gave the area a good spray and I’m hoping this does the trick to give my future seeds a clean slate to grow.
What’s Next?
I’ve still got a bit more work to do on that stump, and I’ll need to make a quick run to the store for some fresh dirt to level everything out.
Day 1 is officially in the books! It’s messy, it’s hard work, but it’s going to be worth it when those first blooms pop up. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll finish the prep and finally get those seeds in the ground!
Cheers to Day 1!
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