Renting in Central Oregon

Who says that renters cant act like homeowners? 

When we moved to our new little abode in Bend at the end of May, 2013, the yard had been seriously neglected. The property had been bank owned for a number of years and we all know that banks have no motivation to maintain a yard. As a homeowner for the past 30 years, we just dug in and acted like it was ours.  (See previous blog)
We live there, after all, right? 
This year, the fruits of our labors are starting to show.  The forsythia is in full bloom, daffodils and hyacinths are popping up all over the flower beds and the perennials are starting to get some size to them. 
The newest addition to the mix are several large planter box's that we inherited from a friend that moved to the Bay Area.  We are putting them to good use in a former weed lot at the west end of the driveway. 
Last fall our next door neighbor to the south, also a renter, decided that the weed patch between our properties was an eye sore.  He was right!  He cleared the strip and then we planted daffodils, daylilies, iris and moved in some perennials and grasses that needed to be divided.  
I am excited to be gardening again even though I do not own the house.  As a good steward, I have been asked to "keep it up"!  In so doing, I am also getting some garden therapy that is much needed right now. 
Pictures will be posted in the next few days.