It’s hard to believe it’s already March.  I had wanted to send you all a recap of 2021 back in December, but December came and went and priorities shifted.
Last year was a banner year.  I had a terrific crew. They worked through daily rain storms all summer, sweltering heat, and always seemed to be having a good time.  I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people. We got a lot accomplished, yet still didn’t get all the projects done that we intended to. I will include in this letter some photos of some of the projects we did in 2021 and some really beautiful, established gardens to get you all excited for Spring (as if you needed any help).
2021 was a year for expansion. We acquired a couple more trucks, a dump trailer, a landscape trailer, a stand-on track steer (Ditch Witch), and core aerators.  We built walls and patios, planted trees and shrubs and thousands of perennials, bulbs and annuals. We convinced a couple clients to convert their lawns in meadows, thereby reducing their carbon footprint and providing more food and shelter for pollinators and beneficial insects.
Being as busy as we were, you may have noticed that I have a new office assistant. Nancy, my mother, who has worked out with my crew for years, has now moved into my office and is the one sending you contracts and invoices, as well as keeping my books. When she’s not in the office, she’s running around doing errands for me, including picking up plant material for various jobs. It’s been tremendously helpful.
Many of you are getting Annual Installations from us this Spring.  I’m happy to announce that our website now has a link to view Annuals . See all the different annual arrangements I have done over the years. We’ve also developed a youtube channel that shows some different videos of me talking about annuals in the garden.
On a very sad note, I must acknowledge the passing of a dear friend and colleague of mine, Ricky Klein, of Thistle Doo Development.  He passed away February 28, 2022 after a long battle with cancer.  Many of you have met Ricky, as he has been working with me for the past 8 years, and has had his hand on almost every project I’ve done.  Whether he was delivering material, digging trenches, setting boulders, or just giving me advice, he has likely been on every property I have developed or maintained.  He was trustworthy, straightforward, generous, hardworking, and kind, a true friend and a blessing. I, my family, and my crew will miss him terribly.
Now I can’t end this letter on a sad note. So I’ll buck up and look to the Spring.  It’s full of blessings, that renew the spirit, invigorate the body and the mind.  It’s not that far away. I look forward to seeing many of you and your beautiful properties in the coming months. Be on the lookout for your Maintenance Contracts this month. I hope you all stay well and we will see you on the other side of March. Please visit our newly updated website for fresh content or to reach out with your questions.
Sincerely,
Rebekah Lamphere