10 Surprising Facts About the Garden and Gardening
Style Saturday Series
Post 15
If you are lucky enough to have a garden, it might just be the most valuable space this season, but also beyond it, in which to become fully present.
1.
Whether or not you think you have green fingers – plants are stronger than you think, and when you give them even small attention, they respond in the most beautiful ways. Keeping something alive will let you access another level inside your soul. Living things respond to love and kindness. As long as you are open to the idea, you will become a keen gardener before you know it.
2.
You don’t need to be a landscape designer to transform your tired and overgrown (or neglected and empty) garden into a stunning outdoor space. Commit to a new habit, spending no more than an hour each day for observing, cleaning, clearing, cutting back and preparing the area. All the while letting your imagination take you on a journey. Do you like colourful pots, exotic plants, flowering plants, water feature, Zen gardens? The inspiration is literally everywhere and the clues are inside you. Think shapes on the ground, circles, squares, curvy pathways, or simply the natural landscape and contour of your garden. Maybe you just have a small patio garden like me or a tiny city garden. Think about the feeling you want to have in your garden.
3.
Create a project, and put ideas on paper: write, draw, research a little. Can you get creative and make a plant wall in a small garden or a place that is a backdrop for your main features? Herbs, living moss, and small hanging plants are good candidates for the living wall, whilst a trailing plant, whether on a trellis or near a big tree can create a lovely backdrop for your seating arrangements, or picnic spot.
4.
Introduce symmetry and balance in your layout, but be as playful as you can – even if you break few rules (in fact, I recommend that you do). It will improve the visual feel instantly.
5.
Give it meaning. This is something personal to you, and although I can suggest a few things to get you started, this list is not exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination. Ask yourself what is the purpose, or a few purposes that your garden is to serve. Do you like the sound of quiet, bird song and tree leaves in the wind? Or do you like to sit outside and read? Or perhaps you have a DIY project that can be done in this space? Sometimes relaxing meditation space outdoors is needed, and an extension of the living space for an outdoor coffee or a family meal. Or maybe by now, you do have green fingers and constant tending to your plants keeps you happy. When you have a purpose you tend to stay present in the moment and enjoy more.
6.
Take your indoor plants outside in warmer months. They are sturdy enough and will appreciate the fresh air, natural rain that washes over their foliage, or a garden hose shower. They just don’t like the harsh conditions, like frost or strong sun – so be mindful of that, but the difference this will make to their health is amazing. Not to mention they will help you create a more tropical feel – if you have plants like palms, ferns, African violets, succulents and orchids.
7.
Don’t make it permanent! The more mobile your plants are, the more you can change the stage as often as you like. Take things like Persian rugs and glass coffee tables, throw cushions and mirrors and make an interesting set just for the morning, or afternoon enjoyment. Of course, you wouldn’t want to leave them outside, but the fresh air and sun will fluff them up naturally and they will look and feel better, fresher and more vivid when you bring them back inside.
8.
Alfresco eating. You can’t beat the feeling! So, weather permitting, plan your meals outside as much as you can. Have table and chairs ready, and dedicate a spot just for this. Bring things that may enhance the experience, like fairy lights if it’s afternoon/evening, and cool textiles like linen and cotton, as many cushions as you need, maybe some soft music playing indoors that spills into the garden as you relax down for an enjoyable meal. This can be simple, but there are few things more satisfying.
9.
Bring a game outside. Whether you live alone, or you have a large family with four children – and if you are anywhere in between – there are games for one as well as six people. They are more fun to play outside than in the living room, for sure. Of course, this will depend on your preference, but anything from badminton to chess, from puzzles to cards. All is allowed (except balls near windows).
10.
Whatever you decide – use the garden if you have it, and make it an occasion. I am going to share photos of my garden, from the first picture I saw in the estate agent’s brochure, to my first impression of it and how it slowly grew and transformed itself into a real star. I loved those baby plants, as much as I loved the secluded set up I have at the moment. But as the image says, there is room to change and in 365 days I’m likely to show you my garden in a yet new edition. I want this last one to be the best, as it continues to reflect my journey. As always, I am writing this in the hope to inspire you to get creative and start creating the life you want to live.
* * * * The Exclusive Update – 339 Days to Dream * * * *
1.
There is something so satisfying about the number of days slowly rolling backwards. The fact remains, whether we set our intention or not – the days are passing. I have never been more focused nor present in my entire life. I am breathing into all four corners of my soul, and no longer have this suffocating feeling that I am waiting for something to happen so that I can fully immerse myself in creating, in living, in being the happiest I can be.
Although there was not much going on in practical terms, the mindset work and research is also progress. Because of two busiest weeks of my life just behind me and one ahead of me, today was a day for slower action, but still highly creative energy. You may want to catch up on the episodes you missed on This is Your Moment Podcast (click here) before tomorrow’s episode goes online. It is special in so many ways.
2.
Today, and this whole week I have been moving in big strides, so today’s mellow pace allowed me to focus on feeling every moment as it unfolds. It’s amazing to set the intention and see how easily it unfolds into our experience when we don’t obstruct the natural flow of things. Positive expectation is enough, my friend. Then simply doing what you love, constantly moving forward in small increments and following however fast or slow the energy is moving. There are no words to easily describe the bliss.
3.
So much more still to come: tomorrow is the day to set some plans and goals for the next week. I have had lists made for each day this week to help me keep on track, and so far there are only 1-2 things still remaining, the rest was completed or accomplished. Still finding time to fit in attendance to business training, more immersive learning, and daily progress and interaction with the group which is doing 30 Days challenge by Dean Graziosi (check it out for yourself). I met some very interesting people already and booked another guest for the podcast, as I feel you will also appreciate and benefit from hearing his story of personal victory. That will unfold in the next couple of weeks.
Remember – You Are Safe Here
This is the sacred place between our souls. Thank you for sharing your visions, dreams and ideas. Your courage to be vulnerably seen will always be respected, and you will be treated with nothing but kindness and compassion. ♡
P.S. One to pin and read later? You're welcome!
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