Use low-maintenance #plants to beautify your outdoor space without a lot of fuss or labor, says The Middle Sized Garden. Start with shrubs and ornamental grasses; most need to be trimmed only once a year. Avoid annuals, which tend to be high-maintenance. Pack plants closely to inhibit weeds; you can always thin them out if things get crowded. And limit the number of varieties you plant and group them together for big swaths of color and texture. Or you can “rewild” your #garden to make it virtually self-sufficient, trimming only rarely to allow self-seeded plants, flowers and shrubs to take over. #GardeningTips
Tag: summer
Plant a Garden That Doesn’t Need Much Upkeep
#Garden upkeep can get overwhelming if you pick #plants that die quickly without human intervention, says Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond. Pick a garden style that suits you and your situation to keep things easy-care. If you live in a dry climate, try #planting a selection of drought-tolerant #plants such as cactus or yarrow. Bulbs, perennials and self-seeding flowers and plants will return year after year with little care, often thriving and spreading to fill space. Many wildflowers attract birds and butterflies and don’t require a lot of care. And if you don’t have much space, a container garden can keep things manageable while beautifying your home. #GardeningTips
Plant a Garden That Takes Care of Itself
#Gardens don’t have to be difficult to be beautiful. Simply prioritize plants that thrive in your climate, soil type and water distribution pattern to guarantee success, says Fine Gardening. If you can base gardens on native perennials and “allies” from similar climate zones, gardens can actually get easier to care for every year. As plants get established, you’ll do more thinning and splitting than mowing, trimming, edging, watering and feeding. Feed your soil, mulch to prevent weeds and maybe rethink how much space you dedicate to a grass lawn. You’ll soon have a #garden that practically takes care of itself! #GardeningTips
Spending Time Outdoors Is Good for You
#Summer has (unofficially) begun! And the warm weather will urge most people to spend a lot more time outdoors. And whether it’s at the pool, on the beach or in the backyard, time spent in nature has positive effects on the mind and body.
The outdoors improves cognitive function, according to UCLA Health. Research says that time spent in nature boosts curiosity and mental focus, and any time passed in a green space can help reduce stress and improve heart health.
For city dwellers, a park can represent a break from the overstimulation of urban environments, says Heather Eliassen, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Exposure to green space results in mental restoration and increased positive emotions and decreased anxiety and rumination.”
Neuroscientist Rachel Hopman suggests the 20-5-3 rule, Reconnect With Nature reports, to maximize the benefits. It says you should spend 20 minutes outdoors three times a week, five hours per month in a semiwild outdoor location and three days per year in nature.
Outdoor time doesn’t have to be an extreme sport, though. “You don’t need to climb a mountain or drive an hour to a national park to benefit from nature,” says Becoming Minimalist. “Reading a book in a local park, walking your dog, riding your bike or eating lunch on a picnic table are all great ways to connect with the outdoors.”
Build outdoor time into your schedule. You may find that you prefer to be outdoors in the morning, before peak temperatures. And many things you do indoors — having a cup of coffee, checking your phone, and so on — can be done outdoors when the weather permits.
If you wish to spend the day outdoors and want to accomplish something that will shore up your well-being long-term, #clean out the #garage, #yard or #shed. Take whatever you don’t need and #donate it to ClothingDonations.org by scheduling a #free #donation #pickup.
Eventually, you can make outdoor time a habit. A short walk after dinner or a brief mindful meditation can work wonders for your psyche — as can the power of #decluttering. Try one or both this summer; you will be glad you did.
Making Remembrance Personal on Memorial Day
#Memorial Day is often seen as an excuse for a #cookout, but it is an occasion to #honor those who died in active military service. To honor the legacy of a loved one who died in service, intentionally remember that person by browsing old photographs, reading a letter they wrote or sharing their story, says Modern Heirloom Books. “If they are buried in a military cemetery, consider visiting their grave to leave flowers or a flag. You might also take a moment of silence or raise a toast in their honor during a family gathering. Small acts of #remembrance help keep their legacy alive.” #MemorialDay