It is spring, the finest time of year for gardeners. The country is in bloom and putting on a show. Not only that, your own quiet corner of the world will likely be repaying you for your care and hard work all year round. While maintaining a garden is a lot of work, when you get to see it blossom, it is all worth it. Just as Wallace Stevens taught us that there are ‘Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird’, there are also many ways of looking at your garden. You may see it, and the work that you put into it, as an exercise in beauty. When it comes alive in spring, it is mesmeric and all you want to do is share it with everyone (whether in person, or if you have one, on your Instagram account). Other people will look at their garden with a view to its utility. Dedicating part of your garden to growing vegetables, fruit or herbs is a great way to eat the freshest food you’ll ever have and maybe make some money too if you want to set up a stool at a farmer’s market. Another way of looking at your garden is as a social hub. This is great if you have visiting family, or you just want to get your friends together. The atmosphere at a barbecue is special and appeals to both adults and kids. However, an important perspective to have when it comes to your garden is that it is a place where you should be able to relax.
The world today is so often hectic and stressful that everybody needs to find their own way of relaxing. Some find that they can only unwind in the tumult and noise of the stands at a football stadium while others think that the picture of relaxation is a day at the spa. In any case, one’s garden, when organised properly, can be exquisitely relaxing, and it is literally in your backyard. If you want to turn your garden into your own personal oasis of calm and indulgence, here are a few things to consider:
The first and most important thing that you need if you are going to relax in your garden is somewhere comfortable to sit (check out bramblecrest for some ideas). Picking the garden furniture that is perfect for you is obviously a personal thing, but without it, you will be stuck sitting on the grass. Depending on the time of year, that may be somewhat impractical and not all that comfortable in any case.
Secondly, if you want to be able to retire to your garden all year round, you will need to make sure that it is not too cold during the winter months. Investing in a patio heater or a fire pit is a good idea. On those mild nights where you do not want to sit in front of the TV again, curling up on the patio and watching the sunset is just perfect.
Thirdly, if you enjoy being in your garden but you also enjoy watching films, then why not consider installing a projector and a screen and having your outdoor cinema.
Before long, your garden will be the envy of your friends and they will be jealous that you keep it all to yourself.