As the cold days and nights of winter begin to thaw, so do the doldrums in our bodies and mind. Thinking about the pending spring lifts our spirits and gives us hope for the upcoming warmer days. Plants and flowers, beautiful landscapes, community parks and natural environments make us feel good, improve our moods and increase our energy levels. Soothing our mind, body and soul. We explore the reasons why flowers generate so much happiness in our lives.
- Having flowers around the home and office greatly improves people’s moods and reduces the likelihood of stress-related depression. Flowers and ornamental plants increase levels of positive energy and help people feel secure and relaxed.
- Mental Health. Studies have proven that people who spend more time outside in nature have better mental health and a more positive outlook on life. Additionally, whilst we are cooped up inside, indoor plants have the same effects on our moods, lifting our spirits.
Tips for productive planning sessions:
- If you’re in a new location, it’s best to spend a year watching the landscape before planning changes. Notice the movements of sun, shade, wind, and moisture.
- Think about what will fit your lifestyle best. Is the lawn too labor intensive? Do I want to grow flowers for cutting? Should I make raised beds this year for my vegetables?
- Create a big vision, your Green Team is here to assist you all along the way.
- Consider building the garden around a focal point. A bench, tree, sculpture, pond, or other dynamic feature can jumpstart a design. Refer to these focal points as ‘hardscaping’.
- Break projects into small, doable tasks. Create a ‘vignette’ with a few plants, a tree and maybe a garden bench. For new gardeners, taking on the entire landscape can be daunting so bite size pieces is best.
- A garden journal is an invaluable gardening tool, and winter months are a great time to start one. Be your own best teacher. Catalog your successes and failures. Invest in region-specific gardening books.
Now is the perfect time of the year for spring planning doing something we love. Plan the work and then work the plan.
