The summer solstice is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to get outside as much as possible! Longer days mean more daylight hours for activities out in the sun and appreciating all the beauty nature has to offer. Here are some ways you can enjoy the outdoors and connect with the environment right in your own backyard.
Beautifying the Yard
If you are looking to have a simultaneously beautiful and functional space in your yard, you may consider planting a themed garden. These types of plots allow you to be creative with your gardening and help guide you to choosing which plants you most want to include. From growing your favorite meal ingredients, to supporting wildlife, to curating an amazing group of scents, there is a perfect theme garden out there to fit anyone’s interests.
Similarly, adding new trees to your yard can also be a great way to provide additional comfort and aesthetic appeal to your home. You may pick out and plant a tree that commemorates a special event (such as the first summer in a new home), celebrates a birthday or anniversary, or simply memorializes your family.
After planting new foliage, being consistent with the upkeep of your yard is essential for maintaining healthy and attractive plants. Spending time outdoors watering, weeding, and fertilizing your garden is a great way to keep your yard looking its best while soaking in some sunshine (and perhaps break a sweat from functional exercise!).
Becoming a Garden Artist
Many visual artists draw inspiration from the sights, sounds, and feelings of nature. To get your own creative juices flowing, grab some paper and your favorite sketching or coloring medium and head outside to observe the different types of plants and animals that inhabit your yard. Once you see something that piques your interest, start drawing and even start creating your own garden journal. (Remember: You don’t have to have an artistic background for this one, abstract art is cool too.)
Another way to create foliage-inspired pieces of artwork is by making prints from fresh flowers and leaves. Using a rubber mallet, newspaper, and wax paper, you can create unique designs on paper or fabric by utilizing the natural pigments found in plants gathered right from your yard.
You also opt to enhance the look and feel of your yard by designing customized art pieces for decoration. A few options include painting terra-cotta pots or stones, fashioning a windchime, and creating your own plant markers.
Taking in the Environment
Appreciating nature can be as simple as taking time to observe. Different types of plants in the area may attract a variety of wildlife including birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. Grab a comfy chair and your favorite summer beverage and spend some time watching all the creatures that roam around your yard. To add an extra engaging element, use a notebook to record what you see so you can research and learn more about the critters living around you.
To absorb more Vitamin D and ground yourself with nature, you may also consider taking your reading and writing outside. The feeling of the environment may make you feel more comfortable and better engage your brain, while the natural light can ease screen-strain on your eyes.
After a long day of yard work and time in the sun, a great way to relax is by building a bonfire using discarded twigs and branches, dried weeds, or other yard waste. Following local burn guidelines, get a blaze going, grab a chair, and, of course, make some s’mores!
To help enhance the look and feel of your yard for outdoor activities this summer, stop into our greenhouse for more tips and to gather all the necessary supplies.
_________________________________________________________________________
To see what’s springing up around the greenhouse, sign up for our newsletter.
