A UK homeowner talks about how her garden makeover helped his family during COVID19

People who have access to a personal garden or green space have experienced improved health and mental wellbeing.

Experts from Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University discovered that people who have proximity to a garden or a nearby park are much more likely to experience comfort, tranquillity, and motivation than those who do have no access to a garden or who live far off from a green area.

Lilian Richards, a homeowner from Birmingham, revealed that gardening makeovers and plant cultivation have helped curtail the negative effects of social distancing, which include anger, loneliness, worry, anger, sadness and melancholy. She further stated that home gardening was a very interesting activity, and her family felt the satisfaction of tending flowers and watching plants grow encouraged a sense of calmness.

“It also contributes to our sound mental health and boosts a feeling of satisfaction,” she added.

I inquired from Lilian how she found time to do a makeover and groom her garden. She replied, “Throughout this pandemic period, my garden has received plenty of care. My afternoons have been free for trimming, hedging, and deadheading now that I have less time to travel and socialize.”

Lilian added that she sought plants that radiated tranquillity. She purchased exotic plants and wildflowers in colours like white and pastel blue.

Here’s how a garden makeover positively impacted Lilian and her family during COVID 19 pandemic:

Reduce the intensity of colours

“Colours that are too bright do not promote serenity. “Hot colours like reds, oranges, and yellow arouse passion,” added Lilian, who suggests focusing on the opposite end of the colour wheel for calmness and harmony.

Avoid wide-open spaces

“I created a feeling of exploration and perspective when my deck was partially screened,’ Lilian explained. Her favourite type of path is the route through the natural scenery. She used plantings like bush sage to add structure to her outdoor space while using greenery to soften rough edges like staircases, fencing and sheds.

Leafy plants are highly important.

“Spending time in a seat next to leafy plants makes me feel safe,” said Lilian. Wiry decorative flowers can both protect you and twirl gracefully in the breeze. Lilian explained, “The dynamic character of plants can generate a shimmering cloud that is delightful to behold.” Lilian added that her family enjoyed the sound of clustered leaves being moved by the breeze. “Like a fountain, the subtle rustle brings pleasant noises to the garden.”

Flooring

Lilian, who uses pebbles on her pathway and deck, said: “I adore the textured character that pebbles give, it’s a gentler approach to hardscaping. The greenery weaves inside and because of the open, natural edges. The peaceful sensation is enhanced by the soft crunch beneath your feet.”

Need a decking solution you can work with? Lilian recommends composite decking boards from Ultra Decking. According to her, the flexibility of composite decking allowed her to achieve elegance, peace, cleanness, equilibrium, and calm in her outdoor space.

Also, outdoor carpets with pointy knots can provide the impression of being on the ground. Lilian believes there is no reason to be concerned about the carpet’s size. “Choose a table and chair set up and allow [the rug] slide in front of them, not under their legs.”

Fountains

Lilian stated, “Nothing offers a good sense of tranquility than the flow of water”. She sought a water feature that complemented her property’s style. She finally installed a fountain that is basic enough to echo the simplicity of her home’s décor.

Choose furniture that is made from natural materials.

Cold metals and synthetic furniture materials should be avoided. Bamboo, timber, and cane can help to emphasize the peaceful garden’s natural character. Lilian used open-weave materials like wicker to balance out the stiffness of decking and pebbles. She added that woven furniture creates a “psychic link to the creator. It has a personality.”

How to Begin a Gardening Self-Care Routine

According to Lilian, you stand to gain a lot from gardening regardless of where you reside or how much outdoor space you possess, or even if you have no outdoor garden of your own. “Taking care of indoor plants or outdoor gardening has mental health benefits. The objective is to calm down, unplug yourself from electronics, and devote all of your attention to the matter at hand,” she explains.

Lilian offers two clever tips to get started:

Begin with something you enjoy. If you’re unsure what to cultivate, Lilian suggests starting with the things you enjoy eating. It will make you extra eager to care for your plants, she claims. “It will also make the final product more satisfying.”

According to Lilian, try turnips, herbs, onions, mint, oregano, cabbage, snow peapod, or eggplant if you wish to begin with something simple.Make sure you’re working with good soil. “The key to effective gardening is good, hygienic, and nutritionally rich soil,” adds Lilian. Different soils support varying species of plants. Learn about the soil you will be utilizing. Some plants thrive in arid soils, while others want constant moisture. When choosing an outdoor location for your garden, don’t forget about permeability and sunlight exposure.