When the winter weather starts to set in, the days get shorter and there’s a bitter chill in the air, this can signify for many the time to pack away their luxury rattan furniture and stay indoors. But gardens shouldn’t be for just the sunny part of the year. Whilst I can’t sit and work outside in my garden office this time of the year I still try and spend time enjoying my garden and the outdoors as much as possible.
How To Enjoy Your Garden This Winter:
Health Benefits: All the health benefits of being outdoors don’t stop in the winter, we still need to be outside for vitamin D for healthy bones and fresh air. Fresh air for clearing the mind and blowing away the cobwebs should not be underestimated. Spending time outdoors helps to focus our minds, increasing productivity and creativity once we return to our working environment. This is why even in the Winter we still meet for our monthly Netwalking Session. The best part about walking in the winter or even gardening is that we burn more calories in the cold as our bodies work harder to keep warm.
Take Care of Your Garden Furniture: Can you leave your garden furniture outside all year round? If you have rattan furniture it’s probably best to either store it somewhere dry or cover it with a tarpaulin, this way on dry crisp mornings you can still sit outside and enjoy a coffee.
Create Small Spaces: Instead of trying to warm up large areas of the garden, choose smaller pockets and make them intimate. We congregate around the summer house so we can shelter if needed, a couple of throws and a coat plus the roaring fire, and twinkly lights and it feels so snug.
Add Light For Warmth: Candles make a space warm but can be harder to keep lit in the winter, think about investing in warm white stringed lights, not solar powered as well it’s winter. Or get out your Christmas lights a bit earlier and enhance your small intimate space with light and the illusion of warmth.
Hot Beverages: There’s nothing better any time of the year than sitting by the fire, toasting marshmallows for smores, and drinking copious amounts of slow cooker hot chocolate.
Make It Wildlife Friendly: We welcome wildlife any time of the year into our garden, between the pond and our various bird feeders there’s always something to keep your eye on. But nothing quite says winter than a robin redbreast sitting on a tree branch. Introducing wildlife to your garden is really easy, a couple of bird feeders with a mixture of seeds, fat balls, and nuts with soon attract a plethora of birds. Leave an area of the garden a bit wild, with long grass and log piles for insects.
Add A Pop Of Colour: Winter doesn’t have to signify the end of your garden for the year, no way! There are plenty of plants and flowers that thrive in the winter months which can add colour, warmth, and beauty to your garden. Hellebores, heather, cyclamen, and of course snowdrops are all perfect plants for the winter months.
Do you still utilise your garden through the winter months? I’d love to hear your tips and suggestions.
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