The evolving situation with COVID-19 has meant that most people in the UK are now spending a lot of time at home during the lockdown.
Gardening is a therapeutic activity that can help keep the body active whilst relaxing the mind. You can use this time to create an outside space to enjoy, with stunning garden plants, garden structures, picnics on the lawn and so much more. Emerald Plants have put together a list of ways to enjoy your garden during the lockdown so you can make the most of this momentary pause in time.
Growing Vegetables
If you have always fancied growing vegetables but haven’t had the time, why not give it a go? You can grow vegetables in any sunny area of the garden, and you can recycle unused items to make perfect pots to plant your veg in. Old buckets, watering cans, wheelbarrows or even sinks can be used. You can start seeds in seed pots in a greenhouse or on your windowsill and these can be transferred outside as the weather warms up. You can also plant them directly into the ground where you can create a vegetable patch ready for your very own crop.
Pruning
Deciduous shrubs will need pruning to keep them in shape and most shrubs need some form of pruning to keep them healthy. If you want to bring life back to old shrubs you can cut out dead or diseased stems. Healthy, pruned shrubs and trees will make the garden look well kept.
Weeding
Possibly not everyone’s favourite gardening job but one that is extremely rewarding when it is done. Make sure you pull weeds by the roots to help stop them returning. If you find weeding hurts your back, try doing a small amount of weeding each day. Regular weeding will allow your plants to grow healthily and will keep your garden looking tidy and maintained.
Birdwatch
Now the pace of life has slowed down slightly you can spend time appreciating the birds that might have started to visit your garden to forage for food and nest-building materials. Common types of birds that you might spot include house sparrow, starling, blackbird, wood pigeon and robin. To encourage birds to visit your garden try leaving out food and providing a water source such as a birdbath or access to a pond. Birds also like a shelter in thick bushes or a birdhouse.
Picnic on the Lawn
Travelling to local beauty spots for a picnic is off the agenda right now, however, what better way to enjoy your hard work in the garden than to have a picnic? Make sure the lawn is mowed to a suitable length and lay out a blanket to sit comfortably. Pour yourself a cup of tea (or glass of Prosecco) and take a deep breath of fresh air. It might not be the same as a day out at the beach but least you know the local facilities are top-notch!
Being in lockdown is tough for everyone, but by spending some time out in the fresh air tending to the garden it will break up the day and make things feel more manageable.