So, let’s say you’ve moved into a new house – or you’ve been in your current one a while but focused on other things. One morning you look out into your garden and your heart sinks. You have up to now considered it low-priority. But look at it! It’s a mess, and it’s gone beyond the point where you can ignore it.
Working on your house is one thing. You can do it at your leisure, to some extent. It’s indoors; it’s warm. If you want to take a break, you can sit down as long as you make sure the paint tray isn’t directly underneath you. It may not be your favorite thing to do, but the work isn’t going to make you scream. In the garden? Well, if it’s been neglected for awhile, possibly a whole winter, who knows what lies in wait?
All of us have to psyche ourselves up to get out there and work in the garden. It can be pretty stressful. When you look out that window, you need to keep in mind that once it’s done it will look great. That, and you need to find ways to feel less stressed about the idea of getting out there.
Break It Into Stages
Stage One is simple enough. When a garden has overgrown, the first thing it needs is clearing. Get some shears, hedge trimmers and any heavy-duty machinery you may need. Hit it hard, and invest in some extra-large garden waste bags. You may need a few trips to the tip.
Stage Two is hardly more complicated. With the worst of it cleared, you need to get it looking tidy. The grass will almost certainly need mowing. A look at Lawn Mower Lane or similar will allow you to find a mower that will do the job without risking your back. The best mower will allow you to collect and mulch mown grass, which you can use in…
Stage Three, where you prepare the soil for planting. You don’t have to plant anything if you don’t fancy the maintenance, but it can look beautiful and be highly useful.
Stage Four, the finishing touches, is a breeze compared to what has gone before. Plant seeds or seedlings and give them as much sun, water, and fertilizer as they need. Before too long, you’ll have a thriving, functioning garden. Or if you can’t face the maintenance involved, lay down some gravel borders or some ornamental outdoor furniture.
Once you’ve got through those stages, it really is just a matter of getting out there and maintaining it every week or so. This doesn’t need to take more than about an hour at a time. Prune what needs pruning, sweep up anything that has been dislodged by weather or feet. And if you’re reluctant to do this, remember the feeling of looking out and seeing it in a shocking state.
Gardening is a popular way of relaxing for many people, including those who initially looked on it as a thankless chore. For the work you put in, you can end up with something beautiful to look at. You can grow things that are useful and delicious. At least as importantly as that, you can give yourself a peaceful spot to go to when you’re feeling stressed.