As we move into a new year, and hopefully brighter days ahead; one of the most important lessons that we have all learnt over the past months is the importance of nature in our lives. Whether it’s a vegetable garden cutting patch, or even a window box, our connection to the earth has never seemed more important for our mental well being.
At the beginning of lockdown last year, I jokingly said to one of my neighbours that we were all going to be very fat bakers with perfect homes and immaculate gardens! As we spent more time than ever before at home, our personal spaces became ever more important to us, and a source of peace and tranquility in a world filled with uncertainty.
Those of us who love to garden are already well aware of the joy it brings to our lives, not to mention the health benefits. So it’s been wonderful to hear over the last year, that many people are sharing our passion and reaping the rewards, emotionally, physically and aesthetically.
Mine is a flower filled life, and I’ve known for many years that people who have flowers in their homes feel happier and more relaxed. Flowers affect us at an emotional level, and having them in the home gives a boost of energy which lasts throughout the day. Surrounding ourselves with flowers creates a sense of well being, and I believe can have both immediate and long term benefits on our emotions, mood and our overall outlook on life.
A bowl of spring flowers, picked from the garden and hedgerow is a sight to gladden the heart.
One single, perfect bloom is sometimes all’s that’s needed to bring joy into a room.
A vase overflowing with garden roses that need pruning. What could be more beautiful?
Flowers are the perfect morning pick-me up. How lovely is it to wake up to a vase of fragrant blooms on your bedside table?
When the garden gives, go big or go home! High summer bounty making a grand statement.
Little bits of this, and little bits of that. Offcuts of roses, berries and herbs from the garden make the perfect arrangement.
Wild thing, I think I love you.
To quote Claude Monet - “I must have flowers, always, and always”.