Skyline Design UK Premium Quality All Weather Outdoor Furniture

Making the Most of Your Garden During Lockdown

Article by Nick Rinylo

With the majority of the country currently confined to our homes whilst we ride the wave of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re getting creative and finding more and more ways to keep ourselves busy to make the most of this unique situation. And whilst spring has made its appearance and the sun is shining, many of us are also migrating to our gardens to enjoy the warmer weather.

Perhaps you have a big garden with a lawn, a paved roof terrace or a balcony. Whatever is available to you, we can all enjoy our outdoor spaces during lockdown. Nature is amazing for lifting our mood and it’s totally free, so get outside and take it all in. If you are in need of a little inspiration, here’s a few ways that you can make the most of your garden during lockdown…

Green fingers

The best way to get busy in the garden is to try your hand at gardening. If you are a seasoned gardener, you may already be spending your days getting your flower beds preened and perfected. If not however, then now is the time to start cultivating a floral haven. It’s therapeutic, so will do wonders to calm and ease your mind during uncertain times. It’s a surefire way to feel productive and in time, will definitely provide you with ample rewards.

If you’re struggling to get hold of plants, you can buy plenty of different seeds online or perhaps check out your local supermarket’s selection. Make sure you do a little bit of research to see what kind of plants would thrive in your garden. Is it a predominantly shady space, or a sun trap? Pick the perfect plants to save setting yourself up to fail!

Grow some veggies

Now more than ever, we need to be taking good care of those immune systems. That means fueling our bodies with all the right things. Instead of queuing for the supermarket shop each week to stock up on those veggies, you could try your hand at growing them yourself in the comfort of your own home. It doesn’t happen overnight but nothing tastes better than homegrown vegetables. This time of year is great for growing carrots, beetroot, cabbage, leeks, lettuce, onions, spinach, parsnips, radish and turnips.

If you don’t have enough space to grow vegetables, then perhaps try herbs instead. Herbs only need small pots – and if you don’t have any then almost anything similar you have lying around would work, so long as you can put some drainage holes in the bottom. Try plastic cups or wellington boots. Herbs such as chives, rosemary, mint, parsley, coriander, thyme and dill can take as little as a week to grow.

Maximise small spaces

Don’t let a small space defeat you. So long as you can sit outside and catch some rays and breath fresh air, that should be enough to motivate you to make the most of that outdoor area. What do you want from your little space? Somewhere to relax with a book or sunbathe? Somewhere to do your home workouts each morning, or somewhere to eat your meals and enjoy your coffee?

Let that lead the way when designing your space. String up some festoon lights to give it a stylish feel and to create a relaxing atmosphere for the evenings, clear some space for your yoga mat and invest in a small chair and table set, or comfy egg chair to curl up into. Rattan or synthetic rattan is a great choice because it’s low maintenance, versatile and lightweight.

Energise your body

And speaking of home workouts, make your garden a place to go to when you want to be active and get those endorphins pumping. Home workouts are definitely having a moment right now, so there’s a huge amount of content out there to explore. Whether it’s yoga, pilates, weight lifting, circuits, HIIT or dancing, get out there and get moving.

It goes without saying that keeping active is imperative to staying healthy and happy during lockdown. You don’t have to do a lot or for very long, but your mind and body will definitely thank you for it afterwards.

Soothe your mind

After all that moving around, you deserve a sit down. When designing a relaxing space to go to in your garden, the key is to make it just as comfortable as you would be on your sofa. Why take your Sunday afternoon nap indoors when you could get just as comfy outdoors? That’s why garden furniture is always worth the investment.

In these times especially, we all need our own little slice of heaven to recuperate in. Ensure that your garden furniture radiates relaxation. A plush sofa that you can fit the whole family on adorned with cushions and blankets will be your best friend during lockdown. Retreat there in the afternoon when you just need a minute, or bring the whole family outside to complete their school activities or play board games together in the evening.

Eat al fresco

We can’t visit restaurants and cafes right now, so treat yourself to a change of scenery and move the mealtimes outside to really make the most of your garden and the springtime weather. With so much time spent indoors, it can be tricky to make home life feel exciting right now, but something as simple as eating al fresco can breathe a little life into your day.

You don’t need a fancy furniture set to enjoy eating outdoors. Take a blanket outside and set up a picnic, or simply find a spot to sit down and enjoy your morning coffee and cereal. If you have a BBQ, perhaps schedule a weekly BBQ night. Each day might be melting into one right now, so it’s something to make an occasion of, look forward to and will break up what can seem like an endless cycle of days.

This presentation was brought to you by SkyLine Design UK, suppliers of premium quality all-weather outdoor furniture and lighting options.