As warmer weather approaches, it is a great time to consider how you use the outdoor spaces in your life. Whether you rent or own, use public land or private, there are things that you can think about to help make these outdoor spaces work better for you.
Ideally, the landscape you have would match your needs, lifestyle, time and resources.
If you have a small space, like an entry porch or balcony, think about what you like to do in that space and try to reflect that in your design.
Would adding a chair make the area feel more welcoming? A chair would have the dual purpose of something that you could sit on when the weather is nice while also providing a focal point. Having two chairs invites conversation and offers a place to gather.
For spaces that are too small to have a full garden, consider adding a pot or container to your outdoor space. One or more containers can be used to grow or hold different arrangements depending on the season.
In summer, they could hold annuals that support pollinators like sweet alyssum or zinnias. In winter, they could hold evergreen boughs or willow branches. Depending on the sun exposure, your planting container could also be used for growing food like tomatoes, peppers, ground cherries or herbs.
For larger spaces, take an objective look at your landscape and determine what you have the time and energy to accomplish. Perhaps not every garden bed needs to be weeded and mulched perfectly.
Once you decide which areas mean the most to you, you can prioritize those and manage the other areas less intensively. Getting comfortable with the presence of weeds can be a really freeing experience.
Related to this, if you have a large lawn that you spend hours mowing every week, it might be a good opportunity to think about how much you actually use. Areas that are not used for walking, playing sports or other activities can be transitioned to gardens or meadow.
Meadows are just as beautiful and require far less maintenance. They can be mowed one time every one to three years to keep woody plants from establishing. Meadows also provide important habitat for insects and food for pollinators.
Before the growing season gets going, take the opportunity to think about what you really need and want out of your outdoor spaces. Small additions or simplifying your approach just might give you more time to enjoy your time outdoors.
by Bonnie Kirn Donahue, Extension Master Gardener, UVM
Featured photo: Although some homeowners may prefer manicured lawns, others may prefer to turn lawn areas not used for walking, playing sports or other activities into gardens. Photo by Bonnie Kirn Donahue
