Creating My Midlife Garden Sanctuary
One tiny step at a time
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Dear Friend
How are you today?
I’m bursting with joy, as the sunshine has arrived, and with it, visions of relaxing amidst the fragrant blooms of my soon to be new urban garden oasis. But there is a slight problem… I’m not a small garden expect.
So for those of you, like me, with sans green fingers, the idea of coaxing flowers into vibrant life can feel daunting, especially when working with a small urban plot. I’m sat here manifesting a low-maintenance, kaleidoscopic wonderland that bursts with colour and serenity all season long. Well, I mean for as long as the Welsh sunshine graces my garden, which could be just a few days. Positive mental attitude Tanya, gardens are fun all year round, whatever the weather, right?!
Today, I’m filled with both excitement and slight trepidation over where to start planning my garden. Do you have advice for me? I know my dear friend and fellow Substacker
is a genius at gardening tips and advice. I love how she describes nurturing her seed babies in her luscious London oasis.At the moment I do not own a green lush garden oasis, however, my tiny patch of earth holds so much potential, to one day become my own vibrant, tranquil zen den amidst the buzzing city of Cardiff.
So do I start by mapping out designated garden zones? A sunny flower bed for bursting blooms, a shaded sanctuary with luxurious foliage? Or should I first decide on the cosy lounging area, where I intend to while away warm evenings journaling and sipping on iced tea? I imagine a swing chair or a hammock cradling me in nature’s embrace, how lush would that be?! Then again, I have to be realistic that the weather might cut short my daydreaming hours in the garden. I guess my garden has to be very versatile.
Decisions, decisions, what about lighting? Which I think is a key element to extend the gardens’s evening magic. But which brand should I review? Which product has the most twinkle worthy strands of fairy lights? Perhaps I should incorporate the lights along the perimeter, allowing for warm ambience that’s inviting for both myself and my neighbours to look out over as the sun sets.
Then there is the potential for an alfresco dining nook. Just a tiny bistro set somewhere that would allow me to savour summer meals with friends. Any garden dining products you could recommend?
In all seriousness, as someone who’s spent most of her life hanging out by the coast and not amidst the concrete jungle of towns and cities, this notion of sculpting my own personal Garden of Eden is wildly exciting, yet admittedly overwhelming. So I’m going to get back work, I’ve back to back zoom meetings today and maybe I’ll take some time out to scroll through Pinterest when it’s lunchtime, for small garden inspiration.
I simply need the courage to dreamily map out my mini garden, commit to a budget, then plant and go. Please comment with any top tips and advice on how I can create my very own patch of paradise with enough room for reading, writing and relaxing.
Until the next time
Take care and stay safe xx
What’s On 'with ease'
“Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat” with ease & Emma Gannon - only 1 bedroom left available. 16th-18th November 2024
“Rage on a Page” - next series now open for bookings, I’m looking to work with 4 women and there are 2 spaces left available. June 2024
“Doing Hard Things” with ease & Stacey Heale - SOLD OUT. There is a waiting list for the next retreat, date tbc.
About me… I’m Tanya Lynch, a mother, a ridgeback owner and the founder of Ease Retreats. I love what I do, collaborating with authors and creatives, hosting retreats in beautiful venues across the UK. I’m also a therapeutic journaling coach and through my program Rage on a Page, I help midlife women channel their emotions into something more positive and creative in less than 60 days. Each Thursday I host an online journaling club called Journal with Ease and it’s free for paid subscribers to attend. If you have any questions about the benefits of therapeutic journaling, please reach out and connect. I’m usually on a beach walking the dogs, hosting retreats or hanging out here on Substack.
I always encourage clients to start with how they want their garden to make them feel. And what they need in it to make them feel that, relaxation space, sensory plants etc. Then we create a step by step plan so it doesn’t feel overwhelming! Enjoy it 🌱😍
Kind words, but I am just an enthusiastic beginner!!