Sunday Diaries: Creating a Nature Oasis In My Backyard

It's Sunday morning, and somehow we've managed to press pause, allowing us to take in the beauty of this sanctuary we're lovingly and meticulously crafting. Our yard-to-garden transformation journey began early last year about 8 months after we moved in. Spending Sundays working in this space possesses a unique charm that makes the perfect canvas for indulging in gardening as part of my self-care routine; creating a nature oasis right in our backyard. Lots of rewards for all of the hard work being done 🤎

My dream is to turn as much of this space into a garden as possible. We've already made so much progress and I'm thrilled to have some time to show it off! We spent a lot of time out here throughout spring until about mid-summer before the heat waves began.

Why Sundays?

Lots of bumblebees and butterflies. They love the bulbine!

The arrival of Sunday invites us to pause and recalibrate. When I was a little girl it was still a day when the demands of work and obligations took a backseat, allowing us to reclaim our time and prioritize our well-being.

With the promise of a new week on the horizon, Sundays offer a sense of renewal and possibility, making it the ideal day for opportunity to recharge and reset. Whether it's savoring a leisurely breakfast with your family, taking a mindful stroll in nature, or engaging in soothing rituals, Sundays provide a spaciousness that allows us to tune into ourselves.

By dedicating the day to self-care, we set a positive tone for the week ahead, cultivating resilience and inner peace that can carry us through even the busiest of days. Sunday is my reset day.

In early spring we added a new garden bed alongside our walkway to match the larger one next to the garage on the opposite side. So far we've filled it with shasta daisy, bulbine, marigolds, and a small rose bush. 

In early spring I made a promise to take back my outdoor space from the sun-scorched grass that had become hay and all the little insects that prefer sand to sod. And while a yard of grass isn't the goal, a healthy balanced ecosystem that we can enjoy year-round is!

I love flowers but know it takes more than that to create a thriving greenspace that flows rather than fights with the natural space around us. Creating a space that naturally fits with the environment also lessens the amount of time spent fighting against what would otherwise naturally occur - within reason. Currently, my outdoor space is the place I go when I want to get some movement outdoors (not so much lately in this heat!) and take in a view of all the energy we've put in so far.

Somedays I step out there with a mission and others just to pay a visit to all of our plants and little creatures who visit. Bunnies, all kinds of birds and butterflies, hummingbirds, snakes, and little country mice make up some of our visitors. I've also been reading up on creating space for them so we can both enjoy without scaring or disturbing each other!

We have wraparound garden beds that we're filling with herbs, flowers and fruiting plants. 

Last spring we planted most of what we brought with us when we relocated the previous summer. Such a significant change from the previous zone we lived in and quite a few plants didn't survive our first winter here. I’m pretty sure it dropped to the 30s so not surprising! But it's much easier to care for plants when you don't have to create their environment from scratch. One of my favorite tips for cultivating tranquility in this space is to harness the power of plants that thrive effortlessly in this humid subtropical climate.

Another focus is designing cozy nooks and inviting spaces where I can retreat and unwind surrounded by greenery. This is kind of where we're currently paused and probably won't start working on again until fall. I have plans for reading and crafting spaces with garden views.

Nurturing Your Garden, Nurturing Yourself

In a world that is constantly moving, taking the time to step into our garden oasis is a gift we give ourselves as often as possible. Building a garden for self-care is not just about cultivating plants; it's about cultivating a relationship with nature and, most importantly, with ourselves.

So, dear reader, I invite you to carve out a slice of paradise in your own backyard, balcony, or windowsill. Let the earth be your therapist, the plants your companions, and the garden your sanctuary whenever you can. Embrace the beauty of building a garden for self-care and let it bloom into a reflection of your inner peace.

Let it be a testament to the love and care you give to yourself, for in nurturing your garden, you nurture your soul. And please share your pics!

#buildingagardenforselfcare.