Spring! How Gardening Can Be Relaxing

​First, these are stressful times in our world. Stone Soup encourages our readers to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety, as we are doing within the company. Please utilize information put in place by medical professionals and the CDC. We care about the community and support the self-quarantine procedures; however, in times of great change we need community and support. Stay connected to your loved ones in safe ways, such as phone calls, video calls, emails, etc.
 
All of the surrounding fear just emphasizes a greater need for destressing activities…like gardening! Spring is here! Spending time in nature is a great way to relax. The sunshine is out and it’s time to start thinking about our yards. It’s still a little cold at night to be planting seeds, but this is a great time to start thinking about what’s needed in the coming weeks. What are some ways that you can play in your backyard? Stone Soup is excited for seasonal changes and would like to pose some questions to consider in the coming weeks.
 
-How did your current plants fair over winter? Do they have buds forming?
-It’s still early and some plants may not be fully awake. A great way to check if a plant is still alive, would be to lightly scratch the bark with your fingernail. If you see green under the first layer, the plant is ALIVE and still sleeping. Be patient. Just like people, not all plants are ‘morning’ early risers. 
 -Is there standing water anywhere in the yard?
-Is there any moss or mold forming in unwanted places? Ie. Gardening sheds
-Are there areas that need fresh compost?
-Do you have any potted plants that need to be repositioned away from their safe zones?
-Do you have a greenhouse that can be stored away?
-Don’t forget that in the coming dry months, some plants will need watering. Do you need a watering can, new hose or drip irrigation?
-Are there bare spaces in your yard that can be filled with new native plants? Even small places  can be filled with native groundcovers.
-The birds, bees and pollinators are waking up. Consider putting out food for these creatures until more flowering plants open up.
-Remember that some ‘weeds’ are helpful for the soil, such as clover and dandelions.
 
Enjoy this planning time. Think about what goals you want for your yard. Have some fun during this process! Start a wish list, to-do list, dream web, doodles, whatever your process is, get creative. Interacting with nature shouldn’t feel like a chore. It’s an exciting way to care for something beautiful. 

---