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| Cutivated Divine |
Okay people, it's spring. I realize we have been teetering back and forth there for a while with the weather, but let's just embrace the idea and get on with it. So while the buds are bursting, the bulbs are blooming, and the beasts are, well let's just say "busy", let us not be ill-prepared for a little spring action ourselves. However you want to define it....rebirth....renewal....shedding some layers.....spring is truly a call for action. It is a time for opportunity to clear away the debris (both literally and metaphorically) that has accumulated over the cold winter season.
If we intentionally wish to create a life by design and one of intention, it's prudent to take a few proactive steps from the get go. Where to start? Make a simple and not too ambitious list of things you would like to do to prepare for spring.
Here's mine:
1. Remove dead poinsettia from back patio (I just couldn't bring myself to compost a thriving beautiful plant back in January....where has the time gone?? Hmmmm.....)
2. Tidy. Sweep and hose down patios.
3. Purge. Donate or trash anything on exterior of house that is broken, unsalvageable or tired (including pillows that are UV fried)
4. Create mini design plan for outside with emphasis on how you envision your life and lifestyle (color palette, design elements such as lanterns, umbrella, decor, etc. check Pinterest boards for inspiration). Make shopping or swapping list of things needed.
5. Cultivate. Weed and cutback plants....make a shopping list of small filler plants for pots and barren spaces. Can you swap plant cuttings with friends....I hang around with garden junkies and this is a common practice. Im thinking more succulents this year since now I am hooked! I will plant an herb garden instead of a vegetable garden this year since I will be traveling this summer. My plant criteria is that they must be water wise.....check Pinterest again for a little inspiration. Make sure to put potting mix and fertilizer (preferably organic) on your shopping list.
6. Relax. It's okay to take the pressure off, I am not going to run out now and buy a bunch of stuff. It's the weekend for heaven's sake, and even with two of us working outside, it's quite ambitious to do it all in a couple days. Besides, we have kids (need I say more). I will keep the shopping lists on my phone on a great app called SPRINGPAD for when I am out running errands or pass by a nursery. I may also want to tweak my list a bit. And a little decorating note: pleeeeeease don't buy lots of little tchotchkes to fill up your space. I guarantee you will be discarding them next year. Less is more. Think larger scale: My rule of thumb is 18", 24", and 30" tall.
By all means, use natural elements to enhance your decor. We are starved for time outside with all of the technology that grabs for our attention. Mother Nature offers lovely gifts of the season....fresh flowers in the spring, seashells in the summer, pods and gourds in the fall, and beautiful branches in the winter. If you don't have access to these items, you can always purchase fresh lemons, limes, and apples in the store.
Setting out with a simple and manageable plan allows us to stay on top of things, accomplish at least some of the goals we set for ourselves, and to truly embrace and celebrate the seasons.
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| Cultivated Divine |
Happy Spring!
Jacquie
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