I’m just a few more good months shy of turning 40. Life moves at the speed of light! But one thing that I have found which slows it down to a nice pace from time to time is gardening. Hosting a radio show about the very subject is the best thing that’s ever happened for me. This coming from someone who is always on the go and never says no to things. Taking time to observe nature’s beauty really gives one a different perspective on things. Maybe whomever said to “stop and smell the roses” really knew what they were preaching!

I saw a meme recently with three male sportscasters all gasping in disbelief, apparently at some sports thing, and the words read “People over 50 watching their bird feeders”! I thought, “that’s me too!!!” A bird feeder, bird bath, or hummingbird feeder are simple additions to a popular gathering space outdoors that can add to your relaxation value. Investing in a bird identification book or an app is a great source of conversation for the family. Who knew I could impress my 30 something-year-old friends by identifying birds?!

And don’t forget a few potted flowering plants, both large and small, in your outdoor space. Pollinators like bees and butterflies, and even hummingbirds, will be by to check them out.

Everyone loves summer color, so choose annual flowers that can tolerate the heat. Good choices are geraniums, sunpatiens, petunias, Gerber daisies, and purslane. To ensure these plants will thrive well into the fall, make sure to routinely deadhead them. Simply pinch off the expired blooms with your fingers or a pair of scissors, and you’ll be rewarded with continuous blooms.

As for the yard… who on this earth has ever seen a hydrangea and thought to themselves, “what a plain plant.” NO ONE ever! We love our hydrangeas here in the South, and right now is the best showing of three popular types. Mopheads are the globe-shaped blue, sometimes pink flowered ones, that start blooming in late spring. Then there are Panicle hydrangeas, with cone shaped flower heads in bloom now. These flowers last into the fall. Thirdly, Oakleaf hydrangeas do well in wooded spots, and right now, their blooms are changing color. Their leaves are a beautiful display of autumn color in the coming months! Even better news, none of these has to be pruned. What a great staple to add to your landscape.

Gardening doesn’t have to be laborious or dreadful. Many, including myself, get such a sense of pride and satisfaction in the just the simple tasks. Doing a few small things like these this summer to catch the eyes of your family and your guests will bring your enjoyment outdoors to a whole new level. I promise!

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