Why You Should Spend More Time in Your Garden this Summer

With longer days and warmer weather ahead, summer is the ideal time to enjoy your garden. Outdoor spaces, whether small or large, offer a peaceful escape from daily routines. Spending time outside can help reduce stress, lift your mood, and bring moments of calm. Whether relaxing alone or entertaining friends, gardens provide an easy way to support wellbeing and reconnect with nature.

The Wellbeing Benefits of Time Spent Outdoors

Spending time outside has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote a general sense of calm. Simply being around nature helps the brain switch into a more relaxed state, which can ease anxiety and boost overall mood. The presence of greenery and natural surroundings provides a break from the overstimulation of modern life, offering space to reflect and recharge.

Exposure to natural sunlight also plays a key role in regulating mood. Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to happiness and emotional stability. It also helps manage the body’s sleep-wake cycle by influencing cortisol levels, which can lead to better rest and more energy throughout the day.

In addition to mental health benefits, time outdoors often leads to more movement, whether it’s tending to plants, walking barefoot on the grass, or simply stretching out on a deck chair. These low-effort physical activities promote flexibility, circulation, and vitamin D absorption, all contributing to improved overall wellbeing.

Gardens as Social Spaces

A garden can be much more than a private retreat—it can also serve as a place to connect with others. The relaxed atmosphere of an outdoor space encourages informal gatherings, from sunny brunches to evening BBQs. Whether it’s chatting over a drink or enjoying a shared meal, these moments of connection can have a meaningful impact on emotional health.

Socialising in a garden feels more relaxed and natural compared to indoor environments. The open air, sounds of birds, and rustle of leaves all create a laid-back setting that fosters genuine conversation. In a time when digital interaction often replaces face-to-face connection, the garden offers a welcome return to real-life interaction with friends and family.

Creating a Garden You Want to Spend Time In

To truly benefit from time spent outdoors, the garden needs to feel like an extension of the home—comfortable, inviting, and suited to your lifestyle. Thoughtful design and a few small additions can completely transform how the space is used and enjoyed.

  • Comfortable Garden Furniture

Investing in good-quality garden furniture can dramatically improve your outdoor experience. A shaded lounge chair, cushioned bench, or hammock can turn even the smallest patio into a peaceful retreat. Consider arranging seating in ways that promote relaxation or conversation, depending on how you intend to use the space. A small table for drinks or books can also make a big difference in usability.

  • Inviting Lighting for Longer Evenings

As the sun sets, the right lighting can help maintain the atmosphere and make the space feel magical well into the night. Whether it’s string lights overhead, lanterns on tables, or solar-powered path lights, outdoor lighting extends the usability of your garden and enhances safety. Exploring different outdoor lighting ideas can also help you create a space that’s both functional and visually appealing.

Consider layering different types of lighting for maximum effect—combine ambient lighting with task and accent lighting to suit various activities. Uplighting trees or highlighting architectural features can create a dramatic effect, while softer lighting around seating areas helps promote a cosy, intimate atmosphere.

  • Adding Life with Plants & Colour

Bringing a variety of plants into your garden not only adds beauty but also improves the overall sensory experience. Fragrant herbs, colourful blooms, and leafy textures create an environment that feels both soothing and stimulating. Flowering plants in pots, hanging baskets, or borders can quickly transform a dull area into a vibrant focal point.

Consider including plants that bloom at different times to keep the space looking lively throughout the season. The presence of pollinator-friendly flowers can also attract bees and butterflies, adding to the sense of natural harmony.

  • Personal Touches and Features

Adding elements that reflect your personality can make the space feel more welcoming and unique. This could include decorative cushions, a water feature, wind chimes, or even a small sculpture. Personal touches help create a space that you feel emotionally connected to—a place you’ll naturally want to spend more time in.
To truly benefit from time spent outdoors, the garden needs to feel like an extension of the home—comfortable, inviting, and suited to your lifestyle. Thoughtful design and a few small additions can completely transform how the space is used and enjoyed.

Image by Laone Marques from Pixabay

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