How many of us get to January and think where did last year go? I sure do. December usually goes in a blur as it is our busiest time in the office so January is the month where I take time to pause and reflect.

The Happy Moments

Last year I decided to start a project called ‘What Made Me Happy’. Each month, I shared with you the life moments that made me smile. Some of these were big – I was fortunate to travel a bit. Others small – seeing trees decked out in fluffy woollen pom-poms!

The idea I was trying to capture was that happiness can be found in the ordinary as well as extraordinary. For me I have spent the last two years looking at my life from a different perspective. One where I’m seeing through a lens of gratitude and wonder. Sure – challenging life situations have happened but I have found I’m able to roll with life punches by changing my life lens.

If you’d like to see what made me happy in 2016, then click here.

I also wanted to inspire you to find your own happy moments. I love this Roald Dahl quote – “If you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” Happiness is an important part of having those good thoughts.

Nature’s Beauty

Travel was a huge part of my 2016 adventure. Most was planned, one trip was unexpected. All made me appreciate the beauty that this planet has to offer. Travelling to unknown places can push you out of your comfort zone. I will often try to visit a local botanic garden or a natural place to help with any anxiety.

Cairns is a tropical paradise. I love the vibrant greens and large foliage of tropical plants. I find these plants to be bold and striking. Early one morning, I checked out the Cairns botanic gardens. Because I got there early, I pretty much had the place to myself. I felt like I was wandering through my own private tropical paradise.

Read about my visit to Cairns Botanic Gardens.

Tropical plants was not what only interested me at these gardens. There was a large rainforest space that showcased the area’s native plants and their traditional uses. The rainforest was both supermarket and chemist for the indigenous folk of area. Much of this rainforest has been cleared. So to have this knowledge preserved in a living library is important.

I was also fortunate enough to take a short trip to New Zealand’s south island. Having a cooler climate than where I live the botanic gardens here had plants, flowers and trees than I don’t get to see at home.The bulbs and cherry blossom trees were highlights for me! The mornings were chilly but nothing that a warm jacket and beanie didn’t fix.

Read more about my visit to Christchurch botanic gardens.

The veggie patch here was amazing as well. This lush productive edible space was my dream veggie patch come to life!

Being Inspired By Pollinators

2016 saw me write my first poem. It was springtime and I was watching the pollinators buzzing around doing their thing. They are awesome little creatures – thinking about the amazing job they do inspired me to write this about them.

A Big Thanks To You

We are approaching our 14th year in business. The reason that we are coming close to this milestone is because of you. We appreciate your kind words when you tell us that we are doing a good job and like our products – we also appreciate when you tell us of any issues, this only helps us to improve. We have had customers that have been part of our journey from the beginning and chatting to them on the phone is like talking to a familiar friend.

To all of you, we wish abundance of the good kind in the garden (no one wants an abundance of pesky pests!), consistent rainfall (can only keep hoping on this one) and time to enjoy and potter in your garden.

Now over to you – What were some of your 2016 garden memories? We would love to hear them. Please feel free to share in the comments below.