Life is not always a bed of roses. When I experience challenging situations that life throws at me, I find that my garden provides me with a place where I can escape for a little bit. Nature will always comfort me in times where I feel a bit ordinary. I saw this quote and it resonated with me.

‘Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure and delight. A home, a teacher, a companion.’ Lorraine Anderson.

Watching nature work her magic in my garden has given me the bigger picture perspective on my situation. Watching the lobelias flower, garlic sprout and snowpea seedlings pop up and say hello have provided me with moments of solace the past week.

Garden scents also lifted my mood. I adore rubbing pineapple sage or mint leaves between my fingers and having a sniff. The scent of Pineapple Sage leaves are tropical to me and remind me of warmer weather. Mint has that refreshing, well minty scent that revives me.

Having a garden that needs to be looked after can also get you moving for the day. When you are feeling down some days you don’t feel like doing much. But having kids and a business to run means that I need to get moving – I take that action step of watering some pots or pulling up a few weeds. Being outside means I get to take a deep breath of fresh air and it is enough to invigorate me to get on with my day.

I have also seen your gardens be a source of solace to you. Veronica posted on our FB page a photo of gorgeous deep coloured roses in her garden. Her husband had looked after the garden and roses. It was the one year anniversary of his passing. These roses were blooming beautifully and for her a tribute to her husband.

This week’s post is not a long one – but one to say thanks garden for providing me with moments of solace when times are challenging.

How about you – How has your garden cheered you up? Please feel free to let us know in the comments below.