Issue 24One Garden Thing

Forget the to-do list and focus on #onegardenthing that gets you outside, and maybe gives you a sense of achievement, or a sense of joy, or just allows you to feel sun, wind, or rain on your face - focussing on one thing may just be enough for today.
So set your watch or phone for 15 minutes and choose one thing to get you outside.
SmellOn a walk around the garden, take time to rub the leaves of scented foliage between your fingers, or stop to literally smell the roses. Fragrances can evoke memories and lift our mood so 15 minutes enveloping your senses in scent can do wonders to bring some mental calm to your day.
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JournalStart a garden journal and regularly note down observations and ideas from your garden. Add in reminders for things you might like to plant or redesign at a later date. Fill it with scribbles, sketches, and flowery thoughts over a 15 minute period as your journal builds into a treasure trove of garden moments.
TouchSome plants make us want to reach over and touch them. Tactile lamb’s ears, Stachys byzantina, with its irresistibly fluffy foliage, is one such plant. Easy to grow and drought-resistant, it can be planted in a pot which can sit on your patio table or near the back door, within easy reach of a velvet leaved stroke on a break from a busy day.
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ListenAmerican researchers have discovered that hearing birdsong makes us feel better, even if we are only experiencing short bursts. Go outside and for a quarter of an hour close your eyes, open your ears, and listen to the sound of nature’s songbirds.
BrewChamomile has been used for centuries to help with sleep and relaxation and making your own brew is a wonderful way to spend a quarter of an hour. If you grow Chamomile nobile, simply snip off the flowers with as short a stem as possible, pop around four tablespoons of flowers into a jug, and pour over 200ml of boiling water. Leave to steep for five minutes, then strain into your cup, find a spot in the garden, relax, and enjoy!
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Focus on #onegardenthing to lose yourself in for 15 minutes - it will do you the world of good!Scotland Grows Issue 24NavigationContentsEditor's WelcomeScone Palace Garden Fair Show Guide 2024Welcome to Scone Place Garden Fair 2024What You Need to KnowScone Palace Garden Fair Demonstration ProgrammeWhat's On at Scone Palace Garden FairScone Palace Garden Fair Friday Speakers ProgrammeScone Palace Garden Fair Saturday Speakers ProgrammeSeed Swapping FrenzyExhibitors 2024Insta Meet-upCreate a Pond in a PotGrow Your Business with Scotland GrowsScottish Garden Design Competition FinalistsFor the Love of PotsScotland Grows ShowAdventure Awaits in a NTS GardenNational Trust for Scotland - ROOTSMeconopsis Growers Thrive TogetherScone Palace Garden Fair TicketsGardening NewsWhat's Gorgeous in the Garden?Sensational SalviasReduce, Reuse, and RecycleScotland Grows website 23Natural Pest ControlRabbit Resistant PlantsSummer Party FlowersScotland Grows SubscriptionFruit Kvass – the Taste of SummerBee GratefulStay Safe in the SunPlant Collections at NTSCome and Chat About Plants 23Scottish Rock Garden ClubFeature Your GardenTulip Reflowering TipsBotanical Art for AllTop Tips from the PodcastA Garden From Scratch – the Next Step7 Deadly Plant SinsDry Soil DelightsMitigating Wildfire RisksScotland Grows Testimonial 1Pepper Plants Fly the NestCut and Come Again SaladsThe Indonesian CookMarvellous Mint5 Houseplants for the KitchenClayton's BookArch Healthy Living GardenOne Garden ThingWhat's On In ScotlandGarden Jobs AheadNext Issue advertThe Last WordArchives