Issue 28One Garden Thing

Sometimes the hardest part of gardening at this time of year is stepping outside. The thought of weedy borders, overgrown grass, and the sheer scale of tasks ahead can feel overwhelming. But help is at hand.
Forget the to-do list and focus on #onegardenthing that gets you outside, brings a sense of achievement or joy, or simply lets you feel sun, wind, or rain on your face.
Set your timer for 15 minutes and choose one of these ideas to get you outside:
1. Tidy PotsEmpty any tired, straggly pots of last year’s plants. Tip the soil into your compost bin, give the pots a rinse, and leave them to dry. This simple act of cleaning and organising can feel like a mental reset, helping you let go of the old and make space for new growth - both in the garden and in your mind. Physical movement while scrubbing also gets your body gently active, warming you up on a chilly day.
2. Prune RosesFebruary and early March are the perfect times to prune most roses. Take sharp secateurs and remove dead or damaged stems, cutting back to outward-facing buds. Not only will this improve your roses’ health, but the focused task encourages mindfulness. You’ll notice the textures of the stems, the earthy scent of the garden, and the satisfaction of preparing for fresh growth.
3. Plan Your Veg PlotSpend 15 minutes sketching out your vegetable bed for the season. Think about crop rotation, companion planting, and which new varieties you’d like to try. Planning ahead sparks creativity and optimism while offering a sense of control and purpose - great for mental wellbeing during late winter.
4. Feed BirdsRefill bird feeders or scatter seed in the garden. While you’re at it, clean any feeders or birdbaths. Watching the birds flock to your efforts can provide an instant mood boost, reduce stress, and remind you of the interconnectedness of nature. Listening to their cheerful songs is also proven to lift your spirits and reduce anxiety.
5. Snip Winter FlowersTake a wander around your garden with scissors in hand and snip a few stems of hellebores, witch hazel, or early daffodils. Bringing fresh blooms indoors can brighten your day, and walking through your garden awakens your senses to the changing season, improving your connection with nature.
6. Spot Spring’s ArrivalStep outside and look for signs of spring - snowdrops peeking through, buds swelling on branches, or birds singing their territorial songs. This mindful act allows you to slow down, observe the details, and feel gratitude for the renewal that spring promises.
Focus on #onegardenthing in which to lose yourself for 15 minutes - it will do you the world of good!Scottish GardeningNavigationEditor's WelcomeContentsWhat's Gorgeous in the Garden?Quercus Garden PlantsScottish Snowdrop FestivalScotland Grows Show Podcast SnowdropsLenten RoseSeed Sowing SpecialCan You REALLY Grow Tomatoes Outdoors in Scotland?Tomato RecommendationsTomato Grow-a-longWhich Edibles Can You Sow Now?Top 10 Edibles to Grow This YearGrow Cut Flowers from SeedCome and Chat About Plants3 Creative Ways to Start Seeds IndoorsAutism and GrowingThe Turmoil of Seed SowingNTS ROOTSGarden JournallingOne Garden ThingCoastal Garden DesignGrow Your BusinessDiary of a Green RoofScotland's Garden SchemeTop 5 Summer Flowering BulbsLivingston Village Community GardenFeature Your GardenThe Wonder of WeedsScotland Grows Show Podcast JaniceClyneMagical Powers of GarlicScotland Grows websiteThe Indonesian CookScotland Grows SubscriptionGarden Bacteria: Our Hidden Health AllySeawildingJust 3 PlantsJobs AheadGardening Events in ScotlandJordan’s Houseplant IndexHouseplant SwapThe Last WordNext IssueArchives