Nature is a balm to both the mind and body – reducing blood pressure, and alleviating anxiety and stress. It was even the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week because of its “unique ability to not only bring consolation in times of stress, but also increase our creativity, empathy and a sense of wonder”.
By making the most of your outdoor spaces, you can bring nature closer to home! Here we share nine low-maintenance and wildlife-friendly ways to keep your fences, doorsteps, and gardens colourful and thriving through autumn and winter.
Planting bulbs on top of another in a ‘lasagne’ means they pop up one after the other, bringing colour from late winter through to spring. One option is:
Illustration by Becky Johnston
Planting shrubs and bushes in pots is a flexible way to bring plant life to you. Why not try:
Bring your walls to life with these winter bloomers. You could consider:
Plants are not the only way to add colour to your winter garden. What could be more colourful than a goldfinch spreading its butter-yellow wings? Or a robin flashing its iconic red breast?
One way to attract birds to your garden is to provide water. Birds need water both for drinking and for cleaning their feathers, so by putting out a birdbath you will soon attract them to your garden. Make sure it’s high up and in the open – the birds will feel safe, and you’ll also get a great view.
Fences are a blank slate for welcoming winter colour. We suggest:
Another way to attract birds to your garden is to put out food. In the winter there are often fewer natural food sources available, and birds need the extra calories to stay warm. A squirrel-buster feeder will deter most bushy-tailed visitors, while using ‘no mess sunflower seed’ means you won’t have to tidy up afterwards.
For more ideas on how to make your garden burst with colour, visit rspb.org.uk/yourdoorstep for inspiration, practical advice, and ‘mini-makeover’ videos.
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