Stress-Relieving Tips for Laguna Beach Gardening

I must say, gardening has been one of the most therapeutic and rewarding experiences for me over the years.   There’s something about Laguna Beach gardening – the serene atmosphere, refreshing sea breezes, and the smell of fresh soil that can instantly put you in a relaxed state of mind.  So, without further ado, let’s dive into some of my favorite stress-relieving tips for gardening in this seaside community.

Start Small:

One of the biggest mistakes new gardeners make is biting off more than they can chew.  They get excited about the prospect of having a beautiful garden, so they go out and buy a ton of plants and supplies, only to find that they’re overwhelmed and stressed out.  My advice to you is to start small.  Pick a small area in your yard or even a few potted plants on your balcony.  As you get more comfortable, you can expand your garden.

Get Creative with Planters and Containers:

If you don’t have a lot of space for a garden, don’t worry!  There are plenty of creative ways to incorporate plants into a living space.  You can use hanging baskets, window boxes, or even repurpose old items like tea kettles or wheelbarrows as planters.  Not only will this add some greenery to your home, but it’s also a great way to express your creativity.

Choose Low-Maintenance Plants:

When choosing plants for your garden, it’s important to choose plants that are low-maintenance.  This will save you time and stress in the long run.  Some great low-maintenance plants for Laguna Beach include succulents, lavender, jasmine, and rosemary.  These plants require very little water and care, and they also have a lovely scent that can instantly relax you.

Create an Area for a Butterfly Garden:

Another fun project that can help reduce stress is creating a butterfly garden.  Butterflies are not only beautiful to look at, but they also play an important role in pollinating plants.  To create a butterfly garden, start by selecting plants that are known to attract butterflies, such as milkweed, coneflowers, and butterfly bush.  Add a few large rocks or boulders to the area to provide a spot for the butterflies to rest and bask in the sun.

Plant a Vegetable/Herb Garden:

Another great project that can help reduce stress is creating a vegetable garden.  Not only is gardening a great stress reliever but growing your own vegetables can also provide you with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.  In Laguna Beach, we are lucky enough to have a year-round growing season, which means you can grow a wide variety of vegetables.  Some of my favorites to grow include tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini.  In addition to growing your own vegetables, incorporating edible plants into your garden can also be a fun and practical project.  Herbs like mint, basil, and thyme are easy to grow and can be used in a wide variety of dishes.

Make a Zen Garden:

A Zen garden is a perfect addition to any garden, especially if you’re looking for a way to relieve stress.  These gardens are designed to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere, and they’re easy to create.  All you need is some sand, rocks, and a small rake.  You can even add some miniature plants or a small statue for added ambiance.

To create a Zen garden, start by finding a small area in your garden that you can dedicate to this project.  Then, add a layer of sand or fine gravel to the area.  Next, place a few large rocks or boulders on the sand.  Finally, use a small rake to create patterns in the sand around the rocks.  The simple act of raking the sand can be incredibly calming and meditative.

Create a Relaxing Seating Area in your Laguna Beach Garden:

What’s the point of having a beautiful garden if you can’t enjoy it?  Creating a seating area is a great way to relax and unwind while enjoying the fruits of your labor.  You can create a small patio area with a few chairs and a table, or even a hammock for the ultimate relaxation experience. One of the best things about a Laguna Beach garden is that you can enjoy it all year – take advantage of our amazing weather and expand your living area outdoors.

Incorporate Water Features:

Water features are another great addition to any garden.  The sound of running water can be incredibly relaxing and can help drown out any noise from the outside world.  You can create a small pond or fountain, or even add a simple bird bath to attract some feathered friends to your garden.

The Joys of Garden Therapy are abundant.  Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment and let any stress of the day melt away.  If you dream of having your own (or a more inspiring) coastal garden to escape to, call me.  I’d love to take you on a tour of homes with lovely gardens so you create your own private paradise.  You can find me here!

Till Next Time,

Cynthia Ayers

Laguna Coast Living By Cynthia Ayers

Note: This is the second blog in a series of Gardening Laguna-style blogs that I will be posting this month.  Keep an eye out for the rest of the series (linked below):

“Sun, Surf & Soil: The Joy of Gardening in Laguna Beach”

“Happy Hour in the Garden: Cocktail Recipes for Your Laguna Beach Gathering”

The Laguna Beach Garden Party: Tips for Entertaining in your outdoor oasis