While our global infrastructure and economies are laid low by the catastrophe of COVID-19, nature remains unaffected, even flourishing thanks to decreased pollution. If you’re fortunate to have a garden, self-isolation offers the perfect opportunity to get out, enjoy it, and have it looking better than ever. The physical exercise and mental health benefits of spending time in the garden are well documented, being around plants lowers stress levels, fear and anger – all emotions we are dealing with at this time. Here’s the chance to really tidy up, get creative, try some make-do-and-mend, divide plants as they come into growth, and propagate your own stock. All this and a satisfying green-gym workout too. Let us know how you get on and do share any of your own creative ideas. Do remember to use the same strict hygiene practices as inside, including thoroughly washing hands.
TAKE A STROLL
Aim to get outside in your garden at least once a day, wander and breathe in the sights and sounds all around you. Time outside in the fresh air is a positive and soothing pursuit. With less traffic the birdsong will be clearer, bees will be humming and you’ll have time to admire the beauty of the plants and observe insects as they go about their daily lives. You will save money on replacing plants, fertilizing and watering if you use the mantra “right plant, right place.” Instead of fighting the situation, go with the flow. Here’s your chance to closely observe your conditions at different times of the day – sun, shade, and wind. Assess the soil and the amount of natural moisture.
WEED, PLANT AND SOW
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Esta historia es de la edición May 2020 de Sussex Life.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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TAKE YOUR TIME
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ON THE FRONT FOOT
The rugby legend took the reins at Sussex County Cricket Club in 2017, rekindling his love for a sport that first won his heart on the village cricket fields of North Yorkshire
NAKED AMBITION
In the 1980s, Christine and Jennifer Binnie partied with Boy George and Marilyn and bared all as performance art collective The Neo-Naturists. Now they are working together to gain the recognition they feel they deserve
ROCKET MAN
Astronaut Tim Peake has come a long way since growing up in Westbourne and attending Chichester High School for Boys: 248 miles above Earth, to be precise. But, he says, life on the International Space Station has a lot in common with family caravanning holidays
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Lewes’ most famous resident Thomas Paine may be the greatest propagandist who ever lived. But how did a humble customs and excise officer ignite the touchpaper for revolution in not one but two countries?
THE DIARY
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All in a day's work
Meet Tim Dummer, who has helped keep Midhurst’s Cowdray Estate shipshape for an impressive five decades
My favourite Sussex
Bruce Fogle is an author and a vet with a practice in London who has lived in West Sussex with his wife, the actress Julia Foster, since 1989. He recently became president of RSPCA Mount Noddy near Chichester
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Brighton is often rated one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the UK. What these restaurants prove is that plant-based food doesn’t have to be puritanical – at all of these places you’ll find big flavours and a desire to push the envelope