Category Archives: Nature

Inclusive Gardening 101: Designing a Sensory Garden for All Abilities

Creating a wheelchair-accessible sensory garden is a wonderful way to provide an inclusive and engaging outdoor space for people of all abilities. By incorporating a variety of plants, textures, scents, and sounds, a sensory garden can stimulate the senses and promote relaxation, mindfulness, and well-being.

A sensory garden with a variety of plants, seating area, brick paved, and several raised beds.
Sensory Garden by peter robinson is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

To ensure that the garden is accessible to wheelchair users, it is important to consider the layout, pathways, and surfaces. Wide, smooth paths with gentle slopes and non-slip surfaces can make it easy for people to navigate the garden independently. Raised garden beds and containers can also be used to provide opportunities for wheelchair users to participate in gardening activities.

In addition to being a beautiful and therapeutic space, a wheelchair-accessible sensory garden can also serve as an educational tool for children and adults alike. By learning about the different plants and their sensory properties, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the benefits it provides.

Overall, creating a wheelchair-accessible sensory garden is a meaningful and rewarding project that can bring joy and enrichment to many people’s lives.

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“Safe Plants for a Sensory Garden”

A sensory garden is a wonderful way to engage all of your senses and create a peaceful and relaxing environment. However, it is important to choose plants that are safe for everyone, especially children and pets. Here are some suggestions for safe plants that you can use in your sensory garden:

  1. Lavender – This fragrant herb is known for its calming properties and is safe for both humans and pets.
  2. Sunflowers – These bright and cheerful flowers are safe for everyone and can add a pop of color to your garden.
  3. Mint – This refreshing herb is safe for humans and pets and can be used to make tea or added to recipes.
  4. Marigolds – These colorful flowers are safe for everyone and can help repel pests from your garden.
  5. Lemon balm – This citrus-scented herb is safe for humans and pets and can be used to make tea or added to recipes.

By incorporating these safe plants into your sensory garden, you can create a beautiful and enjoyable space for everyone to enjoy.

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Cats or Dogs?

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There’s an age-old debate that shows no signs of slowing down: cats versus dogs. On one hand, you’ve got your feline overlords, known for their aloof demeanor and razor-sharp claws. On the other is man’s best friend, the canine cohort who’s always ready to play fetch and slobber all over your face. Sure, cats may be content to lounge around the house all day while dogs beg for attention at every turn, but let’s not forget that cats can also be fiercely independent and endlessly entertaining with their playful antics. And while dogs may be more easygoing and affectionate than their purring counterparts, they’ll never quite match the regal charm of a cat lounging on a windowsill or batting at a piece of string with deadly accuracy. Whether you’re Team Cat or Team Dog (or maybe even both), there’s no denying that our furry friends bring joy and companionship into our lives in unique ways.

Myself, I love animals in general, but I am on the dogs side in this one.

Photo by Willow Story on Pexels.com

Reduce childhood risk of peanut allergies!

I am thrilled to share with you the latest research on how we can reduce childhood risk of peanut allergies! Early introduction of peanuts before six months can actually decrease a child’s likelihood of developing an allergy. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that infants who consumed peanuts as early as four to 11 months old had an 77% reduction in their risk of developing a peanut allergy later in life. This is fantastic news for parents who want to keep their children healthy and safe from allergic reactions. It’s important to work with your pediatrician and ensure safe and proper introductions, but this discovery could potentially change the lives of millions of kids around the world, allowing them to enjoy peanut products without worry or danger. I can’t wait to see where these findings lead us in reducing food allergies for future generations!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-64987074

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March, In The Garden

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In March, there’s lots to be done in the garden. As spring begins to take hold, it’s time to start preparing your soil for planting by turning it over and adding organic material like compost or manure. Prune any shrubs or trees that need shaping or have dead wood from the winter, but don’t prune anything that blooms in the spring as this will remove the buds. Remove any leftover leaves and debris from autumn to help reduce fungal disease and pest issues. If you’re planning on sowing seeds directly into your garden beds, make sure they are weed-free and clear of rocks so that conditions are favorable for growth. Additionally, consider starting some seedlings indoors if you haven’t already done so, making sure they receive plenty of sunlight and water. And finally, don’t forget about fertilizing your lawn to give it a healthy boost before summer arrives!

Two people holding trays of seedlings. Photo by Greta Hoffman on Pexels.com

What is your favourite type of weather?

Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVE the days when the weather is gorgeously warm and breezy! There’s just something about that perfect combination of sunshine and light winds that fills me with excitement and joy.

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It’s like the world just comes alive around me, with birds singing and flowers blooming everywhere I look. I feel so invigorated on days like this, like anything is possible and all my dreams can come true.

Whether I’m lounging outside with a good book, going for a walk through breath-taking scenery, or simply in the garden soaking up some rays, every moment feels magical and full of promise. These are the kinds of days that make me grateful to be alive and remind me to cherish every precious moment in life.

Photo by PhotoMIX Company on Pexels.com

Thrilling choices.

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Ah, nothing quite beats the thrill of wandering around a garden centre and playing God with the greenery. The feeling of selecting which plant to take home, debating the pros and cons of each one like you’re some wise sage deliberating over life’s biggest decisions – it’s all just too exhilarating for words. And let’s not forget the pure joy that comes from getting lost amongst rows upon rows of thriving flora; it’s like stepping into your very own secret garden (minus Colin Firth, unfortunately). So whether you’re an aspiring botanist or simply someone who appreciates pretty things, there’s no doubt that a garden centre is a sanctuary worth exploring. Just be warned: once you’ve started down this path, there’s no going back. Soon enough your house will look like the Amazon rainforest, but hey – at least it’ll smell great!

A new day.

As the first rays of the sun peeked over the horizon, the sky was painted in hues of pink, orange, and gold. The world was still and quiet, as if holding its breath in anticipation of the new day. I sat on the edge of the cliff, watching the sunrise with a sense of wonder and awe.

The sun rose higher and higher, casting its warm glow over the landscape. The birds began to chirp and sing, and the world slowly came to life. It was as if the sunrise had breathed new energy into everything around me, and I felt invigorated and alive.

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As the sun continued to rise, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the beauty of the world around me. Watching the sunrise was a reminder that every day is a new beginning, full of endless possibilities and opportunities. And as I sat there, basking in the warmth of the sun, I knew that I was ready to embrace whatever the day had in store for me.

Silhouette of a woman in front of a sunrise. Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

The Future Is In Our Hands

There has never been a more crucial time to start thinking about the future. With climate change, social injustice, and economic disparity threatening our planet’s well-being, it’s up to each of us to make a positive difference. Small individual actions can have a significant impact when combined with collaborative efforts towards a better future. Moreover, we must ensure that equality and social justice are at the forefront of all our initiatives. Here are some actionable ways that we can all work towards shaping a brighter tomorrow.

Individual Actions for a Better Future

Every little bit counts when it comes to protecting the environment and building communities where everyone has access to opportunities. Here are some simple actions that individuals can take:

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Reduce your carbon footprint

One significant step you can take is reducing your carbon footprint by using public transportation or biking instead of driving, consuming less meat, reducing water usage, and buying from eco-friendly companies.

Volunteer

You could also consider volunteering for local organizations working on issues like homelessness, education, mental health or environmental protection. Not only will you be making an impact on important causes, but you’ll also meet new people and learn valuable skills.

Stay informed

To stay informed about current events that affect the world around us, read reputable news sources regularly. Follow organizations working toward sustainable development goals and support them by sharing their content on social media.

Collaborative Efforts for a Better Future

No one person can build a better future alone; it requires collective effort from government organizations, businesses and citizens alike to achieve long-term goals. Here are some ways we can collaborate:

Mobilize your community

Talk to your friends and family about important issues affecting your community such as infrastructure development or waste management policies. Attend town hall meetings or write letters to elected officials advocating for change.

Promote sustainable practices in your workplace

If you work for an organization or company, encourage co-workers to adopt eco-friendly habits like recycling or composting. Suggest carpooling incentives to reduce carbon emissions from employee travel.

Equality and Social Justice

A sustainable future must prioritize equality and social justice above all else. No one should be left behind when progress is being made. Here are some ways we can fight for equality:

Raise awareness

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Social media platforms offer powerful tools for raising awareness about injustices in communities worldwide. Together with friends, you could create videos highlighting these issues and share them widely on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You could also organize charity events or fundraisers for marginalized groups.

Sponsor educational programs

We need educational programs aimed at promoting empathy, multiculturalism, and inclusivity among young people. Schools, colleges, and universities can facilitate debate sessions around topics related to different cultures ,histories, and religions. Together with others, you could sponsor such programs both online and offline. Encourage schools in underprivileged areas, to prioritize equal access to membership in these clubs too.

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Closing Thoughts

The future lies in our hands: each small action contributes significantly towards ensuring that our planet continues to thrive. We’ve seen how joint efforts between individuals ,government organizations, and businesses have led to significant strides on various fronts. Equally important is ensuring that no one is left behind in the process. We must fight against inequality and promote unity in diversity. By acting collectively today, in meaningful ways we secure a brighter tomorrow for generations to come. Thus ,it’s all upon us as individuals and societies, to build a better future!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Spring is on it’s way.

Letters spelling out the words -Spring is in the air. Photo by Polina Kovaleva on Pexels.com

Spring is on the way! After a long and dreary winter, the signs of spring are finally starting to show. Flowers are blooming and birds are chirping, signaling that warmer temperatures and longer days are just around the corner. With spring comes a renewed sense of energy and a desire to spend more time outdoors. In this article, we’ll explore some of the signs of spring, gardening tips for the season, and how to make the most of the warmer weather.

Signs of Spring: Blooming Flowers and Chirping Birds

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

One of the most obvious signs that spring has arrived is the sight of blooming flowers. After months of cold weather, it’s a welcome relief to see colorful blooms popping up all around us. From daffodils to tulips to cherry blossoms, there’s no shortage of beautiful flowers to admire during this time of year. Another sign that spring has arrived is the sound of chirping birds. As they return from their winter migration or awaken from hibernation, they fill the air with sweet melodies. Their songs are not only pleasant to listen to but also serve as a reminder that nature is waking up from its long slumber.

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Gardening Tips for Spring

With warmer temperatures and more daylight hours, spring is an excellent time to get outside and start gardening. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your garden this season:

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Clean Up Your Garden Beds

Before planting anything new in your garden beds, make sure you clean them up first. Remove any dead leaves or plants from last season, prune back any overgrown shrubs or trees, and weed thoroughly.

Start Seeds Indoors

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For some plants like tomatoes or peppers that require a longer growing season than what your climate provides naturally, starting seeds indoors can be helpful. This allows you to get a head start on growing these plants before transplanting them outside when it’s warm enough.

Add Compost or Fertilizer

Spring is also an excellent time to add compost or fertilizer to your soil. This will give your plants an extra boost as they begin their growth cycle for the year.

Warmer Temperatures and Longer Days

As spring progresses into summer, we can expect warmer temperatures and longer days. These changes have several benefits for our physical and mental health:

Get More Vitamin D

With more sunlight comes more Vitamin D production in our bodies which promotes healthy bone development.

Increase Energy Levels

As we experience more sunlight daily than during winter months which can lead us feeling more energized throughout our day-to-day activities

Boost Mood

Sunlight exposure also boosts levels serotonin in our brains which leads us feeling happier overall In addition, with increased daylight hours come more opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking or going on picnics with family or friends. In conclusion, spring brings about many positive changes that we look forward too each year including flowers blooming as well as warmer weather allowing us ample opportunity for outdoor activities . By following these simple gardening tips , you can make sure that your garden thrives during this time period . So go ahead soak up some sun while enjoying all nature has offer during these lovely months

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Poetry today.

This morning I discovered an AI poetry generator online, and decided to have a play. This was the result.

Books on a shelf. Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

A summers breeze

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A summers breeze
To speak the bright heart with its desire:
Light of a fickle sun,
Loom blue water, secret light,
Dazzled turquoise life with wings,
Young I was the cloud to the wind,
Tremble, tremulous leaves of the wind,
Her voice, and the bright north wind
Alone in a speech for my shimmering body,
Young April hushed the happy tune,

Inspired by Sara Teasdale

COMPOSED IN VERSE BY VERSE

This is the website I used if you want to give it a try. Let me know how you get on. https://sites.research.google/versebyverse/