Whether you have an old house, new house or something in between; an old garden, new garden or badly overgrown garden; there are some things you can do in each and every landscape space. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in the garden.

Enjoy a meal outside. You could have a rusty little bistro set that barely seats two, or an impressive outdoor dining area, but it doesn’t really matter. Food just tastes better when dining outside and the simplest meal becomes much more enjoyable when you eat it in the great outdoors.

Place a colorful urn or pot outside your door. You will see it and enjoy it each and every time you walk out your door. That also makes it easier to remember to water it!

Plant a few vegetables and herbs. Even if you don’t have much in the way of space, grow a few cherry Tomatoes or a Rosemary plant in a pot. It is very satisfying to add something you have grown to your meals.

Find the perfect spot for a comfortable seat. Whether it is a shady corner perfect to read in, or a sunny spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, find your favorite spot in the garden and put a chair in it. It could face the west so you catch the sunset, or look towards the best view, or be tucked away in a private spot where you can just breathe slowly for a few moments each day.

Plant something that makes you happy. Some of my favorite plants are those that were given to me by a friend, or come from my Grandparent’s garden. The sight and scent of specific flowers, trees or shrubs can be a powerful memory aide and make your day better every time you look at them.

Add something beautiful to the garden. It could be a piece of outdoor sculpture, some decorative wrought iron, or any kind of quirky collection that makes a lovely vignette. Whatever it is, it doesn’t have to cost alot, it just has to be a great focal point.

Add a birdfeeder. I get endless amounts of entertainment from watching the birds at my feeder. The variety of birds and their antics provide endless amusement, as they either wait patiently for their turn at the feeder, or squabble ferociously to get dinner faster.

Place a water source somewhere you can hear it. The sound of water just makes you relax and breathe a little bit slower. I’m sure my blood pressure decreases as well! The birds will also entertain you with their water antics.

Enjoy an outdoor game. Keep a set of bocce balls or a lawn croquet set somewhere handy, or try my new favorite game – Giant Jenga! Set it up on a patio stone or piece of flagstone, and invite someone over to play a game.

Well I could keep on writing about favorite things, but it’s time for me to go for a walk through my garden, and see what is new in it today…Live Outside!