Rejuvenating Your Garden & Your Soul: 10 Ways To Combat Gardener’s Burnout

Rejuvenating Your Garden & Your Soul: 10 Ways To Combat Gardener’s Burnout

9th August 2023

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Gardening is generally considered a therapeutic and fulfilling activity. Yet, it can also lead to burnout feelings if it sucks too much effort and energy out of your life. What is gardener’s burnout? Essentially, it is a state of physical and mental exhaustion experienced by those who pour excessive time and effort into theory gardens without allowing themselves to rest and relax. This could be because you are trying to fight off recurring garden issues or perhaps because you already have a lot going on in your life. Regardless of the underlying cause, gardener’s burnout can significantly reduce the joy and satisfaction you get from your garden. 

As such, it becomes essential to find ways to counter this potential exhaustion. There is no miracle solution. If your garden needs too much time, you have to create a garden that requires less ongoing maintenance while still providing a haven of beauty and tranquility. Unsure how to get started? Here are some ideas to help you combat gardener’s burnout with a low-maintenance garden that nourishes your well-being.

How To Combat Gardener’s Burnout

10 Ways To Combat Gardener’s Burnout
Colourful flower meadow in the primary colour green with different wildflowers | Image Credit: depositphotos.com

Create a wildflower meadow

Transforming a portion of your garden into a wildflower meadow is a wonderful way to introduce natural charm while reducing maintenance demands. You can try sowing wildflower seeds that are native to your region. Native wildflowers and grasses thrive with minimal intervention, allowing you to create a dynamic and ecologically diverse ecosystem in your garden. 

This shifts towards a more self-sustaining environment, which not only minimizes upkeep but can also attract natural pollinators for a healthy garden. 

Build a firepit

A well-designed firepit serves as a captivating focal point of interest in the garden. It can be a gorgeous spot for relaxation and socialization throughout the year. During cooler evenings, you can gather around the firepit with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter amidst the soothing crackle of the flames. 

Besides, the addition of a firepit extends the usability of your garden beyond daylight hours and warm seasons. It also reduces the overall lawn surface in the garden, which means a serene retreat without overwhelming maintenance needs! 

Lovely outdoor deck patio space with white pergola, fire pit in the backyard of a luxury house.
Lovely outdoor deck patio space with a white pergola, and firepit in the backyard of a luxury house | Image Credit: depositphotos.com

Hire landscaping experts

Why should you do everything yourself when you can enlist the expertise of landscaping professionals? They can help create a long-maintenance garden that works for you. Landscaping companies can be essential in guiding gardeners towards a more peaceful and manageable outdoor space. 

For instance, they can provide advice in the selection of plant varieties that thrive in your specific climate without much care. Landscaping services can also design efficient irrigation systems and a garden layout that considerably reduce the need for constant attention. 

Create an outdoor lounging area

Why not design a dedicated outdoor lounging area where you can relist the beauty of your garden while reducing the actual garden surface? Outdoor living rooms create a fantastic spot for unwinding, while reducing lawn maintenance needs.

Remember, however, that the perfect lounging area needs weather-resistant seating, cosy cushions, and shaded structures if you want to create an inviting atmosphere. You can also add lighting to enhance the overall look and feel!

Modern landscape design
Modern landscape design with pond | Image Credit: depositphotos.com

Dig a pond

This may sound like hard work, but introducing a pond to your garden can be a game-changer. A body of water offers a serene feature that requires less ongoing maintenance compared to flower beds and lawn. Typically a pond will require an annual check-up with experts in aquatic management in order to prevent algae overgrowth or mosquito infestations. With a once a year maintenance performed easily for you being as far as work goes, it’s a pretty hands off addition to the garden which can make a wonderful change to your outdoor space.

Besides, ponds can be a hub of biodiversity, as they attract different aquatic and land species. You can also add aquatic plants and a small fountain for a gorgeous and relaxing pond.

Build a kid’s playground

If you have children, you need to acknowledge that the garden is a play area for them. So, why not transform an area in the garden into a playground, including swings and a slide to keep little ones entertained? This will keep them playing for hours! From a gardener’s perspective, a playground will reduce the need for meticulous gardening too.

As a rule of thumb, you want to avoid potentially risky elements, such as sandboxes that can be used by wildlife. If you are a skilled builder, you can even surprise your kids with a small play house next to the slide! 

Shed with terrace and garden furniture
Grey shed with terrace and wooden garden furniture in a garden during spring | Image Credit: depositphotos.com

Add a garden shed

While this may sound counterproductive, a garden shed doesn’t need to hold your gardening tools. More and more households are considering the addition of a large shed that can become a home office or a gym room away from the main home. It is a project where you can work with specialist contractors. Yet, the good thing about building an external garden room is that it can be a quick and effective project that is done in a few days. 

This will not only minimise gardening needs, but it can encourage you to spend more time surrounded by nature without worrying about maintenance. 

Have an extension over the garden

Why not make your kitchen bigger or add a conservatory to your living room? These home extension projects can completely transform both your home and your garden.

You can find a way to introduce more natural light into your property while bringing the garden closer to you. But, at the same time, the extension is built over the garden, which reduces the surface you need to maintain. It is a win-win for those who love having a garden but find gardening too much!

Residential inground swimming pool in backyard with waterfall and hot tub
Residential inground swimming pool in backyard with waterfall and hot tub | Image Credit: depositphotos.com

Build a swimming pool

If your garden is big enough, you could consider the addition of an in-grown swimming pool. A swimming pool can not only increase the value of your property, but also add a relaxing area to your home. With a structure covering the pool, such as a glass house, you can also ensure the water temperature remains comfortable even in winter!

Add a greenhouse

Greenhouses can be a live-saviour for gardeners who struggle to grow their favourite flowers or plants. Adding a greenhouse to your garden can allow you to create a safe growing spot where you can keep all your favourite plants. This will ensure gardening remains rewarding without taking over your time and life.

Some of the most common uses for a greenhouse is growing southern vegetables, such as tomatoes and eggplants, for example. You can make your garden work harder for you without wasting your time and energy in it! 

It is time to make your garden work for your needs. Having a garden is important for a lot of Britons. But taking care of a garden can be a lot of work. Hopefully, these few tips can help you create a garden you will love. 

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