Hello everyone!

Spring is on its way! Has anyone seen any flowers start to bloom? It’s always so exciting to see the jonquils popping up and yellow kowhai trees. 

As you probably know, spending time in nature can be beneficial for mental and physical health. However, it can be tough to get outside when we don’t have a lot of energy and in winter even sitting outside in the garden can be challenging. Luckily, there are many creative ways to bring nature into your home.

 Pot plants are of course a great way to do this, but for those of us that struggle to keep them alive there are other ways!   

If you don’t have a garden or native bush around your home it might be worth investing in a bird feeder. You can get ones that attach to windows which is a lot of fun because you can watch the birds eating. I’m a big proponent of appreciating the common city birds as well as our flashier natives. Pigeons were once beloved pets and messengers who were bred for their colourful feathers and have complex social dynamics, and who doesn’t love a cheeky sparrow?

When I was a child, we used to bring in caterpillars as temporary pets from our garden. They are so easy to take care of and if you can’t have cats or dogs in your flat then they can be an easy way to add a little life to your bedroom.

Research has found that even incorporating natural materials like driftwood or dried flowers into your home can be good for your mental state.

What other creative ways can you think of to bring nature into your home?

Wishing you a happy beginning to spring,

Marika and Tania