Tips for a Low-Maintenance Garden

 If you want your garden to look great then you have come to the right place. This guide will show you what steps you can take to try and improve your garden, so you can create a space that serves you well for years to come.

Ditch the Lawn

One of the first things you need to do is ditch the lawn. If you have a very small garden and you don’t have kids then ditching the lawn could well be the right thing to do. You also don’t have to worry about losing out on valuable shed space either, because if you don’t need to store a lawn mower, you can probably get rid of it entirely. Remember, that there are lots of things you can do to try and source up your garden even if you lose the lawn, such as adding paving. If you do this then you will soon find that your garden becomes a lot easier to manage.

Source: Pexels

The Right Plants

You also need to make sure that you choose the right plants and that you put them in the right place. Take the time to pick plants that are suited to your soil as well as your site conditions. If you have a very sunny garden and you have plenty of dry soil then this is great. With that being said, if you plant flowers that need very wet soil or shade then you may struggle to get the result you need. One way for you to work around that would be for you to use an online selector so you can always choose the right things for you.

Keep it Simple

You need to keep things simple if you can. Evergreen plants are key here. Shrubs are great as they last for a very long time and you may also find that they don’t need replacing as the years go by. Of course, you also need to make sure that you are looking into hedges if you can. Deciduous refers to plants that may lose their leaves on a seasonal basis too, especially during autumn. This is a natural process and it is triggered by shorter days. If you can keep things like this in mind then it will help you a great deal.

Decking

If you want to make your garden super easy to work with then another thing you can do is look into decking. You can find a range of patio decks by Texas and Patio Fence Co. if you want some ideas. By opting for decking, you have a low-maintenance option that will last for years. You can also feel confident knowing that you are adding value to your home, which is great, to say the least. If you want to help yourself here then make sure that you put in the effort to make sure that your decking has been protected and that rot isn’t going to be an issue. If you can do this then you will soon find that things work in your favor.

Want to Cook from Scratch More Often? Here are Some Helpful Tips

 Do you feel as though you aren’t cooking from scratch as much as you could be? If so then now is the time for you to do something about that. Cooking from scratch isn’t difficult, especially when you break down the process. Sometimes it may require a little forethought, but if you can get into a good routine, you’ll see a difference in no time.

Source: Pexels

Thawed Meat is So Important

If you want to cook more meals from scratch then the first thing you need to do is keep thawed meat in the freezer. Not having thawed meat on hand is a huge mistake and it can also lead to a lot of overwhelm. If you want to help yourself then thaw your meat the night before and make sure that you are creative in your approach. You can also store your meat in a Pyrex dish, drain the juices and then cook it right in the same bowl. By doing this, you will soon find that your life becomes a lot easier.

Use Frozen Vegetables

Another thing you need to do is try and use frozen vegetables and simple salads. They are so quick to throw in with your meal and you may also find that frozen veg is better quality as well. They have all of the freshness sealed in and this can mean that you’re getting way more nutrition overall. It’s also better than vegetables that have been left in your fridge for the better part of a week, so be mindful of that if you can. Some of the vegetables you should be focusing on include broccoli, corn, cauliflower and green beans. 

Always Have Stock

You also need to make sure that you always have stock to hand. Stock is a key ingredient when cooking from scratch and although you can use stock pots, nothing quite compares to having a fresh jug of your own. Use frozen vegetables and meat offcuts to create a flavourful combination. If you don’t have time to make your stock but want to cook then you can easily buy organic chicken bone broth online. It’s so easy to work with and a great option if you want to experiment a little.

Focus on Ingredients

Another thing you need to do is make sure that you always focus on the ingredients. You need to make sure that you have simple ingredients to hand so that when you have had a big day or when you feel as though you are struggling, you have options available. Things like this can make a major difference and you would be surprised at how much it could help you to get the result you need in the kitchen.

Another thing you need to do is use biscuits. These are so easy to use and when you use a sourdough starter you will find that you can easily get the result you need. Of course, you can also keep bread in the freezer if you want. Sliced bread defrosts very quickly but you can easily experiment if you want.

My First Birthday without you

 Today is my birthday, and I can’t shake the feeling of emptiness without you here. Each year, I looked forward to getting my first Happy Birthday text from you just after midnigt, then before I went to sleep, you always asked all about my day, but your absence is a constant reminder of how much I miss you. 

You were always there to share in the joy, to make me laugh, and to remind me of what really matters. I miss our late-night talks, your infectious laughter, and the way you made every moment feel special. I have dreaded this birthday because of you not being here and thinking you wont be here for any more.  

As I reflect on the memories we created, I’m filled with both gratitude and sadness. I cherish every moment we shared, but the ache of missing you makes it hard to fully embrace the day. You were my confidante and my cheerleader, and I wish I could feel your support and love today.

On this birthday, I’ll carry you with me in my heart. I’ll honor your memory by celebrating life as you would want me to—filled with joy, laughter, and love. I miss you deeply, and I hope you’re watching over me, celebrating alongside me in spirit. 

TWO MONTHS

 60 days

1440 hours

86400 minutes

Today marks two months since you left us, and not a moment passes without the ache of your absence. My dear sister, you were more than just family; you were my confidant, my partner in mischief, and my unwavering support. The world feels dimmer without your radiant smile and infectious laughter.

I think back to all our cherished moments—those late-night talks filled with dreams and secrets, the silly inside jokes that only we understood, and the countless times you lifted me up when I was down. You had a way of making the ordinary feel extraordinary, and your kindness touched everyone you met. Your compassion was a light in this world, and I see traces of it in everyone you inspired.

Each day without you is a reminder of the love we shared. I carry your spirit with me, and in those quiet moments, I can almost hear your voice urging me to keep going, to find joy even in the pain. I am learning to navigate life without you, holding onto the lessons you taught me about resilience and love.

Though you are in heaven, I know you’re watching over us, guiding us with your gentle spirit. I promise to honor you by living my life fully, embracing the beauty of each day, just as you did. I’ll share your stories, laugh at our memories, and keep your legacy alive in my heart.

Thank you for being the incredible sister you were. I miss you more than words can express, but I find comfort in knowing that our bond can never be broken. Until we meet again, I will love you always.