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The art of doing nothing – il dolce far niente

Il dolce far niente is an Italian phrase which means ‘the sweetness of doing nothing.’ Embrace a little southern style living in your garden this summer

Summer breeze, makes me feel fine
Blowing through the jasmine in my mind

Seals and Crofts
The sultry sound of bees buzzing in the warm air, the tempting smell of food frying on the barbecue, and the sense of time gently slowing down all signal the arrival of a classic summer day. Gardeners are always busy and sometimes forget that they need to slow down, take stock and enjoy the space they have lovingly created, for both mental and physical wellbeing.

With today’s temperatures rising due to climate change, cities can become unbearably hot in summer months. In southern European cities, workers take long lunches in the shade, adjusting their working hours to suit, something northern Europeans may need to embrace. Productivity is hard to maintain in warm environments. We need to ensure that where we work, and play, provides the right conditions to keep us engaged, but also create outdoor spaces where we can enjoy il dolce far niente. 

Create an outdoor room

Firstly, create a space in your garden which entices you outside. It doesn’t matter how big or small your garden is, there’s always room for a seat, whether that’s a single chair, a bench for two or a sofa for ultimate lounging. Make the space your own, styling it with plants and objects that make you feel relaxed. 

Create your own stylish and relaxing outdoor room
Choose seating to match your style and surround yourself with a jungle of plants
Find secret spots in your garden for a cosy seat and add blankets and cushions for all-year-round use

Take a walk

Hanging out with friends and family is one of the joys of long summer days. Find an RHS Garden or RHS Partner Garden near you and take time out to enjoy being immersed in nature. Stop for a leisurely lunch and relax in the company of other like-minded souls. 

Visit an RHS Garden or Partner Garden with friends and family for a relaxing day out

The wonder of water

The restorative power of water is sometimes underestimated, but as anyone who lives near the sea or a river will tell you, there is something quite magical about being on, by or in the water. There is always water near wherever you live. We are made of around 70% water, water covers about 70% of our planet, and we need water to survive.  

Being by water has been shown to improve mood, stimulate our senses and create a sense of wellbeing. Take time to just sit by the water and watch the wildlife, observe the movement on the water and absorb some of its stress-reducing elements.  

Being near water can reduce stress, ease anxiety and quiet the mind
Adding a water feature to your garden brings a little of that ‘blue mind’ calm into your everyday environment. This doesn’t have to be a pond, it could be a small fountain to gently distract you, or even a bird bath, giving you something to sit quietly and enjoy. Maybe you even want to install a bath tub in your garden for the ultimate in outdoor living.

A simple bowl water feature, with a gentle fountain, creates a mesmerising distraction

Plants that soothe

Meditation can take many forms, and observing the natural patterns of plants is one way of slowing us down to drink it all in. The spirals of aloes, the soft textures of grasses or the scents of herbs give us a sensory experience which we have to take time to enjoy.

The spiral of Aloe polyphylla can enchant our minds in a meditative state

Forest bathing

No longer a new concept, forest bathing is a Japanese practice for relaxation, known as shinrin yoku. Walking amongst trees can fill our souls with joy, as our minds take in all the sensations of being immersed in nature. Listen to the birdsong, touch the

bark of trees, smell the moss. Your body will naturally slow down as well as your breathing. 

Create your own quiet, woodland spot for a bit of meditative forest bathing

Take a holiday at home

For many of us, having a holiday is relaxing because we can go at our own pace without time constraints. Create that holiday feel in your own garden and you may find it has the same effect. Whether you love to travel at home or abroad, choose a style that makes you feel you can relax and unwind. That might be with jungle plants, lush green leaves and dappled shade, or with lanterns, cushions and scented plants.

Let your garden style take you to where your mind feels at peace
 As the days grow warmer and life gets busier, remember to take some time out for yourself to enjoy your garden, or other people’s gardens, and maybe you’ll find joy in il dolce far niente. 

About the author - Natalie Ashbee

Natalie is a garden writer who believes in the power of nature to soothe and heal us. Having worked in stressful teaching and television professions, she found gardening and now lives and gardens in beautiful West Cornwall.

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