Turn Over A New Leaf for 2016

Happy new year peeps! It’s that time of year when we are all making new year’s resolutions. Some are vast and some are teeny. Make them realistic is what I say. So with that in mind Family Burt have made their new years resolutions for 2016 and have made them super-easy, garden-related ones to inspire you to get outside in the year ahead…

Time to turn over a new leaf

Lulu’s Resolution

Well, I LOVE eating fruit! My friends think I am crazy as I would rather have an apple than sweets but, you know, that’s because I’m sweet enough! So this year, my resolution is to grow a new fruit. I am thinking a little pear tree would be cute and I could grow it in a pot. But you could grow all sorts of fruit no matter what space you have. Already we have apple and plum trees but if you have less space why not grow blueberries and gooseberries in pots like me. Or if there is a corner of your garden that no-one uses why not pop a raspberry plant in there and by summer you will have lovely lush fruit. Yum!

I’ve always loved eating the apples in our garden

Mummy’s Resolution

Well, you are gonna just love Mummy’s resolution for this year. It’s to keep it simple in the garden! With a new extension on the horizon (yup, I have THAT many toys!) 2016 is going to be super busy. So instead of growing lots of plants indoor from seed, transplanting, getting the greenhouse going and so much more, Mummy is focusing on the basics. There will be tatties and onions galore (‘cos they are easy to grow and we eat lots of them!) as well as some other easy veg like beetroot and salad.

Mummy is going to grow more yummy potatoes like these in 2016

Tilda’s Resolution

My baby sister is almost walking now and by the time Spring is here she will be running around the garden. So her resolution is to get outdoors as much as she can and learn all about nature and feel the grass under her toes. From snail races to bubble popping the garden is going to be so much fun for me and Tilly B this year!

Tilda is planning on lots of outdoor fun in 2016

Daddy’s Resolution

With our impending extension Daddy will have to make some changes to our outdoor space. The garage is being demolished and will need to be emptied so Daddy is taking that opportunity to do some more upcycling including new sheds for garden storage.

It’s a busy year ahead for Daddy with lots of projects!

So what are your resolutions going to be for 2016?

Lulu xx

Lulu’s 2014 Resolutions…

Happy new year to all my lovely readers. It’s the time of year when we say farewell to 2013 and are making our resolutions for the year ahead and this year I resolve to spend as much time as possible outdoors. It will come as no surprise to you to hear that getting outdoors is good for you, whether you are young (like me) or old (like M&D!) But just in case you need some convincing, here are some great reasons why you too should make “getting outdoors” one of your 2014 resolutions…

Fit for Free

Getting outdoors is a great way of getting exercise. You don’t need to be running marathons (like crazy Auntie Alison!). Just going for a walk in the park, doing some gardening or riding your bike is a fun way of getting fit and getting some fresh air. Plus it’s free so no expensive gym memberships required!

Get outdoors in 2014, even just to make a daisy chain

D is for Delightful

Getting outside is an important way of getting Vitamin D. We are always being told that we need to take vitamins but if we can get as much as possible direct from sunlight then that’s got to be a good thing. It doesn’t have to be a gloriously sunny day to get Vitamin D (good job seeing as we live in Scotland!), just getting outside helps. Make it one of your 2014 resolutions too!

Good Health to You

Getting outside is good for our general health. Spending time in our gardens and green spaces can reduce breathing problems such as asthma, being active can reduce obesity and it has even been shown to improve eye sight! Even in cold weather, wrap up well and head outside.

Gardening is good for your health

If You’re Happy And You Know It…

This is one of my favourite reasons – spending time outdoors simply makes you happy! I love being outside. It immediately improves your mood, brushes away the cobwebs and makes you happier. It’s especially nice just now, when it is often dark and wintry, to take advantage of a nice day and get out into the garden. Seeing plants coming to life and bulbs bursting through brings hope for the future and sunny days ahead. Plus its fun to pull the toys out of the garden shed and have a play 😉

Every Day’s A School Day

One of the great things about heading outside is there is always something new to learn and see. Whether it’s seeing a new plant coming into flower or discovering a new bug in the garden it’s a great way to learn about the environment and care for our wildlife. It’s much more fun to get outside and get mucky than sit indoors reading about nature in a book and it helps us understand it much better.

Keep active and learn new things in the garden

Social Club

Spending time outdoors is a great way to be sociable. When I go to the park I love seeing my friends and playing with them. Sometimes we arrange to meet other friends in lovely outdoor places such as Palacerigg Country Park where we can go exploring and run around or have a day at the beach. Even if we are just staying at home and playing in the garden we always see neighbours and have a chat. That’s nice.

So there you go. You can keep your faddy diets – my 2014 resolutions include getting outside as much as possible. Wishing you all a fun filled 2014.

Lulu