Gardening Ideas for Downsizers

Retirement comes with a lot of lifestyle changes. While most of them are positive, like more free time, one thing you don’t want is to let go of the things you love. With the new downsizing living options trend, if you’ve moved into a smaller home but still want to exercise your green thumb, this article is for you. Here are some ideas for creating gardens in small spaces…

Keep It Contained

Container gardening is a method that allows you to grow plants in pots or other containers, rather than in the ground. Many people use container gardens on their balconies or patios, but they can also be used indoors in rooms that capture a good deal of sunshine. As they are portable, container gardens can be moved into sheltered areas during winter months and brought outside again when spring arrives. Container gardening is also a great way for downsizers or renters to grow vegetables and herbs without taking up space in the garden – so it’s the healthier option, too!

Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are an excellent way to make the most of a small space. There are many different types of vertical gardens, but they all involve putting plants in containers that hang from walls or ceilings. You can create your vertical garden in several ways, including:
  • Wood Pallets – You can transform old wooden pallets into an elegant and practical garden with just a few tools, making them great for growing your own food and flowers. They are easy to make, require little maintenance, and look great. A prime choice for vertical gardens, they are sturdy enough for hanging plants from them and come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and colours.
  • Hanging Baskets – Create hanging baskets by simply filling wire baskets with potting soil and planting whatever seeds or seedlings you want to grow vertically. As mentioned above, this type of vertical garden works well either inside or out, depending on your climate and needs.
  • Plastic Bins – If neither wood pallets nor empty wire baskets appeal to you but you still want something easy and affordable that doesn’t take up much room in your home, consider using plastic bins as part of your garden design! Just fill them with potting soil before adding whatever seeds/seedlings/plants etc., then hang them from hooks attached directly to drywall—it’s really quite simple!

What to Grow?

When it comes to starting your container, hanging, or vertical garden, the most important question to ask is: What will you grow? The choice is up to you, however, there are some species that will absolutely thrive…

  • Begonias – With their vibrant colours, adding Begonias will make your vertical garden look amazing.
  • Bonsai – A bonsai is a tree or plant that has been trained to grow in a small container. Bonsai have been growing in popularity over the last few decades and are becoming more accessible to people who want to try their hand at gardening but don’t have the space for regular garden beds. They are excellent for downsizers with limited outdoor space because they can be placed outside where they will receive plenty of natural light, but don’t require much care beyond occasional watering and trimming when necessary (depending on species).
  • Herbs – If you have a sunny windowsill or porch, you can grow herbs indoors. Just be sure to water them regularly, otherwise, they will dry out quickly. If you have a sunny kitchen window or back door, consider growing your herbs in pots on the kitchen counter so that they’re always within easy reach when you need them. Pots are also portable, so if the weather turns cold and rainy in wintertime (or if it’s too hot in summer), just move your herb garden into another room of the house until spring comes again!
  • Hoya – These flowers thrive in shaded outdoor areas, though can also be placed indoors with bright light.
  • Ferns – Ferns are easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them ideal for those with limited space or no outdoor garden. You can also use them as an indoor privacy screen or to create a stunning focal point in your home.
  • Orchids – Orchids are beautiful flowers that are easy to grow indoors. They don’t require much light or water, so they’re perfect for those who want something simple that requires less maintenance than other flowers or plants would require.
  • Vegetables – Vegetables aren’t just great for eating – they can be used as ingredients in homemade beauty treatments too! A vegetable patch inside your home can create an amazing visual display and provide a healthy alternative to buying from the supermarket every week.

There are many ways to create a garden in residences with limited space. You can build your own or get a professional to help you, but either way, these ideas will help you keep in touch with your favourite hobby while enjoying your downsizer lifestyle.

O50s
Australian Over 50s Living & Lifestyle Guide

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