Creating Joyful Family Gardens: June’s Theme
Tribe & Beautiful Sitting Areas
Happy Monday, garden enthusiasts!
As a garden coach, I love helping families create joyful and inviting gardens that both kids and adults will want to spend time in.
This month, our theme is "Tribe," and today, I want to talk about creating lovely places to sit in your garden—a perfect way to gather your tribe and enhance your outdoor space.
I went LIVE on Instagram this morning to talk about this GORGEOUS little book: Green by Ula Maria.
(I go live every Monday at 7am ⬅️ will you stop by?)
Gardening Book Club: "Green" by Ula Maria
This week, I kicked off our Gardening Book Club with a book that has truly transformed my approach to garden design: "Green" by Ula Maria.
Ula’s book is a treasure trove of inspiration, showcasing beautiful gardens where the planting is often in the middle, creating a sense of discovery and seclusion. The book also features gorgeous sitting areas that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
"Gardens are for people, and the best gardens are those that welcome you in and make you want to stay." — Ula Maria, "Green"
What Inspired Me About "Green"
Unique Planting Designs: Ula’s approach to planting in the middle of gardens fosters a sense of exploration and privacy. This unconventional method has inspired me to rethink traditional garden layouts.
Inviting Sitting Areas: The book is filled with examples of serene and beautiful sitting areas that encourage relaxation and connection.
June's Theme: Tribe
The concept of "tribe" is all about community and connection. I believe that creating beautiful places to sit in your garden is a wonderful way to bring your tribe together, whether it’s family, friends, or neighbors. A thoughtfully designed sitting area can turn your garden into a meaningful gathering place.
Tips for Creating a Lovely Place to Sit
During my live session, I shared some practical tips for creating inviting sitting areas in your garden:
Start with Seating: Begin your garden design by establishing a comfortable and attractive sitting area. This breaks the project into manageable chunks and gives you a reason to spend time in the garden.
More Seating Than You Think: Ensure you have ample seating. It’s better to have more than you need than to find yourself short when you have guests.
Surround Yourself with Plants You Love: Choose plants that bring you joy and place them around your sitting area. This creates a personal sanctuary you’ll love to spend time in. I’ll be covering the best plants for your June Garden in my Instagram Live Monday 10.06.
My Kids’ Favourite
This big egg chair is my kids’ favourite place to sit in the garden.
It moves so beautifully. There is something really meditative about it.
It is also a great place to hug up with someone or get comfy yourself and read a book (my son often reads his “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” here).
Personal Story: The Impact of Our Garden Sitting Area
For my family, our garden sitting area has become a cherished part of our daily routine. After school, we have our 'home cafe' in the garden, where we relax and catch up on our day. On the rare occasions we miss this time, we all notice a difference—we’re grumpier and more prone to squabbles. This simple ritual has shown me just how powerful a well-designed garden space can be for family harmony and connection.
When the kids come home from school, tense, tired and frazzled (it’s such a long day for kids to do what adults say and follow all the rules) and we then play cards and have a snack in the garden the mood shifts gradually but surely. The funny thing is: my son NEVER wants to have Outdoor Home Cafe BUT when we are out there it is ALWAYS him who starts to play. Either playing ‘football’ with the dog, asking his sister to soak him with the hose…
The Arbour
We use the Arbour mostly in the rain. It is so lovely sitting here with the rain drumming on the roof. It is so so cozy!
The kids have re-named it ‘Archie’s Den’
Upcoming Workshop: Creating Lovely Places to Sit
I’m excited to announce an online workshop on June 17th where I’ll be diving deeper into how to create your own lovely garden seating areas. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right furniture to selecting plants that enhance your space. If you’re interested, click here ⬅️ for details.
Join Me Live Every Monday
Don’t forget to join me live every Monday at 7am for more tips and advice on creating joyful family gardens. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there’s always something new to learn and discover.
Stay tuned for next week’s live session where we’ll be talking about the best plants for creating cozy and inviting sitting areas!
Thank you for reading my post. I always appreciate it when you take the time to stop by. I hope it has been helpful! Any thoughts please email me elisabeth@joyfulgarden.co.uk and let me know
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Thank you for stopping by. If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch: Elisabeth@joyfulgarden.co.uk
