The Wollongong Local: Spring is Coming to Wollongong!
The warmer months of Spring have hit Wollongong! And with some of our favourite activities and gatherings off the table, it can be hard to get excited. Today I wanted to look at some of the ways you can bring that Spring-fling attitude home and celebrate those rising temperatures.
Gardening
As my children have grown up, one of my favourite things to do with them is to spend time in the garden. Whether you are planting flowers or cultivating a deeper appreciation for the food we eat, gardening is a great way to spend time together and enjoy being outdoors. Gardening can also help to lower stress levels and aid with anxiety.
If you are starting from scratch, consider a veggie garden. Depending on available space, make a diagram to plan where each plant will go. Don’t forget to pay special attention to which plants grow well together and those that don’t get along. Ask your kids to do the research and find which plants will grow well together. If you have a nice and sunny spot, I like to always start with baby tomatoes. They grow quickly and are easy for kids to pick and eat when ready.
Another great option is to plant a selection of herbs. You can then send them out to harvest what you need to dinner each night gaining a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Don’t forget to introduce flowers to your vegetable garden as well. Not only do they look pretty, but they can also deter pests and attract the right kind of insects to help your garden grow. Try Marigolds and Lavender to start with.
Paint Your Walls
We have all spent the last few months going stir crazy in our homes. Now might be the perfect time to shake things up and add a coat of paint.
You can change the entire feel of your home by making a few minor colour changes. You might like to start with a brightly coloured feature wall or go all out and change entire rooms. Either way, change is as good as a holiday… At least, when you can’t go on a holiday.
If you’d like to make a statement with your home, try some patterned wallpaper! It’s not as bad as back in the ’80s and can now come in every colour and pattern imaginable. Some wallpaper can even be removed to allow for a change in feature wall whenever you feel like it!
Once you’ve transformed your home, open those windows and let the paint dry and picnic in the backyard.
BBQ & Eat Outside
You don’t need to have a large gathering to find an excuse to BBQ. There is this sweet spot in Wollongong spring weather where the early evenings are bright and warm before the mozzies and bugs have time to take hold. Use this time wisely and fire up the BBQ for casual family dinners.
Make use of those tomatoes and herbs from the garden to get the kids making their own salads then throw some corn and marinated chicken on the BBQ for a fun family dinner that everyone can help create.
String up some fairy lights, play some soft music and set the scene for an evening of fun or romance if you are trying to impress a special someone.
Zoë Wood is an international travel writer from the local Illawarra area. Contact her here: Facebook – Instagram – Email
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