Hello Lisa.

Welcome back to another edition of THE PENCIL CASE! As always, each issue focuses on a theme to encourage a fresh look at garden design and graphics. This week, let's explore SITTING IN THE GARDEN, a beautiful way to catch our breath. ♥︎

SIT. BREATHE. LOOK AROUND.

Some days, the best thing you can do in the garden is nothing at all.

We often think of gardens as places to work...pulling weeds, planting, pruning, and tidying. And yes, tending a garden is part of the rhythm, but there’s another kind of tending that’s just as important: sitting.

Sitting in the garden is a practice. Not just resting, but really being there. You feel the air move across your skin. Hear the layers of sound such as birds, bees, the breeze and maybe even wind chimes. Watch the way sunlight moves through the leaves. The garden reveals itself bit-by-bit when we slow down enough to notice.

PLACES TO SIT.

Do you sit in the garden and where do you to it? Here are a few ideas to invite stillness into your outdoor space:

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In a favorite chair under a tree, on a porch, tucked beside your favorite flower bed.

At a café table with coffee or tea in hand, watching the garden wake up (this is me!).

On a picnic blanket to let yourself stretch out and look up.

With a journal to reflect, sketch, or simply make a list of what’s blooming.

In silence with someone else...no talking, just sharing the peace.

With a pet on your lap...they know how to enjoy the moment.

At night, by candle or moonlight...the garden feels extra special after dark.

WHY SIT IN THE GARDEN?

Sometimes doing nothing is the most restorative thing we can do. Sitting in the garden has so many benefits!

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It quiets the mind as nature invites a slower rhythm.

You notice more from bees to breezes. The details come alive.

It deepens your relationship with the space and you see the garden differently when you're not working in it.

You become part of the ecosystem...not just as the designer, but a participant in the space.

It restores energy for your body and spirit.

It sparks creativity as ideas tend to bloom in calm spaces.

You remember why you garden in the first place...for beauty, peace, and connection.

It helps you mark time by seeing shifting light, the seasons, and the life of plants.

Let's do this!

Sit down in your garden for a few moments this weekend while enjoying a cup of tea. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and enjoy the beauty around you.

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Maybe you'd like to read a book while relaxing in your garden? Visit our BookShop for lots of curated garden design goodness.

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We've pulled together 100 design tips for you in our 10x10 GARDEN DESIGN TIPS series for only $10. This is a fun way to gently start learning about garden design one day at a time.

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If you know someone that needs design inspiration, please feel free to share this newsletter. Anyone can subscribe right here. I also keep a VAULT of past issues in this secret location.

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Many warm wishes to you,

Lisa 

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PAPER GARDEN WORKSHOP

Thank you to Mandy Orgler for designing the lovely graphics in all these newsletters.