7 Ways to beat the winter blues

This time of year is always a little hard for me. Not the holiday season anymore. Not yet Spring. Still chilly, rainy, sometimes snowy. I love the seasons (one reason I’m a Midwest transplant from CA), but this in-between one can be rough.
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On this gloomy February day, I’m sharing with you 7 ways to beat the winter gloom.  The secret? Savor the season. Whether it's hot and sunny where you are or cold and gloomy, I hope you take me up on at least one of these challenges to connect to nature this season:

1. Get outside. Bundle up if you need to. Go on a walk, sit on your patio, or just step out of the office and breath in some crisp air.  If it’s rainy, go on a romantic walk in the rain. Take in the weather, the plants, the breeze however you can today.
2. Take photos. Armed with a camera, I see the world differently. I look for art in nature. I might stop when I see a dried seedpod or hydrangea head. So take a photo when you get outside. Extra points if you post on social media with #LeeleesGarden.
3. Plan a nature adventure. Head to the beach, visit The Garfield Conservatory, get to The Chicago Botanic Garden or one near you.  Find somewhere special you can take in the season this month.
4. Buy yourself flowers. Brighten up your home with fresh flowers, a reminder of Spring to come.
5. Make an indoor garden. Whether it’s a terrarium or a vertical garden, bring some green inside to enjoy. Not sure how or want me to get everything ready for you? Take a pop-up class with Leelee’s Garden.
6. Stay in. What? Connect to nature by staying inside?  Yes. Take a cue from mother nature and give yourself some rest and rejuvenation. Drink some tea and curl up with a blankie and a book or find your perfect way to hibernate some this month. Ready yourself for the flurry of Spring.
7. Dream of Spring. My favorite time of year to be a gardener is right now.  I love to think about what I’ll grow when the soil warms up: arugula and peas coming soon, tomatoes ripe on the vine and happy sunflowers in August. So get a seed catalog or just start dreaming: what do you want to grow this year? If you’re not sure where to start, I’d love to help you design your garden.

In the comments, share how you are going to enjoy the rest of winter.

Stay Warm!  
 -Leelee

Photographs by Leann Dameron and Farial English