Today I have a list of 31 creative ideas to inspire your month of May.
May is an exciting time for most of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring has arrived, the weather is warming up, and dreams of gardens and flowers are swirling around.
But … and it’s a big but … where I live, we can have frosts up until the end of May. If I dare put plants out before June, I can expect to be covering them or hauling them into the garage at least once and probably several times.
So what to do whilst waiting? Well, I came up with a list of things that could keep me busy and satisfied until the magic frost free-days arrive, and I thought I’d share it with you.
31 Creative Ideas to Inspire your Month of May
- Visit greenhouses often and simply enjoy the ambiance. Don’t buy too much (or anything) before you can actually put plants outside safely. Exception: an herb pot…
- … plant an herb pot ;) and keep it indoors until it can sit outside.
- Clean debris from the garden, rototill, and make the edges as neat and straight as possible before the grass gets growing.
- Plant spring bulbs (in the garden.)
- Start spring bulbs indoors. This year I’ve started a few anemones, the really gorgeous colourful ones. They’re sitting on a sunny windowsill downstairs and I can’t wait to see what happens.
- Wash and clean all garden pots so they’re ready when the weather is.
- Set out garden ornaments.
- Start a garden journal.
- Attend gardening seminars or landscaping classes that may be offered in your area.
- Purchase at least one great book on gardening. I have a series of gardening books that I refer to all the time by Lois Hole. They’re invaluable for my Zone 3a garden. I particularly love Perennial Favourites.
- If you have rain barrels, clean and put them out. If you don’t have rain barrels, why don’t you?
- Power wash your deck, veranda, garage pad.
- Clean out closets and get rid of clothing you know you’re never going to wear!
- Purchase a new outfit for spring/summer from a small store in your area (support local!)
- Clean and put away all winter clothes, shoes, boots, mitts, scarves, hats. Like … see ya later eh!
- Have a garage sale to clean out the clutter. At the end of the day have a give-a-way. Don’t take anything back into the house.
- Make a flower press (before the garden gets growing.)
- Sit in the sunshine. Just sit.
- Unplug regularly. Perhaps even designate one social media-free day. Who knows what amazing things might happen …
- Go on a road trip and make time to stop to take photos.
- Take a friend or family member to lunch (preferably at a greenhouse :)
- Walk, walk, walk. Just walk.
- Wash windows. You just cannot beat that sparkly window feeling!
- Buy a few new spring pillows and throws for your sofa.
- Set up garden furniture and make repairs if necessary.
- Make a wreath for your door. Gather twigs and add faux flowers. There are tons of ideas on Pinterest.
- Fancy up some terra cotta pots using these ideas from Better Homes and Gardens.
- If you have a mom, a grandma, or just know a mom … send them a Mother’s Day greeting.
- Try a new salad recipe. Hopefully you’ll find a favourite combination of veggies and fruits you can use all summer (you might like to try my super simple Maple Walnut Salad Dressing.)
- Clean your fridge, your stove, your barbeque … if you’d like some inspiring cleaning and organizing tips check my daughter’s blog here (it’s amazing!)
- On rainy days or even snowy days, blog about what you’ve been up to.
So now I’m off to practice what I preach … I have a seething pile of questionable “collectibles” under the deck that needs to be dealt with :)
If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy these:
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- Herb Garden Markers
- DIY Flower Press
- Upcycled Toolbox Planter
This list would take me well into Autumn Barb! You’ve given us so many wonderful moments and tasks to consider. I have those Lois Hole books and have planted a few bulbs already as well. It’s my last summer planting as we’ll move next year, so tidying up for the new owners is a great idea. I may also have to plant new grass. I better get started on your list!
I think I’ll begin with # 18…
Hi Kathy! Ha! I know … but making the list was a bit of a meditation for me … got me thinking :) I agree about #18, which is what I did this weekend. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Barb,
Such a fantastic list. Off to think about which ones to do. Leaving for NY city on Tuesday. I will do one thing before I go and living in a condo not everything is in the list. I will clean the refrigerator before I leave.
Ann
Hi Ann! I’m quite chuffed that my list inspired you in any way at all! it even inspired me to clean my own fridge … I can’t remember the last time I gave it a thorough overhaul ;)
Hi Barb,
Refrigerator is cleaned and I am only taking my iPhone on this trip no iPad ??
we have also been leaving computers at home.
?? thanks Ann
Oh you make me laugh Ann! Three cheers for holidays with not too many devices ;)
Brilliant list – lots of great suggestions! Thanks for sharing