Have you ever looked at your garden, and wondered “Is this a jungle? Or a world full of Zen that is yet to be discovered?” Fear not, for even the haphazard chaos of wildflowers can evolve into a masterpiece with a sprinkle of creativity. Grab that quirky garden-gnome. Why is he alone all the time? Bring in a hedgehog or a flamingo statue. A garden’s gotta have pals, right? It would be impossible to relax in your living area without some cushions. The outdoors deserves companionship too. You can seek inspiration from Central Gazette. Read more now on Central Gazette

You know that moment when sunlight waltzes in through the windows, and suddenly everything looks ethereal? Choose curtains that will play peek-a -boo with sunlight. Prefer blackout? Fine, be the vampire. Let those rays in a little bit. Tease your indoor plants with the opportunity to dazzle them. They’re just freeloading green folks unless they catch some vitamin D.

Have a shed full of tools that has become a black hole monstrous, suckling everything from rakes and forgotten dreams to forgotten rakes? It’s time for a reckoning. Implement the most absurd yet liberating ritual: the annual tool festival. Gather your neighbors, show off your myriad of nearly-functioning shears, and barter for someone’s half-broken leaf blower. This builds character and bonds, while leaving you with only a slight reduction in equipment for next fall.

You’ve heard of feng shui, the dance of balance and energy flow yadda yadda. Quickly now, beneath all that mumbo jumbo lies a spark of truth. Move that awkward sofa to the left and move the cactus pet to the window sill. Voila, instant rejuvenation. It’s not necessary to have a feng-shui master reciting ancient wisdom. Just a little bit of internet advice mixed with magazine clippings from last week and a neighbor’s rumor that moving objects around will attract prosperity is enough. Who knows!

Let’s discuss paths–garden ones, that is. Like the side plot of a film about a young person’s coming of age, they are unnecessary. Cobblestones or gravel? Classic concrete or whimsical wooden planks? Even a foot shuffler who is prone to shuffle his feet should be able to confidently stride, keeping an eye out for any pixies hiding in the azaleas. Stepping stones: bookmarks on your garden’s novel, urging curious eyes to linger before turning the page.