November is a month that starts to remind us that we are heading towards summer, but that doesn’t include those hot and sticky humid days…yet! The longer days and shorter nights kick in, gearing us up for the holidays. This season also encourages more time to be spent outdoors, planning our holidays or taking time to find new hobbies.

But, it’s also the point in the final stretch where your energy levels are low and you just fall into a bit of a slump.

But don’t stress, as we all go through it. And there are ways to get around it.

Here are some tips to get to that end-game of “fun in the sun”:-

• If you are fortunate to have some leave in December, make a list of what your ideal summer holiday is going to be like. Your “to do list” could be a schedule where you can plan your days in advance and pace yourself. The list could include categories, ie home activities, outdoor activities, things that are free to do, and those that cost some money.

• Try some physical exercise or activity, maybe learn how to paint, or grab that book you have so wanted to read. The best, and if possible, unplug from everything electronic and take a breather (even if it is just for an hour during the day).

• If you have spare cash, get a makeover! It could be a new haircut, new makeup or even a summer wardrobe.

• You’re most certainly not alone in this end of year slump. So plan a get together or have a braai, organize a girls’ night out, get some wine and enjoy some cheesy movies. Lean on each other and it will all be alright. And while you’re at it, have some fun!

• If food is your thing and you know that helps with the stress, make a list of the amazing dishes you want to try, whether it be sweet, savoury, exciting snacks and the likes, get excited with the things you are going to try.

• When making your list, why not plan something a little different, and leave the city behind and head off to the Midlands to Granny Mouse Country House & Spa? Whether it’s just you, you and a partner, or a group of you, just celebrate life and remind yourself there is a world that exists outside of your possible stressed out state in the city. The “Mouse Team” will certainly pamper to your needs.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a planner or not, just ensure that you enjoy this time with family and friends and make the most of your time off. Remember, being well-rested means there is nothing wrong with taking a day (or two) for yourself. Be flexible and allow yourself the time and space to relax!

A water feature makes a beautiful, multipurpose addition to the garden. Placed in a visible location, its soothing sounds imbue a sense of peace and tranquility. Creating a sanctuary and sense of serenity at home is more important – especially after what our resilient Province has gone through these past two years!

The team that looks after the Granny Mouse Country House & Spa gardens would like to inspire you to invest in a garden water feature. It could be a birdbath, a bubbling fountain or even a pond – basically any type of water feature that will attract wildlife and help to remove pollen or pollutants from the atmosphere.

You would be helping the birds, insects, frogs and other wildlife who appreciate fresh water year-round, more so in our hot, dry summers. With proper pond size and depth, Koi and other fish can provide hours of enjoyment too. Beneficial wildlife attracted to your water will help control many undesirable insects like the dreaded mozzie!

There are a lot of additional benefits to having a water feature in your outdoor living space. It adds to the relaxing effect of running water to your home. It is a great focus for your landscaping.

Water features also create a wonderful entertainment space during the warm seasons. It gives you more gardening options by adding water plants. Best of all, building a water feature benefits the environment.

A self-sustaining water feature is an ecosystem. A water feature benefits plants and wildlife, not just in your yard, but throughout your surrounding area. It creates a safe habitat for fish, frogs, turtles, dragonfly larvae, beneficial bacteria, and a myriad of other wildlife.

It also can serve as a water sources for butterflies and bees, and for mammals ranging from mongooses and birds to larger animals like duiker.

Another positive is flowing water, which dilutes nearby noise pollution, while releasing a continuous flow of negative ions. In some research it’s been shown to found connection between negative ions and reducing stress, providing tranquility every minute of every day, creating natural visual appealing space.

There are a few water features to choose from that may tickle your fancy:

1. Ponds, and each can be made to any size, shape or depth.
2. Reflecting pools, are usually the central feature and often have formal shapes with walking areas.
3. Ornamental pools are generally located near a deck or patio, designed around an ornamental piece like a spouting statue, a vertical cascading fountain or a bell fountain.
4. Water gardens are living water features, with aquatic plant life that is full of vibrant colours and textures. Plants, both inside and outside the perimeter of the pond, create a lush natural setting.
5. Fish can be added to almost any type of water feature as long as certain life-sustaining criteria are met. Goldfish and Koi are common favourites.
6. Waterfalls, like fountains, add sound, motion and vitality to your water feature, created with natural stone slabs or boulders. Waterfalls also bring a vertical dimension.
7. Streams are ideal for meandering along paths, walkways or even pool decks. Acting as natural filters, streams are often designed to flow into waterfalls and cascade into a pond to help sustain the entire ecosystem of a water feature.

Next time you’re in the Midlands, pop into Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, check out their gardens and get inspired!

Inspired by: https://artisticlandscaping.co/landscaping-resources-water-features-types.php