The holidays can leave us feeling both joyful and exhausted. With decorations to put away, family gatherings to wrap up, and a long list of tasks to catch up on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But what if you took this time to recharge instead?
Restorative gardening offers a chance to step away from the chaos and find peace in simple, intentional tasks.
Whether you’re tending to your houseplants, reflecting on your gardening year, or preparing for the next growing season, these activities can soothe your mind and spirit while keeping your green thumb active.
Tend to Your Indoor Plants
Houseplants often take a backseat during the holiday hustle. Now is the perfect time to give them some attention. Start by inspecting each plant. Are the leaves dusty? Wipe them gently with a damp cloth to help them breathe better and look vibrant.
Check the soil—is it dry, compacted, or in need of fresh nutrients? A good watering or a light application of fertilizer can do wonders.
If you notice a plant has outgrown its pot, consider repotting it into a slightly larger container with fresh soil.
Adding a new plant to your collection can also be restorative. Consider a low-maintenance option like a snake plant or pothos if you’re looking for something easy to care for.
Introducing fresh greenery into your home can create a sense of renewal and brighten your living space during the winter months.
Enjoy Simple Outdoor Tasks
For those gardening in Florida’s 10A zone, this isn’t the slow season—it’s the start of one of the busiest and most exciting times in the garden.
While you gear up for planting, taking a moment for simple tasks can help ground you and set the tone for the season.
Small efforts like clearing fallen leaves, refreshing mulch, or trimming back dead growth can be both satisfying and calming.
If your area experiences occasional frost, check any protective measures you’ve put in place, such as frost blankets or cloches.
You don’t need to spend hours working outdoors. Even a few minutes walking through your garden, observing the vibrant growth or changes in your plants, can help you reconnect with your space.
These small acts allow you to nurture your garden while giving yourself a chance to pause and recharge.
Organize and Reflect
This transitional period offers an ideal opportunity to organize and reflect on your gardening journey.
Start by tidying your gardening tools and supplies. Clean and sharpen pruners, oil wooden handles, and discard items that are beyond repair.
Sorting through your seeds is another great task; check expiration dates and make a list of what you’ll need for the upcoming planting season.
Reflection is just as important as organization.
Take some time to journal about your gardening successes and challenges from the past year. Did a particular plant thrive in your care?
Were there lessons learned from a failed crop or pest issue? Writing these thoughts down can provide clarity and help you plan for the future. It’s also a chance to celebrate your growth as a gardener.
Bring Greenery Indoors
If the winter landscape feels sparse or you’re looking for indoor projects, consider bringing a touch of nature inside.
Propagating cuttings from your existing plants is a rewarding way to multiply your collection. Start with something simple, like pothos or spider plants, which root easily in water. Watching new roots form can be a hopeful reminder that growth continues, even during busy times.
Another option is to create a terrarium.
Use a clear glass container and layer it with small stones, activated charcoal, and potting soil. Add miniature plants like moss, ferns, or succulents to build a tiny, self-contained garden.
These small green spaces can serve as focal points in your home and bring joy to your daily routine.
Find Balance During a Busy Season
Restorative gardening in Florida’s 10A zone isn’t about slowing down the work; it’s about finding balance amid the activity.
By tending to your plants, organizing your tools, or simply spending a quiet moment in your garden, you can create a sense of calm and renewal.
As you move into the New Year, let these small acts of care remind you to nurture not only your plants but also yourself.
Sometimes, the best way to grow is to pause and appreciate the season, even in its busiest moments.
Weekly Bonus Content
Each week, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic, so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas. You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon or Botanical Interests to help you find the tools and seeds you need.
In Between We Garden participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.
To make your gardening journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie each week, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to dig deeper.
Other Articles I’ve Written
- A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Vegetables Indoors
- The Gardening Mindset: Patience, Presence, and Positivity
Affiliate Links
Book suggestions from Amazon:
- The Well-Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-Smith
- 2025 Wild Floridian Garden Planner
- Wild Florida Garden Planner: Week-by-Week Journal and Logbook
Weekly Freebie
from Green in Real Life: Free Garden Journal Printables
Additional Resources
- American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA): This organization provides insights into the therapeutic benefits of gardening, offering articles, programs, and resources for using gardening as a restorative and healing practice.
- The Real Dirt Blog: Healing Gardens