February 5, 2021 | Mariel Roe
Be it a windowsill, balcony, or garden – make a big deal out of your small space
The recent weeks have really created a stark contrast between those with gardens and those without; between those living in urban areas and those within walking distance of more rural spaces. We have all been united by our longing for access to some green and pleasant land – of any kind
Our access to outdoor space has become intrinsically linked to our well-being, with daily walks acting as a mental and literal breath of fresh air for so many of us. Here in London, situations vary widely. Outdoor space can be a real lottery and totally dependent on your area. For the most part, we have had to make do with what our property allows. For some of us, that could be a decent-sized garden. For others, it’s the potted plant on the windowsill.
Whatever your situation, we have some tips for you…
Small garden? Get planning & create zones
Maximise a small space with some careful planning. Creating small zones in your urban garden will add variety and the illusion of more space. As an example, you could section off a small patch for veggies, a pebbled miniature zen garden and a seating area.
Just a terrace? Use planters & plant pots
If all you are working with is a concrete terrace – fear not. Stock up on as many planters and plant pots that will fit in your small area. They tend to be cheap, portable and do not take up much room.
Not even a balcony? Invest in indoor plants
In a less-than leafy urban area, sometimes you must bring nature to you. My personal favourite house plants include the peace lily (cheap, cheerful, low-maintenance), the bonsai (elegant, mysterious, zen), the pothos (fast-growing, unfussy, bright) and some plain old ivy – it looks beautiful in a hanging pot, left to grow and dangle downwards.
Brighten up concrete areas with colour
If your outdoor space is more concrete than leafy, inject some colour into it with flowers. Again, if you do not have space for an actual flower bed, invest in some cheap and cheerful flowerpots. Peonies are bright and perky and have the bonus of being drought and slug resistant.
Start your own herb garden
As well as being inexpensive, plentiful, and low maintenance, growing herbs gives you the chance to vary up your cooking and use some of your own home-grown produce! Grow your own mint and enjoy fresh mint tea; grow lavender and create homemade perfumed parcels for friends; grow the classic flavours of rosemary and thyme for use in many meals.
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Sue-Anne Hilbre Biggs, the director of the Royal Horticultural Society, says that the link between greenery and mental health is huge:
‘We know for sure that plants and gardening are vital for our mental health. There is nothing quite like being around and interacting with nature to relax and help ease the mind. Ninety per cent of us say we feel better just by being around plants and evidence continues to stack up around the positive impact of gardening and having access to green space has on our mental health.’
Whatever your outdoor space, make the most of it. Even the addition of a new houseplant indoors can be a mood boost. In the next few weeks and months, uncertainty will be high, and anxiety will surely continue to be rife. Consider investing in your outdoor space as investing in your mental health.
London Youth work to improve the lives of young people in London, challenging them to become the best they can, and last year helped over 27,000 young people through their sports development, youth action and involvement, arts and outdoor education programmes and employment prospects. We feel strongly that all young people should have an opportunity to develop themselves, and so are delighted to be able to support London Youth in their work, providing young people with access to opportunities they might not otherwise have had, to learn new skills, to make a positive change in their communities and to shape the city they live in.
Glass Door helps homeless men and women in London through their large network of emergency shelters and support services. These winter shelters provide a warm welcome, food, safety and shelter for up to 170 people every night. Properly feels passionately about the issue of homelessness. That is why we are delighted that together with our clients we can assist Glass Door in their fantastic work to help some of the most marginalised people in society.
Families become homeless for reasons we can all identify with. We are concerned about people who are struggling to keep things together in our fast-paced world – and we care about those who have no support. We chose the Doorstep Homeless Family Project because they are passionate and effective yet they are a small team with limited funding. They provide homeless families, living in temporary accommodation in London, with access to services to secure the emotional and practical support they require to enjoy a better quality of life.
We need nature and nature needs us. We support The London Wildlife Trust because we share its concern for the environment. We want to ensure that we keep nature in mind as we work in the property market – and crucially, with people’s homes. We also want our employees to engage with nature and benefit from the wellbeing this brings. London Wildlife Trust cares for over 37 of London’s spaces, and their vision is: “a London alive with nature, where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife”.
Mariel and Michael made the process of agreeing a housing let incredibly seamless, stress-free and quick. Their timely communication and fantastic ‘customer service’ was second to none. Would highly recommend
Mariel helped me sell my apartment in West London. She was always there when I needed her. Her advice was invaluable and made everything a whole lot easier. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
I was so pleased to be introduced to Properly. Mariel and Michael provide an excellent service that took the stress and hassle out of finding a tenant. They were a pleasure to deal with, efficient and fast. A marked difference from the hidden costs and poor communication often encountered from other high street estate agents. I would thoroughly recommend and happily use again!
Mariel and Michael have been absolutely great, by far my best ever experience with an estate agent. Properly is honest, upfront and friendly, responding really quickly to any and all queries and with a lovely personal touch.
We did not feel rushed at all which was great as it really allowed us to really take the property in. We did put down an offer and Properly did a great job in securing a good outcome for both the sellers and ourselves.If you are looking for an agency that will do more than just open the door then look no further.
The service is outstanding. Mariel could not be more helpful and professional. Every individual I engaged with, was well informed and had the full history of conversations. First class service.
Both Michael and Mariel were extremely helpful with our questions going forward whether it be regarding referencing or the property itself. Definitely not the usual estate agent experience (in a good way) and I would recommend Properly to anyone.
Michael and Mariel have been very helpful from the time I contacted them on a property I was interested to rent and through the offer process. Mariel did a wonderful video call showing of the house since I was not in London at the time. I felt completely comfortable to sign the lease from the video call. Thank you Mariel!