Gransnet forums

Chat

Sitting in the garden

(69 Posts)
Willow500 Sat 19-May-18 16:38:49

Only I'm no!. It's a beautiful day - I've watched the wedding and then been out to cut the grass and tidy the garden - and now I'm sitting in this windowless box wondering why we have tables and chairs out there in 3 different areas but never ever sit outside? I can't even explain why to myself let alone others who think we're weird. The odd occasions we did used to sit out was when we had family to visit or family parties but those days are gone so now I'm left pondering why. I've come to the conclusion it might be the chairs - not particularly comfortable or the sun - can't see to read - the heat - I'm not good in heat or just simply that I don't DO outdoors! Is anyone else the same?

SillyNanny321 Sun 20-May-18 10:40:29

Where is all the heat everyone is hating? Here on the coast the sea is still ice cold so keeps the temperature down. We have 16 degrees at most at the moment even with the sun out. Do not like being too hot but would welcome a little more! Can someone send some over please?

Applegran Sun 20-May-18 10:40:41

P.S. I should have said that I don't like sitting in direct sunshine, so have a sun hat and often sit under a tree or an umbrella.

moobox Sun 20-May-18 10:42:22

Interested by this discussion, as I am the same as the OP. DH requested a table at eating height last week, so that is coming on Monday with some upright cane chairs, and we have 2 top of the range recliner seats, plus the old wooden rotting ones round the garden. But after maybe half an hour's work out there early on, I don't really go out there and sit on my own.

Coconut Sun 20-May-18 10:46:14

I treated myself to a 3 seater swinging hammock, so often lay out there swinging in the shade. Even when it’s been cool I have wrapped myself in a blanket and laid there having a read, I love it.

Jaycee5 Sun 20-May-18 10:48:54

I only do outdoors in short bursts but I do miss having a garden (I'm in a first floor flat). I used to go to the flat but then I would think (what am I doing here) and then just go home again. I get hay fever and also am not too good if it is too hot so I prefer Spring and Autumn and even Winter to the Summer.

Teacheranne Sun 20-May-18 10:54:57

I love sitting on my patio listening to an audio book and crocheting but cannot bear to sit in direct sun. So last year I treated myself to a patio awning which has been in use several times this year - love it despite one or two teething problems with the wind sensor, it was faulty and the awning kept on going up even without wind! Almost sorted now and I can still use it while the new part is ordered.

I am not able to do much gardening though so do get a bit frustrated as the garden looks more like a jungle but I just try to ignore it. I just hope we have a lovely summer this year as I have not booked a holiday due to my problems - I would rather stay at home than pay a lot to go somewhere and not be able to walk enough to go sightseeing!

GabriellaG Sun 20-May-18 11:56:06

I like it even more now I have a swing installed. I decided to treat myself to a handmade swing earlier this year but have only recently had it 'installed'. It's a most effective way of clearing one's head and gorgetting about the world at large. It would be perfect if I had a pond or small lake to gaze at while swinging but you can't have it all.
Last year's purchase was an almost new wooden garden bench (display model) which I've jazzed up with pink, purple, peach and turquoise outdoor cushions bought online where I can sit or lie to read or sleep with a throw in case it gets a bit cooler. Vitamin D is good for your bones.

GabriellaG Sun 20-May-18 11:57:23

*Oops! Meant to be 'forgetting'.

anitamp1 Sun 20-May-18 12:16:29

We had a small conservatory which was roasting when sun shining as our garden is south facing. We had it replaced with small orangery. What a difference. We sit in it a lot when too cold outside but it is also lovely at height of the summer. But we love to sit outside when it's warm enough. We have comfortable furniture and umbrella. Just love sitting outside reading, watching and listening to the birds. Wonderful.

JanaNana Sun 20-May-18 13:08:58

It's lovely to sit outside eating your breakfast in the nice weather. Just listening to the birds, and deciding what to do or not do is simple pleasures. Watch every possible gardening programme for ideas and tips on what we might do next ..often get a bit more inspiration to make the garden a more enjoyable place to be and then the pleasure of going to garden centres to try and recreate something we have seen. Even if you do not enjoy gardening just sitting out in the fresh air for a little while is good for your health and wellbeing.

Ellie Anne Sun 20-May-18 14:21:12

If it’s warm and sunny I am outside. I would love a swing but with our weather it would need get much use. Would also love a conservatory but our house is not suitable.

Willow500 Sun 20-May-18 14:41:33

I've just been discussing this with my husband on the way back from buying cat food and his answer was 'whenever we have free time we go on the computers so that's why we don't go outside'. He has a point I suppose - I've tried working outside but the sun even under an umbrella interferes with the screens and as I have to work on 4 it's too much of an effort to get it all out. When the conservatory was built it was meant to be an office hence the wall of plugs at one end but it quickly became apparent it wasn't suitable due to the light - I even tried putting the big umbrella up in there grin

Many years ago we had a swing and I did use that to sit and read so the comfort element must be a factor. Those huge great basket hammock chairs look lovely and comfy but what do you do with them in the winter?! We saw someone trying to get one in his car at B&M Stores this morning - must have been an impulse buy without thinking of transport hmm

muddynails Sun 20-May-18 15:26:38

Buy one of those swinging seats with a canopy, fill it with soft cushions, a drink to hand and maybe a book, a sunny warm day .. bliss.

Barmeyoldbat Sun 20-May-18 15:52:20

We love outdoors, backdoor always open during the day in good weather and we even sit outside, sometimes wrapped up eating breakfast. Family think we are mad but in the winter when we are away in SE Asia it is the norm to eat outside in all types of weather, even the cold in the mountains, so we just continue at home.

Horatia Sun 20-May-18 15:53:28

Willow500 I am just the same, I wilt in the heat but on the good side, my skin has stayed good without too much sun.

farview Sun 20-May-18 15:57:02

Oh I love being in my garden,love being outdoors,in all but the worst weather,am in the garden more than the house,our garden backs on to farmland and we amazing views,can see for miles&miles,I'm 65 but still love lying on the grass on my tummy watching the newts etc in the pond and because of this all my grandchildren do too!?????

luzdoh Sun 20-May-18 16:05:13

Can't stay in bright sun - migraine! Evening is my favourite time, I can enjoy the garden then but now I do not have a chair which does not set my pain off, so I hardly ever stay out more than about 5 minutes.

Tooyoungytobeagrandma Sun 20-May-18 16:08:57

Ha ha I actually sat in my garden with a cuppa yesterday after watching the wedding. We have 3 seating areas lots of seats and we never sit out! On holiday I sit out on the terrce/balcony and enjoy the warmth and outdoors but don't do it here? My conclusion is that we rarely get decent weather and the evenings go so chilly and that's why? hmm

onaclearday Sun 20-May-18 16:17:12

I have been considering buying a swing seat but wondered how often I would use it. This thread has made up my mind so will start looking for one. Any advice on which to choose would be appreciated.

Barmeyoldbat Sun 20-May-18 16:29:29

Would lov a hammock but no where to put it.

gillyknits Sun 20-May-18 16:34:49

I don’t seem to be able to sit out and relax in our garden. As gardener in chief, I find that I’ll sit for a minute, then spot a giant weed and then I’m off weeding for the rest of the afternoon!

missdeke Sun 20-May-18 16:46:10

I only have a small garden but love to sit out on nice days, unfortunately I usually spy something that needs doing and end weeding or something.

pollyperkins Sun 20-May-18 17:44:48

For me it's because tge wooden chairs are not very comfy and I need to put my feet up. We bought aome cushions but DH insusts on locking them in the shed so they dont get wet if it rains. He's not bothered about cushions and I cant be fussed to unlock the shed and get cushions out for half an hour so end up staying in where it is comfortable and I can look at the garden without getting too hot /cold etc.

HillyN Sun 20-May-18 17:45:38

Another swing-seat lover! The grandkids love it too and often cuddle up with me on it for a swing. When they were babies, it was a great way of getting them to have a nap.
I also have a table and chairs just outside the patio door and I love to take my coffee out there whenever it's fine and warm enough.

Legs55 Sun 20-May-18 18:18:28

I love being outside, I have two tables on one side of my house (where I get the sun most of the day), a bistro set with two chairs that I often sit in for a short rest when gardening & a table with 4 chairs & a parasol. That is where we sit if DD & family come over in good weather, we eat out there (ideal with DGSs, no crumbs to worry about), my table is same height a a dining room table, can't see the point of low ones.

I want to buy a bench for the front of my garden which gets the afternoon & evening sun, just need to find one I like. However like others who enjoy gardening, you sit & look & spot the weeds or a bit of pruning/dead heading & you're off working againgrin. I love sitting in the sunshine with a cafe