Sabrina Hahn: What to do in the garden this Easter weekend, from building a cubby to adding new plants

I reckon it’s a safe assumption that many people will choose to stay at home during the Easter break instead of travelling to regional areas for a holiday. Concerns about fuel supplies, rising fuel prices, floods, cyclones, and higher food costs make a good argument to stay at home. Overall, it’s a sensible response. Rather than being disappointed, direct your energies into making this Easter a great holiday break and prepare a list of fun things to do that you usually never have time for. If you love camping, set up a tent in the backyard, crank up the barbie, get the camping chairs out, and invite friends or neighbours over for an evening at home under the stars. The garden can come alive for children with an Easter egg trail where the bunnies poo out chocolate droppings in secret places (rabbits do actually poo in one spot). Plant mysterious objects in the garden, and leave a collection of cubby building material for them to create their own campsite or Easter nesting area. With the exception of Good Friday, most nurseries and shops are open all Easter, so it’s a great time to get enthusiastic about revamping a summer-stressed garden. For those looking to replant, planning is paramount rather than impulse buying. I do it all the time, then have to move plants to accommodate the new purchases. We are all attracted to a plant in flower, and while it may look pretty now, if it’s the wrong plant in the wrong place you have just wasted your money. Become a plant stalker — investigate how tall and wide it grows, does it flower more than once, what soil type does it prefer, does it love full sun or hide in the shade. It’s like Tinder-dating your plant. This Easter, make it a priority to just sit quietly in the garden and engage with your surroundings. Take the time to listen, smell, and observe. We often get caught up in the chaotic pace of life; we forget the very simple joys of doing nothing. We are all inherently connected to nature. It calms us and reminds us of where we came from, and we can remember those who came before us. Spending time outside in nature, whether it’s going on a bushwalk or having lunch with family under a tree refuels us with hope and joy and the goodness of others. Tip of the week Discover the simple joys of your own home, share food and laughter with those you cherish, practice humility and kindness, and throw it around freely. Three jobs to do 1. Keep cutting dahlia blooms and bring inside — they are great cut flowers, and last for a couple of weeks. 2. Save spaces in your garden to purchase plants at the Perth Garden Show on April 17-19 at McCallum Park. 3. Fertilise lawns now to extend their growing season until the cold weather slows down growth in winter. Do you have a question for Sabrina? To submit a question to Green With Envy, inside Saturday’s The West Australian, write to Ask Sabrina, GPO Box D162, Perth, 6001 or email home@wanews.com.au. Please include your full name and suburb. Due to the volume of questions, not all of them will be answered.