Green Councillor Wendy Turner, 58, from Thurston, embarked on a project to 'rewild' her front garden, which also became very social as it was a conversation starter with passers-by.
She said:
"I think it has helped as I always feel better if I'm outside, whatever the weather, and it has given me a long-term aim and a structure to the week as I plan to do a little bit each day.
"I have a plan and a design which I keep adding to. I am not a naturally patient person so it has helped me 'wait' as growing things can sometimes be a bit slow. I like instant results.
"I also get excitement from growing things from seed; I get a real thrill seeing new plants emerge from the soil - must be my age! This patience has helped me deal with the waiting for lockdown to end as my mind is thinking about my garden and what else I need to do."
Wendy hopes to turn the grass into a meadow with wild flowers and the raised beds will have a mix of vegetables and flowers. She has also planted a new bird-friendly hedge and two fruit trees.
"There's lots of work to be done in the spring. I will be sewing lots of wild flower seeds in my greenhouse in early spring. I have a huge mix of seeds some of which I don't know what they are as I didn't label the containers - nothing like a surprise for extra excitement!"
She said she needs structure for the week so has a timetable of things to do, with the aim of completing something such as finishing the raised beds or decorating a room in the house. She also has her council work and three live fitness classes a week.
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/people-share-lockdown-coping-tips-6908010