THERE'S nothing unusual about getting out in your garden on the weekend. Unless, of course, you do it without your clothes.
Green thumbs around the globe will be getting their hoses out as part of World Naked Gardening Day this Saturday, May 4.
Celebrated annually on the first Saturday of May, the light-hearted day was created as a cheeky way to celebrate and accept all forms of the human body. Better yet, there's no extra laundry.
Stuart Whelan from the Australian Naturalist Federation encouraged people to give the day a go.
He said being naked, particularly outdoors, gave him a feeling of freedom.
"It's something that took me 50 years to experience and my only regret is that I didn't experience it earlier," he said.
According to Stuart the best way to overcome nerves is to go out into your backyard, take a few deep breaths and do what you would normally do.
But before you strip off, remember to take some extra safety precautions.
Here are some tips to "cover your assets":
- Wear sunscreen and a hat (the rules allow it) so you don't get sunburnt in awkward areas
- Avoid planting thorny bushes like roses and bougainvilleas. Those thorns would be rather painful in sensitive areas! And best to postpone repotting your cacti until another day.
- Wear shoes to look after your sensitive soles
- Watch out for insects. Ants, wasps and spiders can give you a nasty bite
- Be careful where you squat down
- Avoid using the chainsaw and secateurs and be careful with other tools
- Avoid mowing the lawn or whipper snipping - probably best just to do some hand weeding
- Avoid climbing up ladders and trees.
- Watch out for rose pricks and farmer's friends
- Let your neighbours know if you're planning to do your gardening in the buff so they don't get a shock! Likewise, it's best to avoid peering over neighbouring fences.
Stuck for ideas on what to plant? May is your last chance to get your winter vegies in. If you haven't already, start planting brassicas such as Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, kale and bok choy.
For some colour, add some companion plants such as pansies, viola, snapdragons and marigolds.
May is also a great time to tackle your weeds and top up your mulch.
- Read more: How to grow a bee-friendly garden
- Read more: Bloomin' Beautiful: Go coconut crazy
