By Desmond Ho

Tips for your outdoor experience

It is all too common for us to avoid the outdoors due to the discomfort and inconvenience of the rain, bugs, mosquitoes and the humidity of our climate. Let's be honest, I have no magic formula to make them disappear. We just have to accept and seek to understand the laws of nature.

However, there are preventive measures that can help. For mosquitoes, the best way is to make sure your outdoor space and surrounding area is airy, clean and bright. Before you go outside especially in the evening, light some citronella candles or serai wangi, both fragrances will repel mosquitoes. A natural repellent spray can be kept on hand for any visiting friend or guest.

You can add plants that repel mosquitoes, such as the 'mozzie buster' citronella geranium among other plants to provide a natural deterrent. Place these plants in cool, dark corners where mosquitoes usually rest during the day. Also, trees or plants that attract bugs or mosquitoes can be trimmed instead of chopping them down. Good garden planning and deciding where to place such trees will also help. A well-planned garden with the right kind of angle, shade and strategic placement of plants will also likely help reduce heat.

As for the rain, there's nothing much you can do except embrace it or enjoy it from indoors. After all, fighting Mother Nature is as foolish as trying to control it. Just go with the flow!