Key elements for a wellbeing garden
A wellbeing garden relies on several key elements, and so if you’re looking to create an outdoor space that helps you escape both in mind and body, then here are the key elements to consider for your outdoor space.
Sensory planting
For your wellbeing garden, sensory planting is crucial. It’s therefore important to choose plants for scent, whether that’s lavender or jasmine to help calm the mind, or colors to boost your mood.
Some of the best colors for boosting your mood include bright yellows and soft blues, so be selective with your planting. Having more sensory elements in your wellbeing space really does make a big difference to how you feel internally.
Create zones
Creating zones is a good way of separating the space and making it a more visually interesting space, too. Designating these areas for specific purposes, whether it be for quiet reflection, reading, or yoga, makes your garden space a lot more enticing, all year round.
Separate these zones with hedges or trellises. This helps to create more privacy, especially when sharing the garden with other family members.
You can create zones even with smaller spaces. For bigger gardens, zones are great for creating a more intimate and cozy feel to the space.
Add sound and movement
Incorporating sound and movement is a good way of adding audible soundscapes to your garden.
Water features help to mask unwanted noise, so that could be in the form of a bird bath or a pond with a fountain in the middle. Any sort of fountain flowing sounds or bubbling streams can make a big difference to how your garden sounds and feels when you enter it.
Introduce some wind chimes for that soothing melody and sound within the garden. It can offer a wonderful backdrop whilst meditating or relaxing with a good book.
You could always bring out a waterproof speaker to add to the ambience of the space, too.
Comfort and accessibility
Another element required for your wellbeing garden is comfort, as well as accessibility. Incorporating comfortable and ergonomic seating. This can help support your body as you ease and relax into the space.
Accessibility is also another important element to add to the space, regardless of whether you need the extra space for any reason or not.
Wide paths, for example, help to navigate the outdoor space with more ease, and raised beds make gardening easier and a lot more relaxing too.
Natural materials
Natural materials are incredibly beneficial when it comes to adding to a space where you require more zen and chilled vibes.
Consider using wood, stone, and water to create that grounded and natural feel. Explore the different textures you can add to the space, too, whether that’s paving stones or gravel to add more color and interest to the space.
Don’t forget to use these natural materials in the outdoor furniture too.
Mental health benefits and tips
Anything you can do in your day-to-day life to improve your mental health and mood is a must, including gardening. With that being said, here are some of the mental health benefits and tips to embrace.
Mindfulness and flow
When it comes to gardening, use repetitive and simple tasks, whether that’s planting, weeding, or pruning, to enter a state of flow. This repetitive process can help to reduce anxiety.
If you’re new to gardening, then doing the simple and repetitive tasks can help you focus more on your mind, rather than the completion of the chores.
Start small
It’s a good idea to begin with the smaller container plants on a windowsill or patio where space is limited. If you’re also new to gardening, then you don’t want to overwhelm yourself too much to begin with.
For those who might need that extra bit of help when gardening, consider getting a professional, as this will certainly help.
Establish a routine that isn’t too pressured
Regular sessions spent in your garden are going to be more productive for your mental health than having to do infrequent bursts of intense labor.
Try not to make your routines in the garden too pressured, otherwise you can end up falling out of love with the garden itself, nevermind doing work to it.
Attract wildlife
Wildlife is a wonderful element to have in your garden, especially when it comes to bird feeders, pollinator-friendly plants, and baths.
Adding wildlife to your space really does help bring a sense of companionship and wonder to the environment when you’re out there. By adding more elements to attract wildlife, you’re also benefiting the environment and the ecosystem locally.
Personalize your space
Personalizing the space is always a good way to bring joy to your garden and to make it feel more like your own space, too. Add items that bring you joy, such as personal sculptures, cozy benches, and wind chimes. A cozy bench is a great way to simply sit and exist in your outdoor space.
Create privacy with big shrubs and trees
Privacy is important and can help to create an even more personal space. Consider adding some privacy with big shrubs and trees, especially in any areas of the garden that feel like you’re being overlooked.
By focusing on these elements, you can help transform your space into a sanctuary that you can escape to. Who doesnt want a wellbeing garden to escape to now and then?