In today’s busy world, the spaces we use are more important than ever. The home you live in is often designed to be as efficient as possible. Outdoor spaces, on the other hand, have a different kind of potential, which invites you to relax. Having a greener garden is not only aesthetically pleasing; it can change the way you relax and rest.
The garden as a counterbalance to modern life
Modern life moves fast. Constant connectivity, especially with smartphones, creates a sense of urgency. A beautifully designed outdoor space can serve as a counterbalance to modern living. In contrast to artificial lighting indoors, a garden has an abundance of natural light.
Spending even a few minutes outside can reset your mood and help you relax.
Why green changes how we feel
Natural elements such as trees, flowers and grass have been shown to reduce stress levels and improve your overall mood. Green as a color is often associated with balance and gives a feeling of relief.
Filling a garden with a variety of plants and textures creates an immersive environment that you can step into rather than just look at. Even a single potted plant can brighten up a room and bring some life into it. If you have all these plants, you will need to water them regularly, so consider it water tanks to store rainwater so that it is available for use when needed.
Designing for silence, not just style
In the design of most gardens, appearance is paramount, including clean lines and visual impact. While these elements have their place, a slower garden prioritizes experience over perfection.
A few key areas to think about include:
- Soft boundaries – Tall plants and hedges can be used to create a sense of privacy.
- Plant low – Using different heights and textures can draw attention to certain areas.
- Natural materials – Wood, stone and gravel are all ideal building materials.
- Using curved paths through the garden – This invites wandering rather than direct movement.
Spaces within spaces
A popular way to create a relaxing garden is to divide it into smaller zones, each with a specific purpose. This gives you options depending on your mood.
- A corner in the shade with a seat for quiet reflection.
- A sunny spot for morning coffee.
- An untamed little area left for wildlife.
- A space for fragrant plants such as lavender or rosemary.
Each of these different environments encourages you to engage with the garden in multiple ways, rather than in a single static space.
The role of sound and movement
Natural sounds can deepen the feeling of tranquility in a garden. Think about what your garden sounds and looks like.
- Leaves rustle softly in the wind.
- Water dripping from a small fountain or water feature.
- Birds that visit the garden to eat or nest.
Movement also plays a role. Waving grasses or shadows shifting across a path remind you that time is passing, but without any haste.
Letting go of perfection
An obstacle to creating a relaxing, greener garden is often the maintenance it requires. Ironically, this can add stress instead of reducing it.
A greener, slower garden embraces a bit of wildness. Plants grow at their own pace, some areas are less controlled and seasonal changes may be visible. This not only reduces maintenance pressure, but also makes the space feel more lively and authentic.
Make it personal
The ideal garden for you is one that reflects your own preferences. Everyone is different and while some people want a minimalist retreat; others may opt for a more wild, jungle-like garden.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Where do I naturally feel the most relaxed?
- Do I prefer open space or privacy?
- At what time of day will I use the garden most?
Make your design choices based on how you feel, as this will determine what the garden will ultimately look like.
A daily invitation to pause
A garden does not have to be large to experience the benefits of outdoor living. Everything from a small patio to an acre of land can be transformed into an outdoor space for relaxation. All that matters is creating a space that draws you away from the stress of everyday life and into the relaxing outdoors.
And sometimes that’s exactly what we need.
