The Healing Power of Holistic Gardening and Landscape Design

Photo: Courtesy of Phase One Landscapes

Research in psychology and environmental science demonstrates the profound impact of nature on human health. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood and cognitive function. These benefits reflect our innate connection to the natural world and the therapeutic benefits of gardens and the outdoors.

In our fast paced, tech-driven world, finding moments of tranquility and connection with nature is increasingly hard to find. We’re fortunate to live in Colorado where outside activities abound in the mountains and the plains. But it doesn’t take a car ride to achieve the refuge you’re looking for. We can all create spaces closer to home that are privately secluded from the outside world. Gardens, even very small ones, offer an escape from the stresses of daily life and nurture our health—physically, emotionally and psychologically. 

Having a well-designed outdoor living and garden space plays a crucial role in its ability to promote wellness and healing, and is very achievable in our urban setting. Healing gardens are thoughtfully crafted to engage the senses, evoke positive emotions and provide for relaxation and reflection.  Key design elements include:

Sensory Stimulation 

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Incorporate a variety of plants, textures, colors and fragrances. Think about what makes you happy—many different elements to immerse into, or a simple, less busy planting scheme approach providing calmness. Consider plants such as peace lilies and fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary and mint. Flowering shrubs such as lilacs and viburnums have incredible aroma during their short blooming periods. 

Accessibility 

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Ensure that the garden and relaxation spaces are easy to get to for people of all ages and abilities—smooth pathways, ramps if needed, and comfortable seating areas sized for just one, or a small group for socializing. Think about what you like to do for your own escape.

Privacy 

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Create secluded nooks and intimate spaces where one can find solitude and contemplation away from the hectic life we all seem to live. Tuck seating spaces behind plantings, create a screen panel/trellis for a sense of place, surround edges of your patio with interesting shrubs and perennials. Plant taller trees around the perimeter to screen windows, house walls and other views that may cause the perception of invasion into your space.

Harmony 

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 Make sure that your space harmonizes with the materials and architecture of your home. Outdoor elements can incorporate matching materials on the residence such as stone, brick or wood. One can use similar color tones and textures to create the sense that it belongs. Belonging, not competing, will give a sense of place and a holistic theme to the space.

Special Amenities 

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Create a tranquil meditation corner with a cascading or bubbling water feature. Invite birds in with a feeder and water source. Consider speakers to add music. Add subtle lighting to create a tranquil mood after sunset. A small fire pit can help warm on a chilly evening. Surround the space with greenery and other personal items that make you happy and contemplative.

You don’t need a vast estate to experience the healing power of gardens and outdoor living. Even a small balcony container garden, a limited vegetable area, or an indoor plant collection that you take outside in the summer can offer the holistic benefits we are all craving.

Dave Graham is co-owner of Phase One Landscapes, a landscape design/build firm that has designed and built hundreds of landscapes over the last 30 years in Greater Metro Denver neighborhoods, Boulder, and along the Front Range. View their profile or contact them at 303.750.6060 to request an initial consultation.

Content for this article provided by Phase One Landscapes