A garden is something that should be a sanctuary to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Most people need a retreat from the modern world. Whether you are looking to escape into a project to take your mind off modern pressures, or you are learning how to relax, it is so important to create a garden that becomes a sanctuary for your mind, body and soul. Here are the 6 things you need to consider.
By Team Savant
Image: Zane Lee
Don't Worry About What You Don't Know
Many people feel that creating a garden is something beyond their reach. There's a lot of things that you want out of your garden, but you don't know how to do it. Whether you don't know how to prime the soil, or cut sleepers, the fact is there are countless pieces of advice out there that can help you out. This guide by Sam at The Bloke Cave on cutting sleepers is just the tip of the iceberg with regards to what the internet can do. There's fantastic gardening advice out there and there are plenty of people more than willing to impart their wisdom. We should never feel intimidated by what lies ahead of us.
Decide on Your Goals
If you want to create a relaxing space, you have got to decide what makes you feel relaxed. Many people do not necessarily know how to drill deep into what makes them truly unwind in the modern world. Partly because we've become blindsided by social media, and rather than actually retreating to a calm space, we think nothing of scrolling through social media. Instead, think about what makes you relaxed. What are the key components of a garden space is just about sitting down and enjoying the environment. You need to make the most of your garden, whatever the weather, and this means that you need to add plenty of seating in open spaces but also in sheltered areas. A sheltered area is something that really should be at the forefront of your mind, so you can enjoy the gardens even when it is pouring with rain. There are plenty of gazebos out there and numerous sheds, but it all has to come from your unique goals. A garden can be a relaxing space, but if you don't use it because it is impractical, or you haven't given yourself enough options to unwind, it is going to waste.
Focus on the Idea of Enclosure
A garden should make us feel protected by our surroundings. A garden, for many people, is the very definition of privacy. And one of the best ways to add privacy quickly is to install fences. But this is not the only way to create privacy. You can add hedges to the garden to create a more natural sense of enclosure. There are more benefits to having hedges than fences, especially as many hedges can trap pollution and noise, so you are not just going to feel enclosed, but you are enjoying the benefits of a cleaner environment.
Do You Want to Get Closer to Nature?
Naturally, if you want to bring in bees and butterflies to the garden, there are some great plants that can help to attract pollinating insects like bees. If you don't like the idea of bringing them in you've got to make sure that you do your best to not attract them. But it is important to point out that insects are what will make your garden what it is. Insects may not be everybody's cup of tea, but a garden is a respite for insects and creatures that pollinate. When you are creating a safe haven for yourself, you could create a safe haven for wildlife as well.
Installing Equipment That Brings Out the Best in You
Of course, a garden doesn't just need to be relaxing. If you need to stimulate yourself, especially if you are not ready to go back to a gym, you can install exercise equipment. The great thing about exercising is that you don't need lots of fancy equipment. In fact, exercising with just a set of resistance bands and a yoga mat could be just as effective, if not more, than actually heading to a gym. Doing yoga in an environment with lots of colours is going to add to your sense of well-being. There are many benefits to being outside in nature, and whether you are not keen on exercising, but want to incorporate more mindful practices, meditating in the garden environment can immediately make you feel calm. Partly, this is due to the effect of grounding. When you have your feet on earth could help you in many different areas of your life. There's a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that ground you can help with a number of conditions and improve mood. This could be one of the best ways to bring out the best of you.
Making it a Simple Space
Creating a garden that is going to nurture and rejuvenate you shouldn't be overly complex. For all the things that you want to achieve with your garden, you have to remember that the fundamental way to keep your garden calm and nurturing is to make the colour scheme as simple as possible. The garden should be predominantly green, as this is the ultimate colour for relaxing. But if you are looking for year-round colour, you can incorporate plenty of green flowers and various foliage to change with the seasons. Sometimes, simple is best!
Whether you are looking to add value to your home by upgrading your garden, or you want it to be your sanctuary where you can rest, recharge, and rejuvenate your life, a garden is one of those simple things that are in high demand. With rising house prices, not many people are able to afford a house with a garden. It should be your priority, if you have a garden, to turn it into a space that is everything you need, and then some!