Design Elements Regularly Included in a 'Wellness Garden' - Going Beyond Outdoor Saunas, Ice Baths, and Yoga Studios Facilities
In today's fast-paced world, finding a space to unwind and recharge is more important than ever. One solution lies in the creation of a wellness garden, a sanctuary designed to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and energy restoration.
The Saule Outdoor Floor Cushion is an excellent starting point for rooting your mind closer to the ground in style. However, the key to a successful wellness garden lies in its design and the elements it incorporates.
A tranquil water feature, such as a bubbling fountain or a gently flowing stream, creates a calming sensory experience. The gentle flow and sound of water help transport the mind to a place of relaxation and calm[1]. A layered planting palette, with naturalistic and seasonal plants, reconnects people to natural rhythms and provides a sensory refuge. Ornamental grasses and plants that create changing visual textures encourage mindfulness and bring a sense of peace[1].
A shady seating nook, a comfortable, private area to sit surrounded by nature, allows for reflection and rest. It encourages pause, mindfulness, and deep immersion in the garden environment, supporting mental rejuvenation[1].
Engaging with gardening itself—including digging, planting, and tending plants—activates the body in rhythmic, calming motions. These activities improve blood circulation, increase mood-enhancing endorphin levels, and reduce muscle tension, which collectively help reduce cortisol (stress hormone) and lower heart rate, easing chronic stress and fostering relaxation[2].
The sensory integration from the garden—such as the smell of soil, tactile textures of leaves, and vibrant colors of blooms—also stimulates the nervous system to regulate emotions, grounding individuals and supporting stress relief[2].
If only one plant were to be chosen for a wellness garden, lavender is fragrant, beautiful, low-maintenance, and helps reduce anxiety. Hakonechloa grass is a good choice for a shade or part shade garden in a wellness setting, with a soothing energy and bright color. Plants with fuzzy leaves like alchemilla mollis (lady's mantle) are beautiful in sunlight for sensory gardens.
For those seeking a minimalist and beautiful option for yoga in the sunshine, Stakt Mat from Healf is an excellent choice. If relaxation and unwinding are the goals, the Havana Sunlounger from Suntime is chic for unwinding in a wellness garden.
Even when the garden goes into hibernation, the principles of a wellness garden can be applied indoors with a wellness room designed for relaxation.
In summary, wellness gardens combine thoughtfully designed physical elements that create peaceful sensory landscapes and provide spaces for relaxation, with the active, hands-on engagement of gardening. Together, these aspects promote stress relief and energy restoration through both environmental immersion and mindful physical activity.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2020). How to create a wellness garden. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/mar/21/how-to-create-a-wellness-garden [2] Psychology Today. (2020). How Gardening Helps Your Mental Health. [online] Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-nature-doctor/201605/how-gardening-helps-your-mental-health
- The trend in outdoor living is moving towards wellness gardens, creating a sanctuary designed for relaxation and mindfulness.
- Decorative elements like the Saule Outdoor Floor Cushion enhance the style of a wellness garden, while naturalistic planting and water features promote a tranquil environment.
- The use of ornamental grasses and plants with changing visual textures in wellness gardens encourages mindfulness and peace.
- A shady seating nook, decorated with interior design art and DIY comfort furniture, provides a private, reflective space for mental rejuvenation.
- Engaging with gardening activities can activate the body, reducing stress hormones and fostering relaxation, while the sensory elements of soil, leaves, and blooms help regulate emotions.
- For minimalist outdoor living, there are stylish furniture options like the Stakt Mat and Havana Sunlounger, and the principles of a wellness garden can be applied indoors with a wellness room designed for relaxation.
![Guide on Conserving Moss for Decorative and Wall Art Purposes [Simplified Instructions]](/en/content/images/size/w1280/format/webp/20250729015424_preserve-moss-for-decoration.jpeg)
