By Jackie Sledge
Big Country Master Gardener Association
Do you ever feel tired, worn out, frustrated, stressed, or overwhelmed? Are you being pulled in multiple directions? Do you need a break? Do you want to get away for a little while?
I think we have all probably felt that way at some point in time, and we have something to help right in front of us. Most research shows that people who spend time outdoors surrounded by nature are more likely to have positive emotions and a greater sense of well-being.
Therapeutic gardens are outdoor areas that are designed to boost a person physically, psychologically, and spiritually, and a person can easily build one of these gardens in their own backyard. Therapeutic gardens usually include a mixture of flowers, vegetables, and ornamental plants that thrive in natural light and some shade. They include features such as walkways, comfortable seating, a patio, fountain, pond, or a gazebo plus plants that attract creatures like bees, birds, and butterflies. The size of the garden is whatever allows the person to relax and escape for a little while.
Let’s look at what is involved in planning a therapeutic garden. The size of the garden depends on the amount of space you need to relax and enjoy nature, so it is important to map out your ideas on paper to determine the area in your yard needed for your garden. Consider specific plant features, hardscapes, seating, and lighting. An important part of the plan is the type of pathway (grass, bricks, concrete, maybe even mosaics) because this needs to be “you.” Also, do you want a bench, swing, a pergola with a comfortable chair, or a hammock where you can relax and enjoy the garden?
Finally, decide on specific plants and whether to plant in the ground, in raised beds, in pots, or a combination of all of them. You should select plants that appeal to all senses.
- Sight. If you are relaxed by sight, select plants that flower in your favorite colors or attract pollinators. Examples are daisies, coneflowers, coreopsis, daylilies, irises, and asters – this list is endless! Statuary, rocks, water features, and mobiles provide focal points for resting the eyes.
- Smell. If you are affected by aromas, include plants with distinct, pleasant fragrances such as lemon balm, roses, lavender, mint, or honeysuckle.
- Sound. If you are soothed by sounds, consider plants that attract birds, hummingbirds, or bees. Examples are ornamental grasses, butterfly bush, honeysuckle, yarrow, and hosta. Audible objects like wind chimes, fountains, or waterfalls also add refreshing sounds.
- Touch. If you are a hands-on person, look for plants with interesting textures. Examples are artemisia, sedum, ferns, lamb’s ear, roses, or ornamental grasses.
- Taste. If you are stimulated by taste, consider fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Examples are lemon balm, sage, strawberries, mint, honeysuckle, and dianthus plus the vegetables you enjoy eating.
There is no single design that is relaxing to everyone so select what is best suited for you. Include what you need to make your garden a place where you can escape, relax, enjoy calm surroundings, and leave you feeling refreshed. Remember, this is YOUR therapeutic garden so make it your own space.
In the next few weeks, we will look in detail about gardening with the senses to help you design a plan for your therapeutic or sensory garden. Until then, be aware of what has been included in landscapes around town – what you like and want in your yard as well as what you do not like. Start making a list, and I will provide more ideas for your plan.
Just one final thought. We all know that the weather is pretty unpredictable in our area. It may be cold, snowy, and windy; it may be warm and windy. When it is cold, you need to work in the afternoon and wear layers of clothes so you can adjust your clothing when it gets a little warmer outside. When it is warm, or possibly hot, you should try to work in your yard early in the day before the heat limits what you can do. No matter what the weather is like, you need to take care of yourself by using sunscreen, wearing a hat, taking breaks to rest, and drinking plenty of water. Keep this in mind when considering where to plant your therapeutic garden for both the planting of it and the enjoying of it later.
There is a Library Program at 6:00 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday of the month at the South Library Branch in the Mall of Abilene, and the same program is offered again at 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd Friday of the month at the Downtown Library. There are also Saturday Seminars on the last Saturday of the month from February through August at 9:00 a.m. in the Taylor County Extension Office Conference Room. Watch the BCMGA website and Facebook page for the topics and dates of these monthly programs.
If you have any questions, call the Taylor County Extension Office at 325-672-6048 or email us at mgardeners@yahoo.com. We hope you visit bcmgtx.org for information on all Big Country Master Gardener events, like us on BCMGA Facebook, and check out training presentations on BCMGA YouTube. We are here to help you.
Until next week, happy gardening!
