By Jackie Sledge
Big Country Master Gardener
Last month we talked about what a therapeutic garden is, why we should have one, where to put one, how to plan one, and how it is a benefit. As a reminder, 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. The elements used in a therapeutic garden stimulate the senses, and this allows you to enjoy a wide variety of sensory experiences that improve mood, clear out the mind, and increase memory and attention spans.
Sight. Vision is considered the strongest of the senses because people rely on sight for information about their environment. Adding visual interest to a garden can be achieved by using plants with varying habits such as those that creep, climb, trail, bush, or stand upright. Incorporate plants with different bloom, leaf, bark, and stem colors to provide visual appeal. If you are relaxed by sight, select plants that flower in your favorite colors or attract pollinators. Remember that statuary, rocks, water features, and mobiles can provide focal points.
Sight Considerations: What colors, styles, and shapes attract you the most? How do plants look during each season when considering year-round appearance of the landscape? Are you planning on maintaining your yard, or do you need someone to help? What additional sculptures or features can you add to bring you joy?
Smell. The sense of smell is extremely memorable, and aromas easily find their way into our memory banks. Most gardens are full of aromas that produce a wide range of emotions. Fragrant plants also improve cognitive abilities, mood, and sense of well-being. Imagine walking in your yard and experiencing a variety of smells from blossoming flowers and herbs tucked in all corners of your yard. If you are affected by aromas, include plants with distinct, pleasant fragrances.
Smell Considerations: If there are odors that you do not enjoy, how can you use plants in your landscape to lessen them? Which plants produce scents that are pleasing to you?
Sound. Hearing is the most sensitive of the human senses due to the range of loudness our ears can detect and how it affects us. The sounds from a garden are important because they immerse you in the experience of the outdoor space. The negative sounds of traffic or an air conditioner can be muted with sound-absorbing shrubs, bushes, hedges, and trees. Sitting on a bench and listening to birds chirping, wind rustling through the trees, or water rushing through water features create a feeling of serenity that also promotes hearing health. If you are soothed by sounds, consider plants that attract birds, hummingbirds, or bees. Audible objects like wind chimes, fountains, or waterfalls also add refreshing sounds.
Sound Considerations: Do you want to add bushes, shrubs, or trees to the landscape so you can see and hear birds in your garden? Do you like the sound of water?
Touch. There are many plants that offer interesting textures, perfect for encouraging the sense of touch. Gardens designed for the sense of touch include the smooth and cool texture of rocks and stone, the rough bark of trees, the soft petals of a flower, and the cool rush of running water. Also think about statuary, bird baths, wind chimes, and seating. If you are a hands-on person, look for plants with varying and interesting textures.
Touch Considerations: How do you want to spend time in your yard? Do you need a place to sit or relax? Do you want a garden where you can dig and get your hands dirty?
Taste. Gardening for the senses can be an opportunity to grow fruits, vegetables, and other food. There is a feeling of accomplishment that comes from eating food that you planted and grew, and foods made with items from the garden can bring back memories and provide comfort. The use of fruit, vegetables, and herbs can also be functional and pleasing to the eye. They do not have to be contained in a specific garden spot, but they can be planted with ornamental plants to provide a touch of color and a seasonal treat. If you are stimulated by taste, consider fruits, vegetables, and herbs you enjoy.
Taste Considerations: What are your favorite fruits or vegetables? Do you feel confident in growing these foods? Do you want edible plants that return every year, or do you want seasonal ones? Or both?
It is important to map out your ideas on paper so you can visualize your garden. Consider specific plants, hardscapes, and seating using the sense considerations. There is not a single design that is relaxing to everyone so select what is best for you. Remember this is YOUR garden so make it your own space where you feel calm and refreshed.
The time you take to plan and construct your garden is a worthwhile investment, and in the long run, it is what makes sense to you that matters.
Do you need help? Do you want some ideas?
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. 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.
Do you want help with plants?
The BCMGA Spring Plant Sale is coming up in April. The online sale will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9th and will end at 12:00 noon on Friday, April 11th. You will be given a time to pick up your plant order on that Friday afternoon. The in-person sale will be in the Modern Living Mall on the Expo grounds beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12th. We will have plants that will grow in the Big Country plus Master Gardeners to help with your questions.
We hope you visit www.bcmbtx.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. If you have any questions, call the Taylor County Extension Office at 325-672-6048 or email us at BCMGardeners@yahoo.com.
Until next week, happy gardening!
