Mindfulness in the Garden

Finding a place of calm and tranquillity can be difficult with our busy lives, but you can create your own outdoor space for mindfulness in your garden. 

Choose a quiet space

Find a quiet corner of the garden that is not overlooked and create a seating area with a wooden bench or pretty arbour.

Think about the view

Screen off anything that will disturb your quiet space such as bins or next door.  Bamboo screens can be an effective natural screen. Create a feature point with a beautiful sculpture or water feature.

Stimulate the senses

Reengage with the senses.  Choose plants that appeal to all five of the senses.

Sight

Choose cool tones such as blues, purples and greens to create a calming atmosphere; or make your space warm and welcoming with red, orange and yellow combinations. Think about shapes and patterns when planting.

For a minimalist look introduce two bay trees to your design – Laurus Nobilis Bay Tree Lollipop £49.99 or 2 for £80

Sound

Shut out the noises of everyday life by welcoming wild birds to your garden.  You will quickly attract birds by providing food, water and cover.  A water feature is another great way to add natural sound to the garden from a gentle burble to loud splashing.

Try planting grasses or bamboo.  The gentle rustling in the wind will help to create a relaxing atmosphere.

• Festuca glauca ‘Intense Blue’

• Carex brunnea ‘Aureovariegata’

• Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’

• Carex oshimensis ‘Everlite’

• Carex oshimensis ‘Eversheen’

• Ucinea rubra ‘Everflame’

All £8.99 each

• Bamboo Nigra 175/200cm £79.99

• Bamboo Spectabilis 175/200cm £59.99

Touch

Tactile people should look for plants with different textures such as the velvety leaves of Lamb’s Ears and Silver Sage.

Smell

The beautiful scents of the garden can help you to escape for a moment.  You can use a mixture of different plants or instead focus on a predominant one.  Plant honeysuckle to trail over a fence or arbour; use lavender and herbs in pots and containers; combine floral and herbaceous fragrances near the house and along pathways.

• Plant of the Month Lavendula 2L RRP £9.99 25% off!

Taste

There are many delicious plants to try.  Plant herbs such as rosemary, chives, thyme and mint.  Grow strawberries or vegetables.