It’s no secret that Americans are under a lot of stress. A recent study by the American Psychological Association showed that stress levels have been rising for the last few years. More than half of Americans report being stressed out most or all.
There are lots of reasons for this. The economy is still recovering from the recession, we’re constantly bombarded with news, both good and bad, and many are always trying to keep up with fast-paced lives.
All of this can take its toll on our mental health. Stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems like heart disease and diabetes. It’s also known to cause problems when it comes to sleep. It’s estimated that about one in three Americans struggle to sleep due to stress.
Many are trying to find new ways to deal with stress. Some people turn to exercise or relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. Others find comfort in food or spending time with friends and family. However, most Americans have decided to take up gardening during the pandemic to cope with stress. If you’re one of these amateur gardeners, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when building a therapeutic garden.
Location
When building your therapeutic garden, the first thing you need to consider is its location. It’s crucial that the space is quiet and calming, so choose a spot away from busy streets and loud noises.
If possible, try to find a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. This will help your plants grow healthy and strong. You may also want to consider adding a bench or some other type of seating so you can relax in your garden.
So if your backyard is near the road, you might want to start building your garden nearer to your home.
Layout
The layout of your garden is also essential. You’ll want to make sure that there are plenty of plants with different textures and colors to help create a visual stimulus. You’ll also want to include a variety of herbs whose aromas can be relaxing and stress-relieving.
Certain herbs that have been known to stimulate relaxation among people are lavender, chamomile, and rosemary. You can also add some decorative items like a birdbath or wind chime to help make the space feel more calming.
Ground Cover
In order to create a tranquil environment, it’s important to use ground cover in your garden. This will help obscure the view of any busy streets or other unsightly sights. You can use plants like ivy, hosta, or vinca to cover the ground.
Water Feature
A water feature is another great way to create a relaxing atmosphere in your garden. A small pond or fountain can be soothing. Just make sure that it doesn’t get too noisy, as this could have the opposite effect and end up stressing you instead.
If you want to have a water feature in your therapeutic garden, then you’re going to need a few things. Primarily, you’ll need an irrigation service. They’ll know how to install the perfect water feature for your garden. They can also install a sprinkler system in your garden. This can help with watering certain plants in your backyard.
Include a Bench
It’s also a good idea to include a bench or two in your garden. This will give you a place to relax and take in the sights and smells of your garden. If you’re feeling stressed out, sitting down and listening to the sound of a babbling brook can be calming.
If you’re looking for a place to purchase a bench for your garden, try searching online for “garden benches.” You’ll find a variety of different types and styles to choose from.
Build a Patio
If you have the money and space, another great way to add some tranquility to your garden is by building a patio. This can be a great place to relax on a sunny day. You can purchase patio furniture or build your own out of stone or concrete.
Having a patio in your therapeutic garden leaves room for you to grow even more plants. You can also add a small pool or hot tub to the patio area. This will make it the perfect spot to relax after a long day. You can also do yoga and other meditative activities on this patio of yours.
So if you’re looking for a way to deal with stress, consider building your therapeutic garden. It’s a great way to relax and escape from the everyday craziness of life. Just make sure that you put some thought into the layout and choose the right plants to help you relax.
