Creating a sanctuary garden doesn’t have to be an arduous task. With a few simple additions, you can turn your backyard into a calming, relaxing and healing space.
The first step is to plant a variety of trees, flowers and other flora. Make sure to include some plants that provide privacy so you can truly relax.
Planting Trees and Flowers
A garden sanctuary is a place of peace, protection and an oasis. It is also a space to relax and recharge the batteries. This can be done through gardening, relaxing in a comfortable chair, or spending time with friends and family.
The first step is to create the right plant palette for your garden. This can be done by choosing plants with both flowers and foliage that are suitable for the climate. You should also avoid using invasive plants, which can upset local ecosystems. Instead, use native plants that are adapted to the climate and provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
You should also consider adding trees to your garden to give it a feeling of opulence and privacy. A grove of trees can be a great focal point in your garden, and it will provide a natural sound barrier to block out any noise from the surrounding area. The addition of a pond or stream can also add to the overall calming effect. You can even add a fountain to your pond to create a soothing water noise. A greenhouse company can definitely be helpful if you want to build one for your garden.
Another way to increase the feeling of luxury in your garden is by adding lighting and accessories. A simple lantern or tea light can help create a soft and inviting atmosphere for your garden. Lighting can be used to highlight special areas or to set the mood for a particular event. It can be especially helpful for creating a romantic setting.
The last element to consider is adding a table and chairs for you to sit at when enjoying your garden. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the garden with a cup of tea or some freshly baked cookies. You can even use your garden as a place to meditate and practice yoga, or simply enjoy the quiet of nature.
The next time you visit a garden exhibition, try to look for gardens that really stand out as sanctuaries. I think you will be surprised how many of them there are! For example, the award-winning garden “Food for Thought,” skillfully designed by Patricia Ruff of Rocky Bay Garden Creations (Gig Harbor, WA), is truly a sanctuary. The design is peaceful and calm, with a sequence of blooms that change throughout the seasons. The plants are carefully chosen for their unique texture, color, fragrance and form, and they are complemented by the subtle backdrop of an Asian-inspired water feature.
Adding a Seating Area
A sanctuary garden isn’t complete without a place to sit and relax. Whether you enjoy a quiet cup of afternoon tea or you prefer to spend time with friends and family, having an area to sit can add a comforting feeling to the space. To create a seating area, simply find an area within your garden large enough for a chair and table. Then, lay down some flagstones, tiles or brick pavers to provide a surface to sit on. This can also help prevent you from stepping on any plants that you don’t want to damage.
Once you’ve set up the seating area, add a bench or chair to ensure that you have a comfortable spot to relax. You can even take things a step further and add cushions or pillows to make the seat more inviting. This will allow you to completely lose yourself in the beauty of your garden and forget about any stress or worries that might be on your mind.
In addition to the sensory experiences provided by your flowers and trees, you can also enhance the feel of your green sanctuary with the use of water features. These can be as simple as a tabletop fountain or a small pond, depending on the size of your garden. The sound of calming running water can help mask any background noise and create an atmosphere of tranquility.
The olfactory senses can also be stimulated in your garden sanctuary with the use of fragrant plants. Try adding plants with a strong fragrance to the space, such as the woody scent of angelica or the minty aroma of pennyroyal. These scents can help relax you and lift your spirits.
The last aspect of creating your garden sanctuary is to create a special entrance that enfolds and welcomes you into your new relaxing space. This can be done with the use of a path that is paved with mulch, stepping stones or gravel. It can lead directly from the door of your home to your heavenly escape, making it easy for you to reach and enjoy when needed.
Adding Water Features
A key element to creating a garden sanctuary is including water features. These help to enclose your space with soft background noise and they also add a sense of tranquility. This is because the sound of running water is soothing and relaxing. A pond is perfect for this purpose, but even something as simple as a bird bath can have a similar effect. The beauty of a water feature is that it can be as small or large as you want it to be. This means that it can fit into any budget.
Another benefit of a water feature is that it will attract wildlife to your garden. This is because it provides an important source of water for birds and other wildlife. In order to create a wildlife-friendly garden, it is important to use native plants and incorporate water features that will attract local animals.
For example, a birdbath can be an excellent water feature because it will attract the local birds and provide them with a place to bathe. If you are looking for something more dramatic, then a fountain can be a good option as well. A fountain can be especially impressive if it is made from glass or stone and is positioned in the center of your garden.
If you are unsure about how to incorporate water features into your garden, then it may be a good idea to speak with a professional. They can give you advice on which water features would be the best for your garden and also advise you on which plants would be the most beneficial to include as well.
Once you have decided what you will put into your garden, it is time to start planning it out. A great way to do this is to draw a rough sketch of your garden. This will help you to see how everything will come together and also ensure that you have enough space for all of your favorite features.
Once you have your design drawn up, it is time to start preparing the ground for your garden. In order to do this, you will need to lay down a layer of mulch that is about three inches deep. This will help to keep the weeds at bay and it will also protect the roots of your plants.
Adding Bee Baths
If you want your garden to be a true sanctuary, it needs to offer more than just flowers and trees. You also need to create an environment that is inviting for the local wildlife, including birds, insects, and other critters. This can be done by adding a bird feeder or planting a variety of plants that attract pollinators like bees.
Once you’ve got a good mix of flowers, trees, and flora planted, it’s time to add some water features to the space. Whether you choose a fountain, pond, or stream, these elements can help to create a tranquil atmosphere and relax the mind and body. Plus, they look beautiful at any time of day.
Another way to make your garden a real oasis is by installing some low walls. This will help to block out any noise or pollution, creating a quiet and peaceful place to escape to. In addition, a low wall can help to trap moisture in the soil, which can be beneficial for the health of your plants.
To really give your garden the feeling of a sanctuary, it’s important to include some shade as well. This can be achieved by installing some large trees or using a combination of trees and shrubs. In addition, you can use trellis and screens to create a sense of enclosure. This will also help to trap sound and keep the space cool.
Lastly, you should add some seating to the garden sanctuary so that you can enjoy it at any time of the day or night. This can be as simple as a hammock chair or as grand as a full patio set. Just make sure that whatever type of furniture you choose, it’s comfortable and will allow you to sit down and relax.
Lastly, a bee bath is an excellent addition to any garden sanctuary. Bees are some of the most important pollinators, and it’s vital to encourage them to visit your garden. To build a bee bath, simply line a shallow container with stones and fill it with water that’s just below the surface of the rocks. This allows the bees to drink the water without getting wet or drowning.