brain when time is up or a computerized sound to remind us to go somewhere. We plant bulbs in dark, damp soil, knowing the fulfillment will be months away. We push tiny seeds into the ground with a memory of the taste of fresh tomatoes off the vine. In the fast-paced life of today, we need to find sanctuary and healing therapy. What is at the top of the list? Planting, nurturing and being in the garden. We can toss aside the statistics about the popularity of gardening, and say that it is long-revered as a place to go when one wants to slow down and linger. There is simply something about nature that forces us to not be in a hurry. She is also a powerful seductress that keeps us always longing to smell flowers and gather herbs for tea, and crave the first fresh-picked raspberry.
Creating retreat in the garden
Now let’s take a walk in a garden that has been planted with herbs and other sensory delights. Slow down and inhale deeply until you feel as if your lungs are filled to capacity, then slowly release your breath. The fresh dose of oxygen runs through you as the earthy fragrances of herbs and flowers weave their way into your mind. Nature’s aromatic therapy sends messages to the brain and readies the body for relaxation. The essential oil of some herbs can trigger responses that release calming hormones and slow the rush of adrenaline. (In research studies, lavender essence actually forces a physical response that lowers blood pressure, heart rate and skin temperature.)
Every time we bring ourselves to a place of relaxation the memory preserves it.
Creating a special space in your garden as a haven will encourage a habit to go there and relax…to jog that relaxation memory all over again. When you go to the next level of making your own spa treatments with fragrant herbs from the garden, your experience will be all the more memorable.
Elements of design
Making a sanctuary space is a very personal project. What says “sanctuary” to you? In a garden it can be the sound of water, a private building for retreat, a rustic pergola, or a collection of favorite plants to sit in the midst of after a busy day. There are no set rules on the actual measurement of space. Large or small in size, it is more about the importance of making it work for you.
Sanctuary, on an expressive level, is all of these things. The addition of practical pieces of a design will create the privacy, security and comfort you are seeking.
To clarify your planning, start with some questions. The answers will guide you to discover ways of creating a garden sanctuary.
What will I do in the space?
■ Sleep…eat…read…soak.
When do I plan on using it most?
■ In the morning drinking a cup of tea…or evening relaxation after dinner.
What additions are needed to meet my needs?
■ Reading needs a quiet space with only the gentle, natural sounds of bees humming, splashing water and birds as the backdrop noise.
■ Sleeping spaces need protection from weather.
■ For outdoor bathing or showering, privacy is required.
What precludes your enjoyment of this space?
■ Noise…hot sun… too much work.
As with any upscale destination spa, the complete environment – the surround – is planned specifically to nourish all the senses. And so it can be with your home spa.
DESIGN ESSENTIALS FOR THE SANCTUARY GARDEN
Plants
The garden needs to be planned to grow herbs for use in your spa remedies, of course, but more than that, you are creating space to experience the hand-blended treatments. This is your outdoor spa. Its space is defined with ornamental plants that are chosen for hedging privacy, overhead natural canopies and living walls.
For an overall calming effect, blend fragrant plants and soothing color palettes. Your plant choices become healers, aromatherapy, and sensory stimulators. Use them to fill in around seating, pathways and other hardscape in the garden. (It goes without saying that you would avoid plants with spiky or thorny habits.)
Security
Add structure, like a pergola, or plant trees as an overhead canopy. This provides a sense of shelter and comfort, much like the ceiling of a house. Garden walls, whether living plants or built structures, define the area and make us feel secure and safe.
Privacy
Create a haven. Privacy screens and hedges block out uninvited eyes and undesirable views.
Rooms
Divide an area from the busy activity of an outdoor space. A distinct entry point trough an arbor or gate reinforces the idea that you have walked into a special space.
Outdoor living
Are you planning for an outdoor bed, shower, bathtub, hot tub, or seating? This is where comfort is imperative. Bring all of the luxuries of home outside. Create a sleeping area in a quiet place shaded from bright daylight. For a seating respite, choose comfortable outdoor furniture. Place it where it captures your favorite time of day or where you will frequent it. Buffer a bathtub or shower from prying eyes, inclement weather and intruders by surrounding it with plants and privacy structures. If a hot tub is already installed as part of the home, create a relaxing view by planting a beautiful tree as a focus or bring in elegant, colorful pottery and surround it with colorful plants. Look for ways to integrate the hot tub into the landscape so it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb. For the undesirable views you cannot change, hide them with fencing or large plants that billow and camouflage.
Even the simplicity