Relaxing Garden Ideas For A Serene Outdoor Sanctuary

Our yards can be a source of inspiration and peace, a place to relax and push the cares of the world away. Providing serenity in the garden may be a combination of furniture, decor, plants, and other features. Designing a garden of serenity produces a therapeutic scene which enhances feelings of calm and zen. Such outdoor sanctuaries may include a spiritual element or a meditative space. Planning the site is very personal and will encourage garden relaxing in a thoughtfully designed space.

There are a host of relaxation garden ideas and products to help you produce a holistic space that is surrounded by calm. A personal retreat in the garden fosters renewal and relieves stress. Such areas are different from the entertainment deck or family patio. They are deeply personal and reflect the individual's tastes and needs.

Simple Serenity Garden Ideas

Outside of our work lives and other hectic activities, a healthy approach to living should feature some personal time. Having a space developed especially for relaxing can combat the effects of our busy lives. Outdoor sites are especially effective because nature and greenery produce a feeling of calm. The most basic tenets of a serenity garden are:

• Keep it simple
• Include personal items
• Border the site as an outdoor room
• Plant enjoyable trees, shrubs, and flowers that are low maintenance
• Encourage wildlife
• Provide comfortable seating
• Provide some shade cover
• Connect nature with art and furniture

Avoid jarring colors, sharp edges, and rigid furniture. Think soft, cozy, protected, private, and peaceful. An area that brings nature to life and doesn’t try too hard to change existing features, but instead embraces them, is the simplest way to create a zen garden.

Features of the Serenity Garden

Objects can enhance the calming effects of being outdoors. The furniture you select should be comfortable, neutral, and inviting. It should also serve the purposes the space requires.

Features like ponds or waterfalls provide gentle noise and quiet contemplation sites. A water feature doesn’t have to be large to provide soothing sounds, and the play of light on water that is so hypnotic.

Use a trellis, arbor, or hedge to give screening and privacy. If the area is in full sun, plant a tree, use umbrellas, or an awning to keep the space comfortable during the hottest part of the day.

Install statuary, garden art, and solar lighting. Pathways will encourage a visit and set off garden beds. Outdoor rugs and carpets give a cozy feel. Any of the objects in the garden haven should be well chosen and appeal to all of the senses.

Plants for a Serenity Garden

The plants you select will depend upon the exposure and zone of the area, but they should reflect your personal taste. Selecting plants that need minimal care reduces the stress of maintenance.

Arborvitae are fast growing, attractive, and easy hedges. Clematis will scramble up a trellis and produce large, beautiful flowers. A scented night jasmine perfumes the evening air. Consider what traits are most important to you and then choose your favorite plants to surround the space. Some ideas might be:

• Hosta
• Lamb’s ear
• Lilac
• Ornamental grasses
• Moss
• Perennials
• Flowering bulbs
• Japanese maple
• Privet
• Mock orange

Regardless of what the gardener chooses, there is no wrong plant... unless it is in the wrong site. The idea is to provide a private retreat. Layering plants with the tallest at the back of a bed gives great texture. Utilizing plants of all sizes in containers further brings nature into the space. A diverse group of flora awakens the senses and calms the mind.