Whether you need healing in your garden or you're looking for a place to unwind, the following elements will help bring serenity to your space:
Water
Choose a calm, clear pool that reflects the sky, or a waterfall or fountain that provides soothing sounds.
Seating areas
Places to sit and reflect are important to a healing garden. If you have enough room, provide a solitary seating spot made out of a natural material such as stone and also a larger-group area with moveable seats. Shift the benches or chairs around to take advantage of different views and the size of your group.
Textural plants
Touching a plant offers sensory comfort. Pick a range of soft-textured plants such as lambs'ears and moss. Stay away from plants that are sharp to the touch, such as roses and barberries.
Aromatic plants
You can plant sweet-smelling plants even in the smallest of spaces. For tiny sunny plots, plant herbs such as rosemary, sage, lemon thyme, lavender, and basil. Fill larger spaces with scented trees such as pine and eucalyptus.
Healing plants
If you want the symbolism of growing healing plants, plant varieties that are said to cure bodily ailments-for example, St. John's wort, witch hazel, lemon grass, chamomile, ginger, licorice root, Chinese cucumber, and garlic.
Wildlife
Design features in your garden that attract songbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Install a birdbath or small pool for birds, and put in plants that attract butterflies.
Statuary
Pick a statue that reminds you of a person or helps you reflect on a place or feeling. Choosing statuary that means something to you will make the garden a more personal place.