How to Create a Happy Outdoor Garden Space

We all need a special place to escape from reality from time to time, especially now. Because access to outdoor recreation is somewhat challenging, creating your own outdoor garden get-a-way may be your best option.  
 
The good news is, creating a happy outdoor space can be as simple as setting up a folding chair and enjoying the air around you. Big or small, the key is to keep your garden simple. Before you begin, you will need to answer two questions: What do you desire, and what are you drawn to? 
 
What Do You Desire?
Write down a minimum of five reasons why you want a happy outdoor space? This exercise may take a while. Really dig down and find out what you desire most and how it makes you feel.   
 
What Are You Drawn To?
To find the perfect spot for your garden or sitting area, take a good look at your surroundings. What are you drawn to? Stand and pause in several different locations and select the space you feel most comfortable in and free.  

​Create a Sense of Arrival
By establishing an entrance to your outdoor landscape space, you are creating an invisible portal that leaves your worries behind. An entry may be created with a stack of smooth river stones, carved wood sign, artistic arbor, crushed stone path, or fragrant plant. Choose what gives you the best signal to disconnect with your daily routine. 
 
A Place to Sit
By placing a chair, bench, or old stump in your space, it reminds you to sit and relax and enjoy your surroundings. Many clients tell me, the more simplistic the chair is, the more connected and happier they feel.
 
Garden Feature
Having a feature to gaze at in your garden space is the fun part of the equation. Outdoor art, whimsical paving stones, or a water feature are just a few examples. Here is where you can get creative and be a bit silly if you like. Choose what makes you smile, not what you think others will approve of and like. 

​Add Color
Choose colors that make you feel happy. Varying shades of reds, yellow, and purple are my favorites! Here’s a tip for finding your preferred colors: Bring home a collection of paint color samples from the hardware store like Home Depot. Spread them out over a table and individually see what color provokes what type of feeling. For many people, varying shades of blue, green, and purple are calming and inviting. On the other spectrum, others enjoy more energetic colors like orange and red. 
 
As your happy space develops and evolves, always remember your initial intent. Your efforts should bring you happiness, beauty, and harmony. Good luck and enjoy!
 
If you are seeking new ideas for your outdoor space or need a Master Landscape Plan, please contact BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. Landscape Architecture. We are here to help!
 
About Us
BauerCombs is an award-winning landscape architecture firm that specializes in designing sensory gardens in the greater Seattle, Bellevue, Eastside areas, and across the United States. With our signature sensory design methods, we create captivating landscapes that bring life to outdoor spaces through the artistic balance of color and patterns, scent, touch, taste, and sound. Our work has been published in several magazines and continues to grow in reputation for creating healthy outdoor environments for people and communities. 

Author: Susan Combs Bauer, Landscape Architect, Copyright © 2020 BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. www.bauercombs.com (425) 496-7772

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