Create a Personal Healing Garden in 6 Easy Steps

Take a deep breath in…blow out… relax… and imagine this:  You are nestled in a comfy hammock with pleasant winds caressing around your body.  You embrace the coolness of shade trees above and enjoy sounds of trickling water nearby.  Ah, what a blissful feeling!  

For people recovering from an illness, surgery, or just feeling a little glum, a personal healing garden may be the perfect solution to feel better.  Many hospitals are now incorporating healing gardens as part of their recommended wellness program. These special gardens help to speed up the healing process and bring pleasure to patients as well as their families and friends.  In many situations after patients return to their home, it is important to extend the benefits of a healing garden.   

Although everyone's circumstance is unique, sometimes a simple variation in your garden might just do the trick.  Below are 6 easy steps to get started on your own personal healing garden. I hope you find your revitalized garden delightful!

Sound:  Add a hint of sound with wind chimes or a portable water feature. 
Scent:  Place a tall planter near the entry and fill with lavender and mint.
Color:  Incorporate cool colors (blues and greens) for a calming feeling, or warm colors (reds and yellows) to energize and invigorate.
Touch:  Add touchable textures such as soft Lamb's Ears (Stachys byzantina) or squishy mosses to walk upon.
Taste:  Find a sunny spot and plant a few edibles such as strawberries, blueberries or cherry tomatoes.  
Guide:  Place solar path lights around the garden perimeter for evening visits on warm summer nights.

Author:  Susan Combs Bauer, Landscape Architect at  BauerCombs & Associates, Inc