Nurturing your patch of nature not only transforms your garden into a vibrant, sensory retreat but also instigates a significant improvement in mental health. The latest report from Furniture Village reveals the shifting trends in gardening and its direct correlation with wellbeing. As a blossoming trend, ecotherapy or ‘green therapy’, underlines the therapeutic benefits of engaging with nature. It has emerged as a boon, especially during the pandemic, where over 7 million people confirmed a positive impact on their mental health due to their newfound hobby – gardening.
Reaping Mental Health Benefits Through Biodiversity
A growing awareness around the environmental impact of our choices has led more people to nurture biodiversity in their gardens. Bird feeders, ponds, herb and vegetable patches, or even bee/bug hotels are gaining popularity in personal gardens, fostering a miniature ecosystem. “More and more people are exploring ways to play their part in protecting and caring for the environment, whether that is encouraging biodiversity, or growing and using their produce,” a spokesperson from Furniture Village noted.
Plants, evergreen shrubs, and vibrant flowers not only beautify the space but also attract a variety of wildlife, creating a rich, immersive environment. It can be extremely rewarding to watch something you have planted flourish and come to life. These greenspaces serve as havens of solitude, offering much more than mere ornamental beauty.
Creating Spaces for Solitude and Socialisation
The therapeutic impact of having a designated space for relaxation in the garden is undeniable. “Gardens are an extension of our home, and choosing the right garden furniture to suit your space can help transform it,” one expert at Furniture Village explains. By incorporating seating solutions thoughtfully, you can create a versatile space in your garden that mirrors the comfort and functionality of a living or dining room.
Incorporating garden seating transforms the garden into a year-round retreat, equally appealing for solitude or social occasions. Such spaces become vital for grounding oneself, practising mindfulness, or simply enjoying a warm summer evening with loved ones.
Illuminating the Garden Space
Garden lighting is often overlooked, but its impact on transforming the garden space is profound. Strategic lighting extends the usability of your garden, inviting you to appreciate nature’s charm even under the stars. “Garden lighting is often seen as an unnecessary option, however, landscape lighting, and clever placement, not only extend the use of your outdoor space but also add striking ambience and highlight the textures of the plants and shrubs,” a Furniture Village spokesperson illuminates.
Apart from increasing visibility, the warm, soft glow of garden lighting instils a sense of tranquillity and enchantment, making evenings in your garden an uplifting experience. Whether you’re sharing a meal, reading a book, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, the light subtly enhances your experience. It promotes the opportunity to engage in mindfulness practices or meditative exercises, further bolstering mental wellbeing.
Enhancing Garden Aesthetics with Soft Furnishing
Incorporating soft furnishings into the garden area not only elevates the space aesthetically but also introduces an element of homely comfort to your outdoor oasis. The inclusion of items such as outdoor rugs, cushions, and throws creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that echoes the cosiness of indoor spaces.
A simple trick from the Furniture Village experts suggests, “Mixing soft furnishing with lamps, garden furniture and plants will help create a cosy outdoor living space.” The juxtaposition of natural elements with comfortable furnishings brings a harmonious balance between style and functionality. This combination paints a vivid picture, inviting you to spend more time enjoying the serenity of your personal haven.
Additionally, the presence of soft furnishings encourages more regular and extended use of outdoor spaces, providing a comfortable setting for social interactions or solitary moments of reflection. This seamless integration of indoor comfort into an outdoor setting amplifies the therapeutic benefits of your garden space.
Concluding Thoughts
The renaissance of interest in gardening and outdoor spaces is a testament to their transformative influence on mental health and wellbeing. As we tend to our plants, we inadvertently tend to our mental health, harnessing the therapeutic benefits of nature.
Gardens have proven to be not just areas of botanical beauty but sanctuaries of solitude and solace. The melange of bright, evergreen flora, biodiversity, atmospheric lighting, comfortable seating, and soft furnishings crafts an enriching environment that nurtures the mind as well as the body.
The final thoughts from a Furniture Village spokesperson resonate perfectly, “Creating beautiful outdoor spaces can encourage us to want to spend more time outside, and become a great space to socialise with friends and family.”
So, as we continue to cultivate our green thumbs, let’s also cultivate a healthy, serene mind-space through ecotherapy. After all, the garden is where we grow our plants, but it’s also where we cultivate peace, tranquillity, and a grounded connection with nature.
