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RESEARCH

How to Design a Restorative Garden to Lift your Spirits

A well-designed restorative garden uses scent, color, texture, seating, water or fire features, and green tones to create a calming space that encourages relaxation and connection with nature. It also supports multiple users—from those seeking peace to families enjoying outdoor time—making it a versatile sanctuary with lasting wellness benefits.
Program Types: Therapeutic
Population Groups: General Population
Setting or Context: Hospitals/Clinics, Homes/Private Residences
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being
Allied Profession Intersections: Landscape Design
Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening
Evidence Type: Anecdotal Evidence/Testimonials
Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health
Access: Free
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Summary

This Homes & Gardens article guides you through designing a “restorative garden” — a green space crafted to soothe the mind, lift your mood, and support overall well‑being. Landscape experts stress the importance of engaging all your senses: choose fragrant plants like lavender and mint, include grasses that sway with the wind, and pay attention to seasonal changes in flowers and foliage. Comfortable seating is also key — positioned to offer good views and a sense of privacy — turning the garden into a quiet sanctuary where you can relax or enjoy conversations.

The article also recommends adding elements like water features or fire bowls, which can be meditative and comforting, and using a mostly green palette to maintain a peaceful, uncluttered feel . Finally, it notes that a restorative garden should be welcoming to all ages — from quiet corners for reflection to playful spots for children — making it both soothing and family-friendly.

Link

Doherty, R. (2020). How to design a restorative garden to lift your spirits.

 

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