It all started in a garden. The beginning of man’s relationship with the earth and the source of life began in a garden. Gardens can mean different things to different people depending on where they are, what they need, or what they’re doing. Even the simple act of gazing out a window at a garden or stand of trees can aid in healing and peace.

In this busy world, it is so important to relate with the healing aspect of nature. Ever-changing nature holds the secret to life.  It has a way to take one’s worries away.  It has a way to bring peaceful certainty at the end of a day, or the end of a life. Calming our busy minds helps us live longer and in better relationship with one another. Walking up a mountainside or witnessing a hummingbird flit on the backyard monarda: it doesn’t matter which, because nature has a way of captivating the human spirit, lifting and renewing it.

True satisfaction does not come from things or accomplishments. In fact, technology seems to amplify mental noise. Like many of you, I get strung-out at times with the bombardment of thought. When a person needs healing or calming down, a walk in the woods, a climb up a hill, or a stroll in the backyard garden usually will help direct the spirit. It allows the mind to drift from everyday concerns by enticing with the smallest of beautiful things. This brings one into the moment, like a mini vacation inviting stillness in one’s life. There is no better healer than the earth; it takes things and changes them, renewing and creating constantly. It is also very important to introduce the young to the secrets of nature so that their awareness can grow with comfort and certainty of hope for the future.

During these times of so much discouragement, I encourage all of us to garden, plant, and nurture the spirit within us. Share your love of nature with all around you. Take yourself and your loved ones for a walk in the woods, a picnic at the beach, or visit to county or state park.  Be open to the quietness.

• Create a doorway or entry by using an arbor or shrubs where you want your experience to begin.

• Add interest. Consider entire yard and try to create at least three separate outdoor rooms. Use clean sweeping lines. Possibly determine a destination or focal point for impact. Consider the vantage point from inside the residence; remember we are inside a lot of the winter.

• Wind chimes attached to the branches of trees or shrubs

• Feed the birds. Because this is messy, place the feeder accordingly, but within view ability from the residence.

• Water features. These can be simple or elaborate. Fish and water plants add nice elements. I have been designing very naturalistic creek bed walks which help with drainage besides looking beautiful.

• Naturalistic boulder placement. Boulders add so much to the background in a naturalistic setting, but please be careful to get them large enough and buried to a depth where they look natural. l love using these as benches as well.

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• Boardwalks or large stepping stones and paths of stone and grass lead the eye help invite the visitor into the natural setting. Make paths at least 3’ wide so you can access them with a wheelbarrow. Don’t use stepping pads less than 2’ in diameter, unless you group many together to get a decent width.
• Plenty of plant material determined by site. This is where hiring a designer can be extremely cost affective. You can set the mood of the garden by the plant materials selected.
• Sitting places in both sun and shade. Lately, I’ve been mixing pavers and flagstone along with concrete to achieve some very interesting gathering places. Consider how many people may use a particular area and incorporate that into your “room” concept.
• Statuary, bamboo, smooth stones, shells or personal items all add interest to a peaceful reflective spot, but don’t overdo it with too much stuff. Keep it simple!
• Fireplaces. A fire pit is great element for gathering the family. Industry wide the construction of large fireplaces used for cooking with tall chimneys adds the interest and focal point for the entire garden.
• Low voltage lighting. Not in a row! Highlight your plants and trees.
• Outdoor shower or spas. I’ve designed two outdoor showers out of rocks and glass block. Nothing like a nice shower to calm you down.
• Consider very little lawn, using only grass or gravel paths, keeping your site as natural as possible. This also cuts down on maintenance and water.
• For the elderly or very young, growing things in containers can give them a connection to the earth and something to share with others.

Susan Murphy

If you want to create a retreat of the spirit in your own backyard try incorporating a few of these design elements.