Planning a Garden for Wellness: Biophilic Design

Nature is an integral part of our lives, and our connection to it can have a profound impact on our overall health and wellbeing.

As someone with a passion for gardening and design, I have spent years exploring the concept of biophilic design and outdoor spaces that promote wellness.

In this blog post, I will share my knowledge and experience of planning a garden for wellness with Biophilic design.

You will learn how to incorporate elements of nature into your garden, the benefits of gardening for mental and physical health, and techniques for designing a garden that is both sustainable and beautiful.

Let’s dive right in.

Understanding Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is about creating connections between people and nature in the built environment. This design concept is based on the idea that humans have an innate attraction to nature and natural environments. If you can successfully incorporate these natural elements into spaces that humans inhabit, you can create an environment that fosters wellness and well-being.

There are several different elements to biophilic design, including natural materials, natural light, plants and water features. By using these elements, you can create a space that is not only beautiful and calming, but also has a positive effect on the health and well-being of those who inhabit it.

Studies have shown that biophilic design has a positive impact on human wellness. A biophilic space can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve cognitive function. It has also been shown to increase creativity and productivity in workspaces.

The benefits of biophilic design make it an important consideration in any design project. By incorporating elements of nature into the built environment, you can create a space that feels natural and relaxing. This can result in a positive impact on the overall well-being of those who inhabit the space.

As you consider incorporating biophilic design into your own space, think about the natural elements that you find most appealing and relaxing. Whether you choose to bring in plants, natural materials, or water features, you can create a space that promotes wellness and relaxation.

The Connection between Gardening and Biophilic Design

Gardening is a fantastic way to incorporate Biophilic Design into your life. By creating a garden, you’re designing a space that not only looks good but can improve your overall wellbeing.

There are many techniques that you can use to create a Biophilic garden, and one of the most essential elements of Biophilic design is the incorporation of nature into the design. Creating a garden that incorporates natural elements such as water, rocks, and wood can be one way to achieve this.

To create a successful Biophilic garden, you should consider incorporating elements such as trees, wildlife, and gardening with nature. Planting organic vegetables and herbs are an excellent way to enhance your garden’s appeal while also providing food for you and your family.

Incorporating water features, such as a small pond or fountain, can have a calming effect on your garden, and the sound of the water can help to reduce stress. Rocks and stones placed throughout the garden can add a natural touch and invite visitors to explore the space.

You can also consider introducing wildlife to your garden. This can be achieved by planting the right types of trees, flowers, and vegetation that will attract birds, butterflies, and other creatures to your garden. You can even add bird feeders and birdhouses to encourage birds to nest in your garden.

By incorporating these elements into your garden design, you can create an aesthetically pleasing and Biophilic space that promotes wellbeing and benefits your overall health.

The Benefits of Planning a Biophilic Garden

Creating a biophilic garden has numerous benefits that relate to your overall health and well-being. Taking care of your garden can have a tremendous impact on your physical and mental health. By spending as little as 30 minutes in your garden a day, you can experience a decrease in stress levels and increased creativity. Physical labor can also have the added benefit of increasing strength and stamina.

Creating a natural environment in your home encourages healthy living. When you go outside and interact with nature, your mind and heart can slow down and relax. A garden filled with plants and wildlife can help you feel calmer and more grounded. It can even help you sleep better by reducing the levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.

Growing a diverse array of plants also has mental health benefits. It can help you cultivate a sense of wonder and a love of learning as you watch things grow and progress throughout the year. Children who participate in gardening can learn valuable life lessons about responsibility, patience, and teamwork.

If you have children, then incorporating a biophilic design into your garden can be highly beneficial. They will learn to appreciate where their food comes from and will be exposed to nature, which has been proven to have a number of physical and psychological benefits in children. Giving them the responsibility of caring for plants and animals can also foster a sense of ownership and pride in their work, as well as social skills as they engage with others.

In conclusion, planning a biophilic garden will not only beautify your property, but it can also improve your physical and mental health. It is an excellent way to connect with nature conveniently, and it is proven to have a positive impact on children as well.

Planning a Biophilic Garden From Scratch

Choosing the right location is crucial to having a successful biophilic garden. Look for a spot that gets plenty of natural light and is away from artificial light sources to support the natural 24-hour sleep cycle of plants. When analyzing your site, identify the microclimates of your space to better plan your garden. If you have different microclimates, you can plant different species that thrive in each area.
Building a sustainable garden with natural materials is also an important consideration. Composting your yard waste and kitchen scraps can provide nutrient-rich soil for your plants while reducing unnecessary waste. Use natural materials like gravel and stones from nearby sources to create paved areas around the garden.
Remember that planning a garden from scratch can be a daunting task. It may take some time to find the perfect location and start building your garden. Make sure to take advantage of online resources and your local garden center for advice on building a successful biophilic garden that meets your particular needs.

Choosing the Right Plants

When it comes to planning a biophilic garden, choosing the right plants is crucial. Here are some tips to help you make the right choices:

Importance of native plants Select plants that are native to your area because they will require less maintenance and provide habitat for local wildlife. Native plants will also be more adapted to your specific climate and soil type.

Understanding plant characteristics Be mindful of a plant’s size, requirements for light, water, and nutrients, and how fast they grow. Consider the color and texture of the foliage, and whether the plant is deciduous or evergreen.

Choosing plants that will attract nature to your garden Attracting pollinators, birds, and other wildlife is key to creating a biophilic garden. Certain plants like milkweed, coneflower, and native grasses attract butterflies and bees, while berry-producing plants like serviceberry, elderberry, and dogwood attract birds.

By selecting plants with care, you will be able to create a garden that is both beautiful and beneficial for local wildlife.

Maintenance of a Biophilic Garden

Maintaining a biophilic garden is not only easy but also fun. It requires your attention and care regularly. You don’t have to spend a lot of time to maintain a healthy garden, but you need to know the basics. Here are a few techniques for you to maintain a healthy garden.

Plant Care: When taking care of the plants, it’s essential to check for pests and diseases while also checking for any other problems regularly. Pests like snails, caterpillars, and aphids can harm the beautiful plants in a garden. By regularly observing plant’s leaves, you can spot mites, spider mites, scale, and other parasites that damage the leaves. Remember, healthy gardens equal healthy plants.

Reduce Pollution: Gardens play an essential role in mitigating the damaging effects of pollution. They can remove pollutants from the soil and air and help in decreasing the temperatures nearby. A properly maintained garden can produce enough oxygen to combat greenhouse gas production. If you use natural fertilizers and organic pest repellents, you can reduce harsh chemicals that can harm the environment in the long run.

Seasonality: Maintenance varies depending on the season. During spring, when trees and shrubs wake from the winter slumber, it’s essential to weed quickly to prevent the onset of a garden being overtaken by weeds. In the summer, drip irrigation and drought-tolerant plants should be the focus. Whereas fall, pruning and cutting back plants should be a priority. In the winter, focusing on plant protection and planning for the next season can be a task.

I hope these techniques help you maintain a biophilic garden. Health, happiness, and well-being can be achieved by simply being in nature. We can’t change the world overnight, but we can take small steps that could have a considerable impact in the long run. So, start small by creating a garden and maintaining it regularly. Soon you will see a difference in your health and happiness levels.

Bringing the Outdoors In

Do you ever feel a sense of calm when you’re walking through a forest or even just sitting in a garden? You are not alone! It is well documented that nature has a positive impact on our wellbeing and we can bring that positive impact indoors by incorporating biophilic design in our homes.

If you’re looking to bring the outdoors in, start by adding plants to your home. Houseplants can help clean the air and can help to reduce stress. Hanging ferns, for example, can add a touch of freshness to a room while also creating a calming atmosphere.

Another way to create a biophilic living space is by using natural materials such as wood and stone. Choosing wooden furniture with interesting grain patterns or textures is a great way to add warmth and interest to a room.

To amplify the feeling of being outdoors, you can use a nature-inspired color palette and use earthy tones, blues, and greens to create a feeling of calm. Use natural fibres like wool, linen, and cotton for throws, cushion covers, and curtains to add texture to a room.

Incorporating biophilic design elements in living spaces can be as simple or complex as you choose. Whether it’s incorporating natural light, growing herbs in the kitchen, or bringing in a water feature to replicate the sound of a babbling brook, there are many ways to create a natural sanctuary in any living space.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, planning a biophilic garden is a great way to bring nature closer to your home and promote overall wellness.

There are many different elements to consider when designing a biophilic garden, but remember that at its core, it is about creating a sustainable and nature-based environment.

Before we wrap up, I’d love to hear from you.

Which technique are you going to try first with your garden?

Let me know by sending me a message!

If you found this post helpful, I encourage you to share it with your friends on social media.

By doing so, you may inspire someone else to start planning their own biophilic garden and create a healthier environment for themselves and their families.