The Essentials of a Sanctuary Garden
(Continued from Page 1) By Melanie Haiken, special to HGTV.com
Plan for Privacy
Most of us don't want the postman dropping off packages or the neighbors watching us while we try to claim a few moments of peace and serenity. And interruptions and distractions don't just come from beyond our borders; you may want to screen at least part of the garden from other areas of the yard and from the windows of the house. Think in terms of creating a sense of enclosure and safety, experts say. A trellis covered in lush, leafy vines can evoke our primordial sense of security and protection, while a garden "room" featuring a bench or chair surrounded by lush plantings makes a perfect meditation space free from prying eyes.
Savor the Solace of Sound
One of the goals of a sanctuary garden is to distract us from the stresses of daily life by stimulating the senses. For this reason, fountains, pools and other water elements are popular features in meditation gardens because nothing soothes as quickly as the sound of burbling water. But if water isn't practical in your climate, don't despair; wind chimes and bells are another way to add the element of sound. Or you can create the illusion of water with a dry streambed decorated with pretty stones or colored glass.
Engage Nature
There's nothing like a hummingbird to stop you in your tracks, which is why garden designers often choose plants that attract birds and butterflies for meditation and sanctuary gardens. Other strategies include planting plenty of aromatic plants and herbs as well as plants that echo the history of the landscape around you."If possible, choose plants that are native to your area, because it helps people reconnect with the past and with a sense of place," says Marguerite Koepke, professor emeritus in environmental design at the University of Georgia. "When people are surrounded by nature that's familiar, they make a mind-body connection that relieves stress and restores wellness." (See plant lists for each area.)
Gardening as Therapy
As you become engaged in the process of creating your dream garden, you may make a surprising discovery: Gardening itself can be restorative and therapeutic. "Gardening is similar to yoga — it's in the practice of doing that we find respite, recovery and healing," says landscape designer P. Annie Kirk. She says many of her clients, rather than hiring her to design a complete garden, choose to do the bulk of the installation themselves. "Many of my clients come to me to collaborate and be guided through a process that proves to be restorative and healing in and of itself."
—Melanie Haiken, a freelance writer and editorial consultant, lives in San Rafael, California, where she hopes to turn her
garden into a contemplative oasis.
Guests Linda Wiggen Kraft
Garden Designer
Gardens for the Soul
Website:
www.gardensforthesoul.com
Virginia R. Rockwell, VSLD
Certified Landscape Designer
The Gentle Gardener
Website:
www.gentlegardener.comP. Annie Kirk, MLA, ASLA
Principal, Red Bird Design
Website:
www.RedBirdDesign.net
Marguerite L. Koepke
Professor Emerita
School of Environmental Design
University of Georgia
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