Was I surprised that “Wellness Gardens” is a Spring 2024 trend? No, not really. A few weeks ago, I wrote a post on how gardening can boost our health and longevity. What does surprise me is that so many people (including health experts) are just now realizing that gardening is a tonic for both body and mind.
Some of the few businesses that did well during the pandemic were home hardware and greenhouses. I’m sure you’ll never forget ordering your plants ahead of time and doing a drive-by pickup…everyone keeping adequate social distancing just to be safe. I’m guessing this was the first time many of us entered the gardening world, and for the seasoned gardener, it may have been a frustrating time with supply chain issues, etc. But gardening gave us peace from the chaos around us, removing the noise of everyday life. Spending just a couple of hours a week in your garden will boost your mood, leaving your worries behind and can possibly ward off dementia.
As the world returns to normality, we may not have as much time in our gardens, but we are still craving an outdoor retreat…a welcoming extension of our indoor spaces, a sanctuary connecting us to nature.
Gardens are personal, as we all crave something different that speaks to our individual preferences and needs. Ideally, we are creating spaces, “Wellness Gardens”, to stimulate all the senses.
All flowers are beautiful, and nature has a way of combining colours and textures that always work. Finding fragrant flowers enhances the experience. Classic flowers like lilacs, peonies, roses, and flowering shrubs like hydrangea are no longer considered pedestrian. All are beautiful, elegant, and relatively low-maintenance while attracting pollinators. The trend shows cottage gardens (a 100% increase in requests) are replacing contemporary looks favoured not long ago.
Adding a water feature to the garden instantly cools and relaxes. Smaller plunge pools are an alternative to babbling water features or swimming pools. They are often less expensive and require less maintenance while adding practicality and beauty. If bird song and squirrel chatter are not music to your ears, perhaps the melodic notes of a windchime will play just the right tune. A kitchen garden can be squeezed into the smallest of spaces…even in a container…and may encourage you to cook healthier meals for your family.
As the days get longer, the sun gets higher, and the temperatures rise, I can’t wait to get my hands and feet dirty again (especially knowing all the health benefits that lie below the surface) and soak up a year’s worth of vitamin D in just a few months. Dirt-y Wellness season has begun! Let’s make the most of it…
xox Judy❤️
Hi Judy,
Have you ever thought about submitting a piece like this to the Edmonton Journal as an OpEd? There is still a lot of angst out there and Edmontonians all would benefit from a Dirt- y Wellness read and the previous wellness piece ideas. Diane
Hi Diane, No, I have never thought of writing anything other than what I put on the blog! It took a lot to push me out of my comfort zone and write anything that would go out into the great unknown. I do agree though, that all that negative energy out there would be well spent tending a plot of dirt…anywhere. Hope you are staying well, xox Judy❤️
A hundred percent on everything Judy! I am considering starting a little veggie garden this year. Maybe a raised bed in a corner. After I get all my pots potted up, I am always craving more things to plant. As such, I tend to over do the flower pots, as I keep returning to the garden centers for more – LOL Tending a veggie garden may keep me out of the garden centers. Wishful thinking probably.
I have also contemplated a little doggy pool for my two pups, who love the water. Maybe I will join them – LOL.
Hi Karen, I know how you feel about revisiting the greenhouses always picking up more. After a long winter, seeing all that beauty is just too tempting. A doggy pool would be a lovely addition for your garden…just may it big enough for you too! xox Judy❤️
I swear just looking at pictures of gardens brings down my blood pressure and I know that being out in my garden is the best therapy in the world for me Judy. The top picture has all the colours that I tend to put in my garden although it hasn’t quite turned out like your picture here😂. I’m planning to go and buy some more veggie seeds this weekend and I’m also going to try and make some more flower beds in the back yard….because then you know I’ll just HAVE to fill them with my favourites😂. I purchased an antique Hungarian lavabo a little while ago and I’m planning to hang it on the back fence and fill it with shade-tolerant flowers and cascading Creeping Jenny and lobelia. It’s my special addition to the garden this year and I’m so excited about it. I hope it turns out the way I have it pictured in my head because I’m still trying to convince the boys in my family (who are not as enamored with it as I am) that “don’t worry it’s not a urinal😖….people washed their hands in it!”. I’ll let you know how it turns out🤞. Have a great weekend and enjoy yourself in your beautiful garden Judy! Hugs, Karen xo❤️
Hi Karen, that sounds like a fun project and I’m sure it will not look anything like a urinal! I like adding interesting pieces on the fence or garage too. It gives the garden new site lines and adds colour and often opportunities to grow something that you may not otherwise be able to. I’ll be in the garden this weekend too. It looks like the weather will cooperate and there is so much to do! xox Judy❤️