Growing Positivity

Mindfulness – the practice of which we should all be, well, mindful. In our on-demand, rush hour society where the need to stop and focus is all important, mindfulness is stepping in to show us the way. The practice has been growing in popularity and this year it is set to enter the outdoor space arena.

Whilst gardens have long been places to find peace, with the help of mindfulness they can now be designed to grow positivity as well as plants.

At its core, the practice of mindfulness is all about being aware of the present moment. It involves pausing and using all our senses to know both what is going on around us and what feelings are within us. In short, mindfulness is about literally stopping to not only smell the roses, but look at them, touch them and enjoy them too.

Many people find that mindfulness helps to not only reduce stress, but also mental health problems including anxiety and depression. It can improve our concentration, emotional control and tolerance as well as helping us to feel more positive and less overwhelmed. Whilst meditation is a way to achieve mindfulness, there are many other options – and one particularly growing in popularity is gardening.

We led the way when we built the Garden of Mindful Living designed by Paul Martin, which won Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2016. A couple of years later, the concept of gardens for positivity as well as plants is tipped to trend as more of us discover it’s potential.

To practice mindfulness in the garden, it helps to follow a few basic principles. Firstly, try not to judge anything like any previously unfinished job, simply work with how things are. Secondly, don’t second guess! Going with a gut feeling can help sharpen our instincts. Finally, try to work without distractions or time restrictions, removing boundaries allows freedom, relaxation and flow – keys to mindfulness.

It is difficult to achieve any of the above in the wrong surroundings though. In contrast, a well-designed garden can ensure you have a place for both pleasure and peace, somewhere to help you practice mindfulness and reap the rewards.

A space designed for mindfulness needs to stimulate all the senses, so it is important to consider both colour and fragrance when considering plants. Creating garden rooms is a great way to incorporate a variety of colours and aromas without them competing for attention. These separate areas can also stop us from feeling overwhelmed when stepping into a big outdoor space, allowing more awareness.

Water is an excellent way to achieve sound in a garden, while textured paving and abstract sculptures can both stimulate our sense of touch. A bench for contemplation will also benefit mindfulness.

We understand that peace is very personal though and believe your garden should reflect that. Whatever your preferences, we can create a top quality, bespoke space for both your soul and your senses. This spring, contact us by calling 07843 576294 and make your garden a place to practice mindfulness and grow positivity this year.