Picture yourself surrounded by soothing scents, soft greenery and cozy corners where you can unwind, recharge and reconnect with nature. Before your mind wanders to the park or a remote tropical locale, what if you could create your own sanctuary — a wellness garden spa right in your own backyard to support your physical, mental and emotional well-being?

What Is a Wellness Garden?

A wellness garden is a thoughtfully designed outdoor space aiming to promote relaxation, reduce stress and support overall well-being. Unlike typical gardens, these are crafted with specific plants, features, and layouts to engage the senses and foster a sense of calm and balance.

The idea behind a wellness garden is to create a personal sanctuary where you can connect with nature, unwind, and support mental and physical health. They can range from simple setups with a few plants and a quiet seating area to more elaborate spaces, even including elements like water features.

Simple Steps for Starting Your Own Wellness Garden

If you’d like to create a refreshing oasis, here are some tips for designing and growing a wellness garden in your backyard.

1. Choose Calming Plants

Your wellness garden should feel like a spa, and your plants play a big part in that. Look for those known for their calming properties, such as lavender, lemon balm and maypop.

These plants smell lovely and have relaxing effects that can reduce stress and alleviate depressive disorders. Position them near your seating area or along walkways to enjoy their fragrance as you move through the garden.

2. Add Sensory Elements

When planning your wellness garden, consider engaging all five senses. Incorporate:

• Sight:Include a variety of colorful flowers, lush foliage and interesting textures. Strategically place garden art, sculptures or water features to draw the eye.
• Sound: The calming sounds of running water from a fountain or chimes can be incredibly soothing.
• Smell:Plant fragrant flowers, herbs and trees, like lavender, rosemary and citrus.
• Touch:Use soft plants like lamb’s ear or silver sage.
• Taste: Add an edible element with herbs, fruits, or vegetables you can harvest and enjoy.

3. Incorporate Healing Spaces

Your wellness garden should have spaces that invite you to pause, relax and enjoy. Designate a quiet corner with a cozy chair or hammock where you can read or meditate. You can also arrange raised beds or planters to encourage slow walks through the garden.

Hydrotherapy has been known to reduce stress and tension, making it a perfect fit for a wellness garden. You don’t need a full spa setup — recreate this restorative experience with a small pond, soaking tub, fountain or misting area. Water elements like fountains or ponds have been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate.

4. Use Natural Materials

When adding structures, choose natural materials like wood, stone or bamboo. These complement the already-natural space, making it feel more peaceful. Wood benches, stone pathways, or bamboo screens can create natural focal points that align with the garden’s purpose of relaxation and healing.

5. Create a Pathway for Walking Meditation

Adding a simple pathway can make a big difference in your wellness garden’s layout. Use gravel, stepping stones or mulch to create a winding path you can walk on while meditating.

Strolling through your garden while being mindful of each step is a meditative practice that helps you find inner peace, gets you more in the moment and reduces stress. Plus, it’s a great way to get in your daily recommended physical activity.

6. Set Up a Place for Yoga or Stretching

A flat, shaded area in your wellness garden can double as a yoga, stretching or Tai Chi space. Being surrounded by greenery can enrich your practice, making each session more calming and grounding.

Simply place a yoga mat or choose a grassy patch where you can unwind and focus on your breath. You’ll notice a drop in stress levels and better physical health.

7. Design for Year-Round Use

Make your wellness garden enjoyable in every season by including evergreen shrubs and trees for structure. Plant bulbs and annuals for seasonal color, and add cozy seating areas, wind chimes, or even a firepit or outdoor heater to extend the use of your space.

8. Start Small

Don’t feel like you need to transform your entire yard at once. Begin with a focused meditation area or sensory garden, then gradually expand as your budget and time allow. Even a few potted herbs on a balcony can provide wellness benefits.

Your Personal Retreat Awaits

A a wellness garden spa aims to create a personal sanctuary — a place to relax, recharge and reconnect with nature. However, creating one doesn’t require a lot of space or expense. With a thoughtful selection of plants, sensory elements and peaceful design choices, your backyard can become a haven that supports your well-being.