In recent years, gardens have evolved from being simply beautiful outdoor spaces into places of restoration, reflection and wellbeing. More and more homeowners are looking for gardens that don’t just look good, but feel good too.
At Laurel Hill Gardens, we’re seeing a growing desire for what’s often referred to as wellness gardens, which are outdoor spaces designed to encourage slower living, calm and connection with nature.
What is a wellness garden?
A wellness garden isn’t about following a rigid trend or installing every new feature. Instead, it’s about creating a space that supports how you want to live and feel.
For some, that might mean:
- A quiet corner for reading or contemplation
- Soft planting that changes gently through the seasons
- A place to practise yoga or simply sit with a cup of tea
- Incorporating features such as outdoor showers, plunge pools or saunas in a natural, understated way
Wellness gardens are deeply personal, and when designed well, they feel effortless rather than overworked.
Slow living, designed into the landscape
The idea of slow living is influencing how many of us approach our homes and gardens. In contrast to busy schedules and screen-filled days, the garden becomes a place to pause.
Thoughtful design plays a crucial role here. Elements such as:
- Clear sightlines and uncluttered layouts
- Natural materials that weather beautifully over time
- Gentle transitions between spaces
- Planting schemes that favour texture, movement and year-round interest
All help to create a garden that invites you to linger rather than rush.
In areas such as Cranleigh, Guildford and the surrounding Surrey Hills, we often work with clients who want their garden to feel like a natural extension of their home; somewhere to decompress at the end of the day or enjoy quieter moments at the weekend.
Integrating wellness features with sensitivity
Features like saunas, hot tubs or outdoor bathing areas are increasingly popular, particularly in larger gardens or rural settings. The key is integrating them in a way that feels harmonious with the landscape.
Rather than dominating the space, these elements should sit comfortably within the garden:
- Screened with planting for privacy
- Built with materials that complement their surroundings
- Positioned to make the most of views, light and shelter
Good garden design ensures these features enhance the experience of the garden, rather than overpower it.
The role of planting in wellbeing
Plants are at the heart of any wellness garden. A strong planting design can soften architecture, create rhythm and bring a sense of calm.
At Laurel Hill Gardens, we follow the principle of “right plant, right place”, selecting plants that will flourish in their environment and require less intervention over time. This results in gardens that feel natural, balanced and sustainable.
Planting for wellbeing might include:
- Evergreens to provide structure and reassurance year-round
- Grasses and perennials that move gently in the breeze
- Pollinator-friendly plants that bring life and subtle sound into the garden
Designing a garden that supports how you live
Whether you have a compact garden in London, a new build in Guildford, or a larger rural plot in the Surrey Hills, a wellness-focused approach can be designed to suit your space and lifestyle.
A garden designed with wellbeing in mind doesn’t shout for attention. Instead, it offers quiet pleasure, evolving with the seasons and becoming more beautiful with time.
If you’re considering reimagining your garden as a place to slow down, restore and reconnect, professional garden design can help you make thoughtful choices that will benefit you for years to come.
We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at paula@laurelhillgardens.co.uk or call 07714 088153 to begin creating a garden that brings beauty, balance and wellbeing to your home.
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