10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR GARDEN MORE TRANQUIL
Are you looking to make your garden feel more tranquil? Whether you live in Surrey or Southwest London, no matter the size of your garden, there are many things you can do to achieve this.
Garden design expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created this guide with everything you need to know about ways to make your garden feel more tranquil.
Incorporate Natural Materials
Using natural materials in your garden design will help to create a calming and harmonious environment. Opt for wood, stone, bamboo, or gravel when building pathways, benches or structures. Natural textures will blend harmoniously with the surrounding greenery, bringing a sense of unity and relaxation.
These materials are also durable and will age beautifully over time if well cared for, adding to the natural charm of your garden. The tactile quality of the elements adds to the calming experience, and mixing textures can create an inviting, balanced atmosphere.
Keep to Calming Colours
Choosing the right colours for your garden is very important. A soft, simple colour palette is great for the overall look to create a soothing, neutral environment. Soft, cool shades, such as blues, purples, and whites, are great for plants to promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
Mixing textures and shades will add visual interest without overwhelming the senses. Pair calming colours with green plants to create a cohesive and serene look. With some careful planning towards your colour scheme, you can instantly transform your garden into a peaceful and tranquil retreat.
Use Soft Lighting
Your lighting choices are crucial when it comes to creating a serene atmosphere in your garden. To maintain a calm environment, select warm, soft lighting rather than harsh, bright lights. Fairy lights, lanterns lit with candles, and soft solar-powered lighting are all great options.
Position the lights to highlight areas you want to be a focal point without overpowering the natural ambience. This could include stringing them along fences and other boundaries or positioning them to enhance plants and other features. Gentle illumination will make your garden a cosy and inviting space on those warm summer evenings.
Add Peaceful Water Features
Incorporating a water feature can be one of the best ways to make your garden feel tranquil, both from the beautiful aesthetic elements it will bring and the overall calm atmosphere created. Whether it is an ornate fountain, a small pond, or even a simple birdbath, water elements are sure to enhance relaxation.
The soft and gentle sound of flowing water creates a soothing atmosphere that relaxes your brain and blocks out any unwanted noise. It is a good idea to place water features near seating areas to enhance the peaceful experience – just be sure to take any necessary safety precautions if you have small children or pets.
Include Whimsical Elements
Add whimsical elements that will whisk your mind away to dreamy fairytales by incorporating quirky garden ornaments and decorations. Brightly painted birdhouses will bring a certain charm to the area whilst attracting stunning wildlife to dazzle amongst the fairytale features. You could even tuck some ‘fairy houses’ in corners or under trees and bushes for an extra touch of magic.
Wind chimes are another great feature to enhance the aesthetic and overall vibe you are aiming to create. Not only will the colourful glass or metal add to the fun yet soothing feel of the space, but the sound of them lightly ringing in the wind is the essence of tranquillity.
Create Relaxing Retreats
Design secluded areas in your garden where you can feel truly at peace away from the hustle and bustle of the world. Use hedges, trellises, or bamboo screens surrounded by stunning foliage to create cosy, private nooks where you can unwind and escape from your daily stresses.
Incorporate comfortable seating such as benches, hammocks, swinging benches, or comfortable chairs. Add soft textiles like outdoor pillows and blankets for extra warmth and comfort, and choose furniture styles that complement the overall aesthetic of your garden for a cohesive look.
Attract Wildlife
Inviting wildlife into your garden can enhance the peacefulness and natural beauty of the area. Incorporate birdbaths, bird feeders, and flowers that will attract a range of important pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Imagine the soundtrack of gentle birdsong and the soft hum of bees as you watch beautiful butterflies fluttering by – the perfect haven of tranquillity.
Not only will you be adding to your personal peace at the moment, but you can also rest assured that your wildlife-friendly zones are promoting biodiversity as you add life to your garden. Planting native species will help to maintain your local ecosystem and encourage wildlife to thrive.
Select Plants with a Soothing Fragrance
We have discussed the effect of soothing colours on your garden, but something that is often overlooked when it comes to plants is their scent. Adding fragrant plants to your garden can enhance the overall calming experience, and scents like lavender, jasmine, and rosemary are known for their soothing properties.
For maximum impact, position your aromatic plants near seating areas or pathways and select ones that will bloom throughout the seasons. Fragrance can evoke positive emotions and promote relaxation, enhancing the tranquil ambience of your garden.
Create Winding Pathways
Winding pathways give a sense of wonder and exploration whilst creating a gentle flow throughout your garden. Curved gravel, stone, or wood paths will provide a natural feel that enhances the serene atmosphere and adding stepping stones or meandering walkways can also soften the overall design.
Paths can lead to hidden corners, seating areas, or water features, inviting visitors to wander and relax – perfect for leading up to your specially created areas of retreat. A well-designed pathway will create a sense of journey and discovery, making your garden feel more spacious and calming.
Go for A Minimalist Approach
When creating a peaceful garden, the key is sometimes as straightforward as keeping it simple. Soothing plants, decorations, and seating areas are wonderful, but too much of a good thing can leave the area feeling cluttered and uncomfortable.
Minimalist design principles such as clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and natural materials promote calmness, and you should reduce visual noise by strategically placing a few key features. A minimalist garden design fosters a serene environment that feels spacious and harmonious whilst also reducing the stress that comes with more high-maintenance areas.
