From Yard to Sanctuary: Embrace the Well-Being Benefits of Gardening
More and more homeowners are discovering the many benefits of gardening.
We are recognizing nature’s ability to increase feelings of well-being, and the calming effects time in the garden can bring. This realization is translating into garden design, creating a trend NGB Member Monrovia calls Upscale Relaxation.
“Focusing on personal health is now a status symbol,” says Katie Tamony, chief marketing officer and trend spotter for Monrovia. “We are all looking to create a relaxing, private oasis where we can shut out the chaos of everyday life. Plants can be the perfect design accessory for these private retreats.”
The design of the Garden of Relaxation is meant to evoke a vacation-like atmosphere such as an upscale hotel or spa, with lush plants, and comfortable and elegant furniture. It is restful and rejuvenating.
Combining broad-leaved and fine-textured foliage plants brings a sense of calm to the space. “We’re seeing larger houseplants being brought outdoors for instant impact, use of grasses to create movement and vines for vertical interest. We are also seeing homeowners splurging on a ‘must-have’ plant that brings them joy,” adds Tamony. “The color palette is muted with a few bright flowers used to draw the eye.”
The Perfect Plants for Creating Your Garden of Relaxation
Tectonic® Caldera Begonia
The latest addition to the Tectonic™ Begonia series features giant, glossy heart-shaped leaves that emerge red and open to a bright green. Discovered by Dan Hinkley in India, Caldera’s leaves can grow to 2 feet wide. Impressive in the landscape, Caldera can remain smaller in containers.
Jurassic™ Stegosaurus Holly Fern
Each variety in Monrovia’s Jurassic™ Ferns series adds a unique texture to the shade garden. Discovered by Dan Hinkley, Jurassic™ Stegosaurus Holly Fern features holly-like fronds with large leaflets that make it a standout in a relaxing space inground or in a container.
Velvet Viking™ Japanese Maple
The distinctive, intricately cut leaves of Japanese Maple trees draw the eye and give any garden an elegant focal point. Velvet Viking™ Japanese Maple is a dwarf variety with lacy, deep maroon foliage. Velvet Viking was discovered in Minnesota and is reliably hardy to Zone 4.
Ficus Umbellata
The huge, heart-shaped leaves of Ficus Umbellata provide the lush look every Relaxation Garden needs. With time, this Ficus will grow into a stunning upright tree making it the perfect houseplant to bring outdoors during the warmer months.
Evergreen Clematis
Fragrant, star-shaped flowers cover this vine as it creates a beautiful screen or trellised focal point in the garden. The bright white blooms are backed by large, deep green leaves creating an exotic and elegant look.
Restful Fountains and Birdbaths
Enhance the serenity of your sanctuary garden with the gentle sounds of a trickling fountain or a charming bird bath.
Written by NGB Member Monrovia
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