Mental health is important, and the garden is the perfect place to start!
Gardens are a great way to take care of your mental health. In fact, they can be even more effective than therapy in some cases.
Studies have shown that you will feel calmer when you’re outside surrounded by flowers and trees, so it’s no wonder that many people find gardening therapeutic. It also doesn’t cost anything to get started – all you need is a little space in your yard or on your balcony and about an hour per week for upkeep.
Here are six ways to transform your yard into a space for mental health that you will want to enjoy!
1. Decide what You Want Your Yard to Look Like for Mental Wellness
Where will you sit? What plants do you want to highlight? What will you use your outdoor space for? Think about all of these questions before beginning the landscape. If you are unsure, take a walk around your neighborhood and look at how other people have landscaped their yard.
Decide what you want your yard to look like, whether it’s a zen garden, patio for hanging out with friends, or relaxing outdoor space. If the design of your house obstructs your view of the sky, consider building a rooftop garden.
You can also tear out the grass and create a smaller, more privatized space with potted plants, benches, or chairs. You can also place potted plants on your roof.
2. Install a Fence for Privacy
Privacy fences allow you to enjoy your outdoor space without the disturbances of nearby neighbors or passers-by. A fence is also a great way to maintain privacy and security for you and your family, as well as keep children safe from dangerous areas such as roads and pools.
When it comes to fences, you have many options. Vinyl, wood, and iron are all popular materials for a fence. In addition to more common materials, you can choose from a variety of fencing styles including adobe wall fencing, split rail fencing, and many more.
Trex seclusions composite fencing is another excellent choice since it is virtually maintenance-free, highly durable, and comes in a variety of styles.
3. Add Plants and Flowers for Color and Fragrance
Replacing your grass with beautiful flowers and colorful foliage has many benefits. You can enjoy them from the comfort of your home, they provide privacy, and studies even show that they create a calming effect on their owner.
If you don’t want to make a drastic change to your landscape, add a few new plants here and there. If you want to make a more dramatic change, remove the grass and replace it with flowers. Also, you can put potted plants on your patio or roof for an even bigger impact.
Note that regularly mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and removing dead plants will keep your yard looking its best all year long. Maintenance is especially important in the spring when winter damage can still be visible.
4. Install a Hammock or Bench for Relaxing in the Sun
Do you want to put your feet up and read a book or do some birdwatching? Do you enjoy gazing at the stars on summer nights? What about taking an afternoon nap in the sun?
You can complete any of these activities by adding hammocks, chairs, benches, swings, and even couches. Many homeowners find that these areas are their favorite parts of the yard since they are great for unwinding. They can also provide additional seating during holiday family get-togethers or parties.
5. Put Up Birdhouses and Feeders for More Wildlife in the Yard
Do you enjoy watching the birds in your yard? You can have even more feathered friends join you by adding birdhouses and feeders. Even better, house sparrows are great birdhouse builders themselves, so they will do much of the work for you.
Next to water, food is one of birds’ top priorities. By creating a birdfeeder, you can also prevent squirrels and other animals from stealing the seed. Note, however, that if you add a feeder, you’ll need to regularly clean out old food and add more new food to prevent molding or attracting pests such as ants.
6. Use Outdoor Lighting for Some Mood after Dark
Whether you want to hang out under the stars with your friends, show off how pretty your flowers are at night, or find something in your yard after dark, outdoor lighting can improve safety and help you enjoy everything outside.
Today, you have plenty of choices for outdoor light. You can install floor or path lights, attach a solar light to a fence, or use an eye-catching chandelier. You can also place potted plants in your yard and have them light up at night by installing small spotlights near the flowers’ bases.
Another potential source of light is a firepit. To build one, you’ll need supplies like sand, bricks, stones, and a grate.
As you can see, there is a lot that you can do in and around your yard to improve both safety and your mental health. From installing a hammock to creating a birdfeeder, you can create a space that is perfect for your family and friends.
