Most Calming Garden Design

Gardens can be very calming, right?  well, expect mine where I have so much crammed into a space I often hear it's overwhelming.   But you would think that all gardens have a calming effect, and are to some standpoint healthy or beneficial to help people reduce stress?

 

Turns out they are not all created equal.  Posted on National Geographic was a study where they took 32 different designed courtyards and asked participants (Alzheimer's patients) which ones they found more soothing.  blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/news/chiefeditor/2010/02/japanese-gardens-cal-alzheimer-patients.html

 

Japanese gardens ranked number 1 and Herb Gardens were lowest.

 

This is really interesting news for home gardeners that want to create that tranquil spot, but also if you're involved in helping with a healing garden at a local hospital.

 

Of course we all have our own personal favorite garden design that appeals to our senses but for tranquility & peace this might be something to incorporate in your own space even if it's a little corner.

An investigation here found that patients with dementia were
calmer and happier when they were able to ramble about
with a minimum of supervision and control in a safe place.  They
quite obviously resented doors and other bars to their freedom, liked space.   A garden, even the small rather restricted kind that
hospitals could safely present  seems to be a worthwhile and positive part of treatment.

THAT'S WHERE THEY NEED TO PUT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  LOL now I have an excuse to be out there!

Interesting.  I started an area last year as a Japanese type design garden it is something I always wanted but never had the space.

A very interesting article Boo....I read another one that studied the effects of a texture and fragrance garden on mentally disturbed patients. The patients showed considerable improvement after being allowed in the garden and allowed to touch and smell the plants.

Really interesting article, |'ve always found I'm more relaxed in a shaded green space, even though I love my flowers

I wonder if a flower garden creates happiness rather than calming?  Both are beneficial but it is interesting that one design can have so much more influence than another.

Yes that sure is interesting. Especially the part about them asking where the cricket was.

Wasn't that cool about the cricket?   So in that calming state they are able to recall ..well, at least a cricket.  It's an interesting tidbit that probably needs more study because there seems to be an open window of some memory when they're in the Japanese garden.

I would think the cricket would be like music.  There are studies that music can effect people.  That is why some doctors play music in their waiting rooms. 

I know when I am stressed there music really help me. 

Great article. My Aunt Viola loved her garden. She passed away at the age of 94. She lived by herself until she was 92 and then only had someone stay with her at night. She was almost totally blind but would make her way out to her garden. She walked with a walker and several times her daughter would come in the evening to stay with her and she knew she had been in the garden. How did she know this? She would leave her walker in the garden.  Once she reached her garden she would get down on her hands and knees to work. Tending each plant with love and care. After spending precious time with her green friends she wouldn’t be able to find the walker.

Once in awhile neighbors would see her and help her, but when no one was around she would actually craw back to the house. That is one dedicated gardener.  

I have an Aunt Viola too that passed away last year.  It's not a name you hear often anymore.

 

Your Aunt sounded like a dedicated gardener for sure.  I know I wouldn't want to give it up either.  What is it that Charlton Heston said?  I think that way about my dandelion picker and hoe. 

 

Gardening does give me something that I've never found in any other hobby and I've tried a lot of them.   It's a passion.  Plus it's a wonderful excuse to get dirty, which is always fun.

Wish I could find the link again to a report I read awhile back (British Journal of Medicine perhaps?) that found while working in soil with their hands while gardening, the soil actually releases compounds that are very similar to those found in anti-depresants, which they concluded was one reason gardening is so relaxing.....so basically we are all high on dope in our gardens!! LOL

We are all high on dirt..   I need to get in the garden to get my HAPPY BACK!!!

LOL....lends a new meaning to the term Garden Party!!

 So I am basically  a mentally disturbed person with dementia who likes to go around snorting dirt?  Sounds good to me 

Jennie there are worse things in life to be for sure!!

and everyone else thinks it's the sun .......  hmmmm .... us happy gardeners know the truth! 

And here I am preaching to my kids about not getting into drugs.  I hope this doesn't get out!  

i know in certian areas of africa people sell differant kinds of dirt and clay dirt that people actualy eat ,put in medicine and stews

guys guys (shakes head) we have a wonderful green space in the courtyard garden, with roses too (which is a big no no).Do you know how many times I have rescued a resident tangled in the dripper hose or eating rose petals.One lady put a sleepy lizard on the table inside the door.One resident liked to get naked a wash from the birdbath! Great idea but the things that can go on.On the other hand we have a central atrium which until recently was filled with canaries and budgies and quails, the residents loved to watch their antics.But our CEO didn't like it so he got rid of it saying it was too hot for the birds, funny it wasn't too hot in the years before.So now our residents can stare out of the window all day or watch tv, activity program has been cut to 3 days per week.Stepping of soapbox before i really get going.