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In our busy screen-dominated lives, our nervous systems are often in a chronic state of low-grade fight-or-flight response. Thankfully, just spending some time outdoors can provide the cure. A peaceful natural setting is a retreat where we can unwind and recharge. That sanctuary can be even more effective when we specifically design outdoor environments that promote health and relaxation. By deliberately balancing spatial transitions, sensory curation, and evolutionary preferences (like biophilia), we can transform commercial properties and urban spaces into powerful, self-contained health interventions.
Outdoor environments that promote health and relaxation often include a number of attributes that work together to create a space that feels like a refuge. Among the effective design traits for a wellness garden are comfortable relaxation areas, a soothing or uplifting color palette, elements that engage multiple senses and a sense of order and harmony that still connects with the natural surroundings.
Scientific Evidence
Jane Austen once wrote, “To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.” Hippocrates expounded that, “Nature itself is the best physician.” Scientific research has backed up these observations. A 2022 study by the NIH found that exposure to nature significantly boosts emotional well-being, reduces stress and fosters positive physiological outcomes. An earlier study in 2021 showed that exposure to outdoor environments significantly reduces traditional markers of stress, leading to a down-regulation of blood pressure and heart rate.
Attention Restoration Theory (ART) is often used to describe the cognitive benefits of exposure to nature. A 2026 paper referencing ART states that, “the “soft fascination” of natural environments (e.g., trees, flowing water, birdsong) requires minimal cognitive effort to capture attention, thereby aiding in the restoration of directed attention and enhancing cognitive function and creativity.”
The concept of designing outdoor environments that promote health and relaxation has been used to great effect both in commercial settings. Thoughtful landscape architecture has been shown to reduce Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), lower glucose levels in diabetic patients, resolve symptoms of depression and treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Improving personal memory function and increasing employee performance are added benefits in the commercial setting.
The Wellness Garden Concept
Wellness gardens are specifically designed environments that promote health and relaxation. They are created with an eye towards providing physical, emotional and spiritual renewal. The goal is to create a space that allows a disconnection from daily life and reconnection to nature and self. Following are some of the common elements that make up wellness gardens.
Space for Reflection
Disconnecting from the everyday grind is best done through relaxation and a wellness garden should provide a space to do so. A place to relax and become immersed in natural surroundings not only make it inviting, but therapeutic, as well. Comfortable seating and shaded areas make perfect spots for contemplation and introspection.
If space permits, creating a journey through the garden can also provide an opportunity for introspection. Meandering pathways encourage a sense of exploration and discovery that engages the mind. Carefully placed trees and tall perennials surrounding a bench or water feature can be used to create intimate nooks that urge visitors to stop and unwind.
Careful Color Selection
We don’t always realize it, but the colors that surround us have a definite effect on our mood and frame of mind. Bright colors that grab attention are often the first choice in the garden. Reds and oranges project passion and excitement. When the focus is on relaxation and renewal, cooler colors are the better choice.
Green, in particular, symbolizes renewal and growth. It also helps to tie different elements together naturally, making the space feel more cohesive without jarring transitions. Focusing on greens also allows for the selection of shade tolerant plants that attract interest with their foliage.
Blue is another color that invites reflection and quiet contemplation. It is a powerful color in the garden, evoking feelings of peace, reflection, and tranquility. Shades of blue naturally recede in the landscape, creating a sense of depth and spaciousness while encouraging the eye to linger. Blue blossoms help to create a serene environment where visitors can slow down, reflect, and connect more deeply with nature.
Once a color palette is chosen, it is important to carefully select a variety of plants based on their bloom times. A splash of color throughout the changing seasons maintains the uplifting qualities of outdoor environments that promote health and relaxation. Evergreen and winter blooming plants can help to create an inviting space even during the colder months.
Appeal to Multiple Senses
A relaxing and rejuvenating space isn’t just about comfort and color. Engaging all of the senses can result in a richer, more immersive experience in the wellness garden. Planting aromatic herbs and fragrant flowers in spots where their scent can be fully enjoyed delights the nose as well as the eyes. A fountain, windchimes or wispy flowing grass will engage the ear. Plants with a variety of textures invite the touch.
Attract Wildlife
Attracting wildlife like birds and butterflies is not only beneficial to the environment, but observing wildlife has been proven to reduce stress levels and improve mood. Cultivating a variety of native plants is the best way to provide a haven for local wildlife. Water features or even a single birdbath can also be a great addition. Of course, you want to keep in mind the goal of not attracting any wildlife that could be harmful to visitors to your property. We all want to save the bees, but choosing native plants designed to attract them might not be the best move for a garden outside a children’s hospital, for example.
Create a Sense of Order and Harmony
A well-designed garden creates a sense of order and harmony while blending seamlessly into the surrounding natural environment. Structured elements such as defined pathways, thoughtfully arranged plant groupings, and repeating forms provide visual cohesion and guide the eye through the landscape.
As the garden extends outward, the design can gradually become less formal, incorporating native plants, naturalistic drifts, and softer edges that echo the character of the surrounding landscape. This transition blurs the boundary between cultivated and wild spaces, creating a garden that feels both intentional and deeply connected to its environment. Check out our recent article for more ideas on creating seamless transitions.
Fill Your Wellness Prescription Naturally
Experiencing the beauty and variety of nature is powerful medicine that can recharge the mind and revitalize the spirit. Creating the perfect outdoor wellness space for your commercial landscape requires careful planning and attention to detail. Please get in touch and let the experienced professionals at Jerry Pate Design show you how we can create your perfect sanctuary.
