Clients today want more from their gardens than visual impact alone. Outdoor spaces are increasingly expected to support how people actually live, whether that means somewhere quiet to reset after work, space for family time, or a setting that feels calm and restorative.
This shift reflects a wider awareness of how natural environments affect wellbeing. A study from the University of Exeter suggests that people living in greener areas often report lower levels of stress and anxiety. Research from the Royal Horticultural Society has also found that spending time in gardens or natural spaces can improve mood and overall quality of life. Evidence indicates that spending at least two hours a week in natural settings is linked with higher wellbeing, while having access to a private garden is associated with better general health and psychological wellbeing.
We have seen this change reflected in recent project briefs. Clients ask for areas that feel more private, softer planting that changes through the seasons, and spaces that encourage them to spend more time outdoors. Rather than purely decorative landscapes, they want gardens that feel restorative and comfortable to use.
In that sense, wellness gardens are less about following a trend and more about recognising the important role outdoor space plays in everyday life.
What features make up a wellness garden
A wellness garden is designed to engage the senses while creating a calm and comfortable environment to spend time in. Planting plays an important role, but the features and layout of the garden are just as influential in shaping how the space feels.
Seating is often central to this type of design. Comfortable outdoor furniture positioned in quieter parts of the garden encourages people to pause and spend time outside. A sheltered terrace with a chair and small table can become somewhere to read a book, enjoy a morning coffee or simply take a break from the day.
Water features are another popular element. The sound of moving water can soften surrounding noise and create a more peaceful atmosphere, particularly in residential settings. Even a small rill or reflective pool can introduce a sense of calm and tranquillity through sound and movement.
Sculptural elements can also contribute to the experience of the garden. Carefully positioned sculptures or architectural features introduce focal points and texture, while materials such as metal or stone interact with light, wind and rain in subtle ways.
Wildlife-friendly planting adds another layer. Gardens that attract birds, bees and butterflies introduce natural movement and sound, which helps the space feel alive and connected to its surroundings.
One of our recent projects involved redesigning an underused parterre garden beside a new house extension. The previous layout had become difficult to maintain and no longer worked with the updated internal arrangement of the house. The brief was to create a lighter courtyard garden that felt more open and easier to use.
(Images taken by Alister Thorpe)
The redesigned garden now feels brighter and more relaxed, with planting and materials that perform well over time while supporting biodiversity.
Which plants can help create a calming garden
Lavender, rosemary and thyme add calming fragrance, particularly when planted near seating areas or pathways.
Ornamental grasses such as Stipa and Miscanthus introduce soft movement as they shift in the breeze.
Spring bulbs including narcissus and allium bring early colour and signal the start of the gardening year.
Summer perennials add richness and texture through the warmer months.
Late season plants such as echinacea, sedum and asters extend interest into autumn while supporting pollinators.
Evergreen planting from species such as yew or ilex provides structure during the winter months.
One recent PC Landscapes project used soft planting and seasonal variation to create a landscape that evolves throughout the year. Flowering perennials bring colour from spring onwards, while lawns and structured planting provide balance and rhythm across the wider garden.
This layered approach helps ensure that the garden continues to feel engaging across every season.
Why a wellness garden matters
The garden is one of the few places where you can properly step away from the pace of daily life. Even short periods outdoors can provide a sense of separation from work and routine.
Wellness focused landscapes encourage this by creating spaces that are comfortable to spend time in rather than simply to look at.
These spaces also work well for family life. A garden that combines lawn, planting and informal seating areas can accommodate everything from children playing to quiet evenings outdoors.
Wellness garden design is closely linked to everyday lifestyle. The goal is not simply visual impact but a garden that feels restorative and easy to enjoy.
Checklist of common features of a wellness garden
- Comfortable seating areas for relaxation
- Sheltered terraces or quiet corners to sit
- Water features such as ponds, rills or reflective pools
- The sound of moving water to create a calming atmosphere
- Sculptures or artistic focal points
- Architectural garden elements (walls, pergolas, structures)
- Natural materials such as stone, timber or metal
- Wildlife-friendly planting to attract birds and pollinators
- Fragrant plants that engage the sense of smell
- Textural planting and grasses that move in the breeze
- Shade from trees or pergolas
- Meandering paths that encourage slow walking
- Private or enclosed spaces for reflection
- Soft lighting for a calm atmosphere in the evening
- Views or focal points that draw the eye through the garden
- Naturalistic planting that changes with the seasons
If you are considering how your garden could better support relaxation and everyday use, we can discuss how a design tailored to your site and priorities might be developed. Contact us today to discuss your project and bring your ideas to life.