Right, let’s chat gardens! I’ve been absolutely absorbed lately in all things horticultural, especially articles focusing on the sheer joy a UK garden can bring. From clever landscaping tricks to plant problem-solving guides, it’s all fascinating. And of course, the dream of adding an orangery… pure bliss! But what really struck me was the wealth of information about the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Stress reduction, improved mood, even a decent workout – who knew getting my hands dirty could be so good for me? I bumped into my friend Anna the other day, and we got completely sidetracked talking about it. Here’s what we covered:
“Shrubs for Serenity: Choosing the Right Shrubs for a Relaxing UK Garden” was our jumping-off point. I mentioned how I’d been reading about it, and Anna, who has the most incredible, tranquil garden, just lit up. “Oh, shrubs are absolutely key!” she exclaimed. “They’re not just pretty faces; they create a real sense of peace.”
Visual Appeal and Fragrance:
Anna started by stressing the importance of visual appeal. “Think about colour palettes,” she advised. “Do you want calming greens and whites, or a more vibrant mix?” She’s a big fan of lavender and rosemary, both of which are perfectly happy in a UK garden. “The silver foliage looks beautiful, and the scent… oh, it’s instantly calming.” She also suggested Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom) for its glossy evergreen leaves and delicate, fragrant flowers.
We talked about planning for all seasons. “Don’t just think about summer blooms,” she urged. “Consider shrubs with interesting bark, like Cornus (Dogwood), or winter berries like Cotoneaster. It keeps the garden interesting, even when everything else is dormant.” The key is planning ahead and noting which months your shrubs will thrive in to ensure you have shrubs that are active throughout the year. This also gives you an opportunity to introduce colours in each section which can change the vibe and feeling of each section of the garden.
Creating a Sense of Enclosure:
Next, we moved onto creating a sense of enclosure. This, Anna believes, is crucial for a truly relaxing space. “Think about using shrubs to define different ‘rooms’ in your garden,” she explained. “Even a small hedge can create a sense of privacy and separation.”
She’s a big advocate for using hedging plants like Yew (Taxus baccata) or Box (Buxus sempervirens) to create formal borders, but also suggested looser, more informal shrubs like Viburnum tinus for a more relaxed feel. “They act as a natural screen, blocking out noise and creating a sense of seclusion.” When planting, take into account the mature size of the shrub and ensure that the area is prepared for the eventual requirements of the fully grown shrub.
UK-Suitable Shrubs – Anna’s Top Picks:
We spent ages discussing specific shrubs that thrive in the UK climate. Here are some of Anna’s recommendations, along with my notes:
- Lavender (Lavandula): Perfect for sunny spots, providing colour, fragrance, and attracting pollinators. Drought tolerant once established.
- Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Another fragrant herb, great for Mediterranean-style gardens. Needs well-drained soil.
- Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom): Evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers. Prefers a sheltered spot.
- Viburnum tinus: Evergreen shrub with clusters of white flowers in winter. Very hardy and easy to grow.
- Cornus (Dogwood): Offers stunning winter stem colour. Prefers moist soil.
- Cotoneaster: Provides berries in autumn and winter, attracting birds. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions.
- Yew (Taxus baccata): A classic hedging plant, offering dense evergreen foliage. Long-lived and tolerant of trimming.
- Box (Buxus sempervirens): Another popular hedging plant, suitable for smaller gardens. Prone to box blight, so choose resistant varieties.
Therapeutic Benefits:
What truly made it click for me was the connection between choosing these specific shrubs and the therapeutic benefits I’d been reading about. The fragrance of lavender is known to reduce anxiety, while the act of pruning and caring for shrubs is incredibly mindful and grounding. Plus, the visual appeal of a well-designed shrub border is simply soothing. Anna described the process as “Creating your own personal haven”.
Thinking about it all, it’s clear that a carefully planned selection of shrubs can transform a UK garden into a genuinely therapeutic space. From the visual appeal and calming fragrances to the sense of enclosure and the simple joy of nurturing them, shrubs offer a powerful way to enhance both our physical and mental well-being. Take inspiration from Anna’s recommendations, research shrubs suitable for your specific garden conditions, and get planting. The serenity you seek might just be a shrub away. Don’t forget to think about the seasons when designing and enjoy every moment!
