ALEXANDRIA
— With this week’s warmer temperatures and rain, many gardeners are eager to jump start the growing season. Planning a healing garden is an easy, uplifting way to welcome spring, especially if you’re craving calm, comfort, and sensory richness.
Healing gardens rely on intentional plant choices and simple, soothing design to support emotional, physical, and mental well-being, helping us unwind and reconnect with nature.
Start with soothing scents
Fragrance sets the tone for a relaxing outdoor space. Aromatic plants can reduce stress, promote calm, and make a garden instantly welcoming. Consider the following:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) — Calming and best grown in containers or with winter protection in Minnesota. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) — Fragrant, hardy, and versatile. German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) — A gentle herb for soothing teas. Holy Basil/Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) An adaptogen that helps the body manage stress.Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) — A citrus-scented perennial known for easing anxiety and improving focus.
These scented plants fit the sensory-centered principles of healing garden design.
Add plants that invite touch
Texture encourages visitors to slow down and engage with their surroundings. Mixing soft, smooth, and feathery foliage creates a comforting, immersive experience. Here’s some examples:
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) — Velvety leaves that offer soothing tactile feedback. Sedums (Sedum spp.) — Smooth, fleshy foliage that contrasts beautifully with soft textures. Ferns — Airy fronds that add light movement and coolness.
A range of textures strengthens the garden’s grounding, restorative feel.
Choose plants that bring movement and sound
The sound of rustling leaves or swaying grasses can be deeply calming. Plants that move naturally in the breeze help create a peaceful, meditative atmosphere, including the following:
Pines (Pinus spp.) — Needles that produce a soft, whispering sound.Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) — Tall stems that rustle gently.Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) — A native grass offering motion and sound.
These elements add depth to the garden’s sensory experience.
Incorporate calming color and harmony
A soothing color palette helps tie the space together. Soft blues, purples, and pastels work especially well. The following plants work great for adding color:
Catmint (Nepeta spp.) — Lavender-blue blooms in soft drifts.Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) — Purple and pink tones that attract pollinators. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) — Blue-violet plumes with graceful movement.Pastel Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) — Peach, pink, and yellow clusters.
Repeating colors builds visual calm and cohesion.
As you sort through seeds catalogs, choose varieties that bring scent, sound, texture, and color into your space. A healing garden doesn’t need to be large, just intentional. It may be the grounding project your mind and spirit need as spring approaches.
Until next time, happy gardening!
Robin Trott is a horticulture educator with University of Minnesota Extension. Contact her at 320-762-3890, or at trot0053@umn.
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