RHS – Your Wellbeing Garden

Maximise the wellbeing potential of your garden with science-backed help and advice on what to plant and where to plant it

At a glance

Gardens are proven to enhance your wellbeing, but why? Covering the design, the plants, and the physical act of gardening, this book uniquely explains the evidence behind why green spaces are good for you. It then shows you how you can use that knowledge to optimise your own outdoor space for wellbeing.
 

Published: 5 Feb 2020 | ISBN: 9780241386729

RHS Your Wellbeing Garden

Inside the book

A marriage of art and science, this book is a collaboration between RHS Director of Science Professor Alistair Griffiths and Chelsea award-winning garden designer Matthew Keightley. Beautiful double-page features showcase Matthew's clever garden design ideas for gardens specifically aimed at promoting wellbeing. Includes scalable ideas, allowing readers to pick whatever suits them and their space, without having to start from scratch.

The restorative effects of water

Blue, watery spaces can, just like green ones, help to make us feel restored, rejuvenated, and less stressed.

Installing a water feature – a splashing fountain, a trickling stream, or a still pond – creates a focal point that is an endless source of calm and fascination.

You don’t need lots of space to enjoy the benefits of water – even a simple reflective water bowl can be a meditative feature that enhances your wellbeing garden.

Health and wellbeing benefits

Encouraging the whole family to get involved in day-to-day gardening jobs, such as weeding or planting, will increase their exposure to beneu001fficial microbes in the soil, potentially boosting their immunity.

If you have a garden, why not set aside a section where the children can dig in the dirt? In smaller spaces, they can experiment with growing plants in pots – both indoors and out.

Save energy with plants

In temperate climates, heating is the main consumer of energy. You can reduce energy costs not only by insulating the inside of your building but also the outside.

Shelter belts of trees will cut down wind chill and so reduce the heat transfer from building façades into the colder atmosphere. Climbers, living walls, and green roofs can also provide protective layers in winter.

"Your garden is your space, and with a little thought and careful planning you can transform it into a wellbeing haven"

Introduction by Matt Keightley

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.