Health and wellbeing at Tatton

Water features in three Back to Back Gardens gave very different takes on the traditional water feature. The Macmillan Legacy Garden used a contemporary glass 'wishing well' as a contemplative structure that produced colours and reacted with light which aid relaxation. Red clay half pipes attached to a whitewashed wall in the Relaxation, Meditation garden created the sound of water lapping and moving. Designer, Paul Morris wanted the sound to merge with the calming colour scheme so that people felt more at ease and able to meditate comfortably. Finally, the water in the Cholmondeley Castle Gardens: Spinning the Silver Thread was dark and surrounded by ferns and flowering plants to attract wildlife and pollinators. Gardeners can gain a great sense of wellbeing from interacting with nature in an environment that they have cultivated themselves.

Relaxed seating areas 

Relaxed seating is one of the key things that can be added to the garden to let us sit and rest, whether it becomes the central focus or is tucked away against a boundary wall. In the Arley's Thyme to Retreat garden, a metal bench was softened by cushions and rested on York paving, surrounded by a circular metal arbour. It was designed by James Youd to create a calm and peaceful retreat. Relaxation, Meditation used white washed walls and white granite to create seating that was more light in colour, restful and curved. It incorporated a cushioned seat with a line of cushions along the back to sink into. Green Dreams, designed by Sue Beesley and Will Parks, featured a circular day bed in the centre of the garden with crisp white linen that invited visitors to lay back and enjoy a 'spa' day in their own home. 

For further inspiration about health and wellbeing in your garden, read more from the Health & Horticulture Conference.