In today's fast-paced world, our connection to nature has never been more important. Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces don't just look beautiful – they have the power to transform how we live, feel, and interact with our environment daily. Let's explore how intelligent landscape design can enhance both our physical and mental wellbeing.
Outdoor living is deeply woven into the fabric of Australian culture. Our climate and diverse landscapes naturally draw us toward outdoor activities, sports, and social gatherings. This connection is reflected in our approach to home design, where we prioritise seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces through large windows, open-plan layouts, and expansive entertaining areas.
As Steve Taylor, Landscape Designer and Managing Director of COS Design, notes: “The Australian public demands sophisticated yet relaxed spaces to live in… As far as a distinct aesthetic, you can turn to our Australian-native garden palette and that’s probably our true palette… But it’s also about a way of life, most of our fun and entertaining is done in the great outdoors.”
Research continues to demonstrate the powerful impact of nature on our mental wellbeing. A compelling 2019 study revealed that just 20 minutes in a natural setting can help lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body, enhancing mood and reducing anxiety. More recently, research during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how access to garden spaces significantly improved mental health during challenging periods.
To maximise mental health benefits in your outdoor space, consider incorporating:
Sensory elements: Fragrant plants like lavender and jasmine, varied textures in foliage, and the gentle sound of water features all engage our senses and promote mindfulness. These elements help ground us in the present moment and reduce anxiety.
Quiet contemplation areas: Dedicated spaces for meditation or reflection, perhaps featuring comfortable seating and peaceful views, provide crucial opportunities for mental restoration and stress relief.
Strategic screening elements: Thoughtfully placed trees, shrubs, or architectural features can create private sanctuaries that feel removed from the bustle of daily life, allowing for deeper relaxation and peace.
Wildlife-friendly features: Bird baths, native plants, and insect hotels encourage local wildlife, creating opportunities for connection with nature and moments of joy in observing natural life.
Natural materials: Using materials like stone, wood, and natural fibres creates an authentic connection to nature and helps reduce the artificial feel of built environments.
The physical health benefits of well-designed outdoor spaces extend far beyond aesthetics. A comprehensive 2017 meta-analysis found gardening activities significantly impact health in multiple ways:
Depression and anxiety reduction: Regular gardening activities have been shown to decrease symptoms by up to 30% through a combination of physical activity, sensory engagement, and connection with nature.
Stress level improvement: Working with plants and soil reduces cortisol levels and increases endorphin production, creating natural stress relief that can last for hours after the activity.
Enhanced quality of life: Participants report improved sleep, better social connections, and a greater sense of purpose when regularly engaging with garden spaces.
Increased physical activity: Gardening provides low-impact exercise that improves flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health while feeling less strenuous than traditional exercise.
Smart landscape design can encourage physical activity through:
Multi-purpose lawn areas: Open spaces that can accommodate various activities from morning yoga to evening games provide flexible opportunities for movement throughout the day.
Play structures: Age-appropriate equipment that challenges physical development while remaining visually appealing can encourage both children and adults to stay active.
Edible gardens: The regular maintenance of vegetable beds and fruit trees naturally incorporates bending, stretching, and lifting movements into daily routines.
Walking paths: Curved pathways that flow through different garden areas invite exploration and gentle exercise while providing opportunities to observe seasonal changes.
Activity zones: Designated areas for specific activities like outdoor cooking, composting, or garden maintenance naturally incorporate movement into daily life.
Incorporating edible gardens offers multiple health benefits:
Fresh produce access: Having fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits steps from your kitchen encourages healthier eating habits and provides superior nutritional value compared to store-bought produce.
Physical engagement: Regular garden maintenance provides consistent, gentle exercise that can be adapted to different ability levels and schedules.
Mental stimulation: Planning planting schedules, monitoring growth, and problem-solving garden challenges keeps minds active and engaged.
Educational value: Gardens provide hands-on learning opportunities about nutrition, biology, and environmental science, especially valuable for families with children.
Sustainable living: Growing your own food reduces carbon footprint, teaches environmental responsibility, and promotes a deeper connection with our food systems.
Simply being in a well-designed outdoor space can improve physical health:
Sunlight exposure: Regular time outdoors allows our bodies to synthesize vital vitamin D, supporting bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Just 10-30 minutes of midday sunlight several times each week can help maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
Air purification: Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen while also filtering out harmful pollutants. A well-planted garden can significantly improve local air quality and create cleaner breathing environments.
Noise reduction: Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation act as natural sound barriers, reducing urban noise pollution by up to 6-8 decibels. This creates more peaceful environments that promote relaxation and better sleep quality.
Respiratory health: Gardens with diverse plant life can trap airborne particles and reduce the concentration of harmful pollutants. Studies show that areas with more vegetation have lower rates of respiratory problems among residents.
Immune system support: Exposure to beneficial soil microorganisms and plant-derived compounds can strengthen our immune systems. Time spent in green spaces has been linked to increased production of anti-cancer proteins and enhanced activity of natural killer cells.
The impact of thoughtful landscape design on our health and wellbeing cannot be overstated. By creating spaces that nurture both body and mind, we can enhance our daily lives while fostering stronger connections with nature and each other.
Ready to transform your outdoor space into a haven for health and wellbeing? Download our comprehensive Landscape & Garden Design course guide to learn how you can create beautiful, functional spaces that promote wellness and connection with nature.