of body massage. And when it comes to the power of fragrance, a sense of smell can be so strong that it brings on a headache; yet others of us can hardly recognize the odor of a rose right under our nose. Describe what basil smells like – is it clove-like and warming or reminiscent of tomato sauce poured over pasta? It is all stored in our memory by way of individual experiences. Within those experiences we can also outline what it takes to bring personal relaxation. The creation of your spa experience – the actual space, the sensory stimuli, the mood makers – starts when you truly consider and define what is indulgent and comforting for you.
You might think that the obvious and only place for your personal home spa is the bathroom or hot tub. But, let’s expand your idea of a spa and find other spaces that nurture, too – beyond the thought of a bathtub or sink. The relaxing atmosphere can be many places once you have fashioned the surroundings to match your need for refuge and indulgence. It can be indoors, outdoors, or both. Think what it is that relaxes you and discover where that could be. In the pages that follow, we’ll look at ways you can create a place that invites you to return again and again.
■ THE GARDEN AS SANCTUARY ■
As a garden designer, I often hear people say their garden is their therapy.
They will work outside in the dark with a flashlight after a long day at work, just to have precious moments to dig in the dirt. It is amazing how a few hours of tending the garden will melt away a whole day of stress. The influence of a garden is written in history and long studied, whether you go back to Eden with Adam and Eve or study the history of medicine derived from plants.
There is much that can be said about how a garden affects us. It all but forces us into a patient tempo and away from the instant gratification that drives so many aspects of modern life. When we’re in the garden, there is no device that dings in our brain when time is up or a computerized sound to remind us to go somewhere. We plant bulbs in dark, damp soil, knowing the fulfillment will be months away. We push tiny seeds into the ground with a memory of the taste of fresh tomatoes off the vine. In the fast-paced life of today, we need to find sanctuary and healing therapy. What is at the top of the list? Planting, nurturing and being in the garden. We can toss aside the statistics about the popularity of gardening, and say that it is long-revered as a place to go when one wants to slow down and linger. There is simply something about nature that forces us to not be in a hurry. She is also a powerful seductress that keeps us always longing to smell flowers and gather herbs for tea, and crave the first fresh-picked raspberry.
Creating retreat in the garden
Now let’s take a walk in a garden that has been planted with herbs and other sensory delights. Slow down and inhale deeply until you feel as if your lungs are filled to capacity, then slowly release your breath. The fresh dose of oxygen runs through you as the earthy fragrances of herbs and flowers weave their way into your mind. Nature’s aromatic therapy sends messages to the brain and readies the body for relaxation. The essential oil of some herbs can trigger responses that release calming hormones and slow the rush of adrenaline. (In research studies, lavender essence actually forces a physical response that lowers blood pressure, heart rate and skin temperature.)
Every time we bring ourselves to a place of relaxation the memory preserves it.
Creating a special space in your garden as a haven will encourage a habit to go there and relax…to jog that relaxation memory all over again. When you go to the next level of making your own spa treatments with fragrant herbs from the garden, your experience will be all the more memorable.
Elements of design
Making a sanctuary space is a very personal project. What says “sanctuary” to you? In a garden it can be the sound of water, a private building for retreat, a rustic pergola, or a collection of favorite plants to sit in the midst of after a busy day. There are no set rules on the actual measurement of space. Large or small in size, it is more about the importance of making it work for you.
Sanctuary, on an expressive level, is all of these things. The addition of practical pieces of a design will create the privacy, security and comfort you are seeking.
To clarify your planning, start with some questions. The answers will guide you to discover ways of creating a garden sanctuary.
What will I do in the space?
■ Sleep…eat…read…soak.
When do I plan on using it most?
■ In the morning drinking a cup of tea…or evening relaxation after dinner.
What additions are needed to meet my needs?
■ Reading needs a quiet space with only the gentle, natural sounds of bees humming, splashing water and birds as the backdrop noise.
■ Sleeping spaces need protection from weather.
■ For outdoor bathing or showering, privacy is required.
What precludes your enjoyment of this space?
■ Noise…hot sun… too much work.
As with any upscale destination spa, the complete environment – the surround – is planned specifically to nourish all the senses. And so it can be with your home spa.
DESIGN ESSENTIALS FOR THE SANCTUARY GARDEN
Plants
The garden needs to be planned to grow herbs for use in your spa remedies, of course, but more than that, you are creating space to experience the hand-blended treatments. This is your outdoor spa. Its space is defined with ornamental plants that are chosen for hedging privacy, overhead natural canopies and living walls.
For
