Creating Gardens That Calm the Mind: Why Good Garden Design Is About More Than Just How It Looks - Wellbeing Garden Design

At Plan B Garden Design, we believe gardens should do more than look beautiful. They should feel good to be in. A well-designed garden has the power to slow you down, reduce stress, and reconnect you with nature — something many of us need more than ever.

Wellbeing Garden Design

In recent projects, including our completed garden in Earls Colne, this philosophy has been at the heart of every design decision. From the flow of the paths to the sound of running water, every element plays a role in creating a space that supports wellbeing as much as aesthetics.

Designing for Calm, Not Just Impact - Wellbeing Garden Design

It’s easy to be drawn to bold features or dramatic planting schemes, but true garden design is often quieter than that. Calm comes from balance, rhythm, and restraint.

In this project, sweeping curves guide you gently through the space rather than forcing you from one area to the next. The lawn is shaped to feel open and inviting, while the borders soften the edges and frame the garden without overwhelming it.

This sense of flow isn’t accidental. Curved lines are known to feel more natural and less rigid than straight edges, helping a garden feel relaxed and intuitive — a place you instinctively slow down in.

The Role of Natural Materials

Material choice plays a huge role in how a garden feels.

For this garden, we used corten steel edging throughout — EverEdge Titan for the raised beds and ProEdge for all other borders. Corten steel is a favourite of ours because it brings strength and structure without feeling harsh. Over time, it develops a rich, warm patina that blends beautifully with planting, gravel and stone.

Paired with Golden Flint gravel, the result is a palette that feels grounded, timeless and calm. These are materials that age gracefully and reward patience — much like the garden itself.

Why the Sound of Water Matters

One of the most powerful elements in this garden isn’t something you see — it’s something you hear.

The gentle sound of running water has been shown to help reduce stress, calm the nervous system and encourage mindfulness. It masks background noise, draws you into the moment, and creates a subtle rhythm that helps the mind switch off.

Incorporating water into a garden isn’t just a design choice; it’s a wellbeing decision. Even a simple water feature can completely change how a space is experienced, turning a garden into a place to pause, breathe and reset.

Planting That Will Get Better With Time

Rather than aiming for instant impact, our planting schemes are designed to evolve.

The plants chosen for this garden will fill out, soften edges and layer the space over time. Seasonal interest will increase year on year, and the structure provided by the corten edging ensures the garden keeps its shape as nature takes over.

We’ll be returning in Summer 2026 to see how the planting has matured — a moment we always look forward to, as it’s when the garden truly starts to show its character.

Collaboration That Brings Designs to Life

A successful garden is always a team effort.

This project was expertly built by Nemus Landscapes, whose attention to detail and craftsmanship brought the design to life. Electrical works were completed by the ever-reliable Sidmar Electrical, ensuring the garden functions beautifully as well as looking the part.

Strong collaboration between designer, landscaper and specialist trades is what allows a garden to feel cohesive, considered and effortless.

Gardens as Spaces for Wellbeing

At its core, this project reflects what Plan B Garden Design stands for.

We don’t just design gardens to be admired from the kitchen window. We design spaces to be lived in — spaces that support mental wellbeing, encourage time outdoors, and offer moments of calm in busy lives.

Whether it’s through flowing lines, natural materials, thoughtful planting or the sound of water, our goal is always the same: to create gardens that feel as good as they look.

If you’re thinking about transforming your outdoor space, consider not just how you want it to appear — but how you want it to make you feel.

Because the best gardens don’t shout. They soothe.