We humans hold contradictory emotions about nature. We love and fear it and the dichotomy is most likely hardwired into our very DNA. While we find renewal in beautiful natural places, we need it safe. No lions, tigers, or bears! Dorothy’s frantic prayer as she entered a woodland of Oz. And ours as well.
And yet, spending time in nature resets our senses to the default human factory settings if you will. Spend time in a beautiful natural place. Be it ocean, a national or state park. Walk, ski, and hike trails and notice what there is to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel in the present. With that premise, gardens are the best of both worlds. They can be safe beautiful places that reset our human senses so that we notice the moment and relax into it. Assuming all this, I design spaces to nurture and to awaken the senses. Visual color draws your attention; tactile texture in stone, masonry and planting combination adds dimension and diversity; the aural contributions of wind chimes, water flowing or dripping, breeze ruffled foliage hug you with appealing sound; fragrant plants stimulate your sense of smell; and plants like cherry tomatoes to nibble as you explore heighten your taste buds. The sensual beauty of a well designed garden draws you into energetic space or place that just by entering helps you feel good. Of course, you need to be open to the experience.
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