The screech of excitement was electric when Sylvia arrived home to view her brand new garden.
"Oh Karen, I never thought my garden would look so fantastic, the colours are so beautiful! And the textures of the leaves are all so different."
When I first met Sylvia her garden was very neat and tidy but it did not represent the person she is. There were lots of cocos palms, a few gardenias and lots and lots of pebbles.
Her garden was a very hard looking, and did not have a lot of interest, quite the contrast to Sylvia the person. As her business is run from a home office, many clients come to her home so it makes sense that her clients should see the garden as part of who she is. From a professional point of view, they should feel impressed as they walk along the front path to the front door.
Sylvia is a lovely woman who is petite and feminine. She always dresses in clothes that accentuate her femininity and her grooming is immaculate. Her hair is short and stylish which accentuates her fine features.
"Sylvia, would you like me to design a garden that suits your personality and style?" I asked.
"Karen, that sounds terrific, what would you suggest?" said Sylvia
"We will have to remove the palms, along with the pebbles. The gardenias can stay as they have a delightful perfume that is sweet and delicate. We can build on that theme. Your corporate colours have burgundy in them so why don't we work these colours into your garden".
"That sounds lovely."
"But Sylvia most of all I want you to enjoy your new garden. When you're stressed and overworked take a walk through your garden with bare feet. Use your eyes to see the beauty, taking in the colour. Feel the different textures of the foliage, soft and delicate under your touch.
Breathe in the delicate scent of the flowers or the strong aroma that dances in your nostrils when you crush the leaves of peppermint or lemon balm. Taste the flavour of the herbs. Tune in when you hear the birds playing amongst the plants. A garden is more than a decoration, it is a place for healing and relaxation. It is a sanctuary"
"Karen, just do whatever you think. I cannot wait to experience my new garden"
Creating Sylvia's garden was a delight. We were able to create a living masterpiece using an array of beautiful plants that all offer something different to delight the senses. The soft pubescent texture of the silvery Echium candicans with its tomentose leaves and its brilliant purple flower spikes that sit above the plant like skyscrapers on the city skyline.
Generous Grevilleas with their abundance of nectar, attracting honey eaters from afar, bringing their cheery chatter. The corporate colours were satisfied with the burgundy leaves of an Azalea called Merlot!
All of nature's gifts, standing tall like a playground full of school children bursting with health and vigour.
Now, Sylvia and her family, friends and colleagues all enjoy the benefits of her sensory garden
Flowers such as Daisies have what is called a radiate flower that has petals that radiate from the centre. This could very well describe Sylvia. She is the centre of her home, her business and pretty much whenever she walks into a room full of people. Her personality is a bit like a daisy flower and her garden now represents Sylvia the person. (or should we call her "Daisy")
So when you are contemplating creating a new garden think about all of your senses. Make choices that will make you want to stroll through the garden. Take time out for unwinding. Just 10 minutes a day while drinking your cup of tea or coffee is all you need to start your day and enjoy just some of nature's gifts.
