COLUMNIST: LYNN HILL
Do you enjoy gazing out of a window, watching birds in a tree, standing by a bubbling stream as the water swirls round rocks and meanders on its way, or viewing a glorious sunset cast its glow over distant mountains?
Nature moves us, we feel it deep within. Biophilia is the term used to describe the innate connection we have to nature - from the joy of a fresh picked bunch of flowers, to the sense of awe standing at the top of one of our planet’s highest peaks.
As a species, we humans have evolved with nature. Evolutionarily speaking, urban dwelling is a very new experience for us. We are deeply connected to nature at an innate level. Throughout time we have relied upon it for shelter and sustenance, and there continues to be a direct link between contact with nature and our wellbeing.
There is a growing body of evidence showing how natural green spaces bring many physical and psychological benefits. Being in nature improves our immune functions, reduces cortisol levels associated with stress, promotes healing, and lowers blood pressure and heart rate. It has even been shown to improve memory and problem-solving skills, and boost our creativity.
Biophilic design is therefore a central part of how I approach my work as a garden designer, and you do not need to have a large outside space to reap the benefits. Even the smallest of green spaces can have a substantially positive impact on your wellbeing.
One of the best things you can do is to bring some biodiversity to your garden. This is a win/win scenario that benefits both you and the environment.
Biodiversity relates to wildlife habitat and food sources - with animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms in the soil, creating ecosystems - which is like an intricate web that maintains balance and supports life.
Bring nature into your garden by giving wildlife somewhere to live by creating homes for wildlife, from bees to birds, hedgehogs and frogs. Find something that will work for you to encourage wildlife in… and they will come!
Remember to feed them too. In my planting schemes, I always include lots of flowering plants throughout the seasons. This makes for an attractive garden throughout the year, so no matter what the season, there is something nice to enjoy in the garden. It has the added benefit of providing food sources for wildlife at all times of the year.
Some of my favourites plants include for seasonal interest:
Spring - crocus and scilla Summer - Campanula poscharskyana and Lavandula ‘Hidcote’ Autumn - Symphyotrichum ‘Little Carlow’ and Hylotelephium spectabile Winter - Viburnum tinus and Chaenomeles X superba
You do not even have to be out in the garden to reap the benefits of a biophilic approach. Views from windows can have a positive impact on our wellbeing too. And let’s face it, for those of us blessed to live in Scotland, it does get a tad wet and chilly sometimes.
To benefit from our gardens during the cold months is quite a bonus. When planning your garden, including the views from your house will really help to bring the outside in.
Talking of bring the outside in – there is no coincidence that the rise of houseplants coincides with the rise in biophilic design. My favourite houseplant has to be Sansevieria. It is so easy to keep, requiring only a good watering about once a month (make sure they are well drained, they do not like wet feet).
The use of natural materials in the home is also within the domain of a biophilic approach, and even images of nature all adds to the effect.
The beauty of biophilic design is that it transcends any one particular style. It is adaptable and can be tailored to your lifestyle and personal taste. See it as a guide to creating beautiful spaces that enhance and enrich the health and wellbeing for you and your family.
Designer and Director of Lynn Hill Garden Design, Lynn loves creating wonderful green spaces. She has been honoured with many awards, and has contributed to Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court Flower Show, and worked with the BBC as design consultant for Beechgrove Garden.
Green spaces can be sanctuaries that nourish us, inspire us and even heal us. Lynn encourages us to view our gardens as an extension of our home and embrace the benefits they bring to our health and wellbeing.
A member of the Scottish Ecological Design Association and the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, Lynn has a 1st Class Honours Degree in Community Education from Edinburgh University, and an HNC with Distinction in Garden Design.
You can follow Lynn on Instagram for more chat or find lots of professional garden design inspiration on her website.