It's widely recognized that nature promotes healing. For centuries, various natural remedies have been used globally to address a range of issues, but my focus here is on the soothing, nurturing qualities of plants and gardening. Research confirms that engaging with greenery can significantly enhance mental well-being. This realization drew me to gardening over twenty years ago, and it remains my passion today.
As a floral designer, I've conducted workshops aimed at amateur gardeners and plant lovers, all crafted with mental health benefits in mind. I choose flowers, plants, and foliage for their textures and fragrances, and I've witnessed the uplifting effects they can have on people's spirits.
Gardening has become so vital to my life that it influenced our recent home purchase. My new garden is filled with herbs, fragrant flowers, and cuttable foliage. To celebrate World Mental Health Day, I've compiled a list of seven plants that excel in promoting mental wellness through their sensory appeal and their contributions to the garden.
1. Oregano
Herbs that engage the senses are essential in my garden. I cultivate many herbs, including oregano, which self-seeds prolifically in my rockery and gravel areas. I let it flourish because brushing against it releases an incredibly calming aroma.
Allowing self-seeding herbs to flourish adds character to any garden, creating a more natural and serene atmosphere. I enjoy letting nature take its course in certain areas of my yard and observing the outcomes. Oregano's beautiful purple flowers also attract numerous bees.
Learning how to cultivate oregano, Origanum vulgare, is straightforward and ideal for novice gardeners. It thrives in US hardiness zones 4-10 and tolerates poor soil conditions and plenty of sunlight.
Oregano seeds can be found at Walmart.
Consider also: Rosemary and sage for their delightful fragrances.
2. Lavender
Lavender is an essential plant for mental health.
Renowned globally for its stress-relieving properties, lavender's scent can help lower heart rates and blood pressure. It's also a popular choice for improving sleep quality.
Lavender varieties are staples in my garden, drawing in bees as well. I have a large lavender pot by my front door, and observing the diverse bees visiting throughout summer reminds me to remain present and appreciate their vital role—a perfect example of mindful gardening. It's typically hardy in US hardiness zones 5-9.
Also try: Russian sage and chamomile for their soothing effects.
3. Lamb's Ear
Lamb's ears, or Stachys byzantina, is a wonderfully tactile perennial that enhances any sensory garden.
The leaves exhibit a silvery blue-green hue, covered in soft hairs, making them velvety to touch. They also produce vibrant purple flowers in summer, adding to their calming presence. I find them incredibly soothing to touch. They're drought-resistant, making them a great choice for arid gardens. Lamb's ear is hardy in US hardiness zones 4-8.
You can find lamb's ear seeds at Amazon.
Also try: Dusty miller and pelargoniums for their soft, velvety foliage.
4. Bamboo
Bamboo may be a surprising choice. While it can become invasive if not managed, I find its sound in the breeze enchanting.
I planted bamboo for privacy in my urban garden when I lived in London, growing a variety of Phyllostachys Nigra or black bamboo in large modern planters.
This bamboo effectively provided privacy and created a gentle soundscape as the canes swayed in the wind—a surprisingly calming experience. I often recommend bamboo for this reason. It can grow well in US hardiness zones 4-10.
Also try: Silver birch for its pleasing garden sounds.
5. Star Jasmine
Few fragrances in my garden can rival that of star jasmine in full bloom. Trachelospermum jasminoides boasts a rich, intoxicating scent during summer evenings.
After many years of cultivation, I always place it near a patio door, allowing me to unwind with a herbal tea while inhaling its sweet honey and vanilla notes after a hectic day. It consistently alleviates my anxiety and can even induce calmness. Star jasmine is hardy in US hardiness zones 8-10.
Also try: Honeysuckle and sarcococca for their delightful aromas.
6. Butterfly Bush
While butterfly bush or buddleia might seem like an unconventional choice for mental health, it earns its spot due to the butterflies it attracts. Growing up, my father's butterfly bushes were a highlight, drawing many tortoiseshell and red admiral butterflies.
Encouraging bees, butterflies, and other pollinators not only beautifies your garden but also enhances your local ecosystem. Knowing you're positively influencing your yard's health and biodiversity is incredibly rewarding.
It's essential to prune buddleia annually to keep it manageable, as these shrubs can grow rapidly. It is hardy in US hardiness zones 5-10.
Also try: Explore more plants for a butterfly garden, such as Acslepia and sunflowers.
7. Lemon Balm
Ending my list of the best plants for mental health are herbs, as they each possess remarkable health benefits.
Lemon balm is a personal favorite. It's simple to grow, even in pots, making it ideal for a balcony herb garden. I cultivate it in a large container right by my front door alongside lavender for easy access. Once established, its long, lush stems offer an uplifting citrus scent when crushed or steeped in warm water for herbal tea.
You can find lemon balm starter plants at Walmart, which thrive in zones 4-9.
Also try: Mint and lemon thyme for brewing herbal teas and enhancing baked goods.
This compilation of my favorite plants for mental health reflects personal preferences, and yours may differ. It's about discovering plants that bring you joy. If you lack outdoor space, many indoor plants can also uplift your mood, purify air, and provide calming scents.
