At Walker Landscape & Design, we believe gardens are far more than a backdrop – they’re spaces that shape the way we live, connect, and feel, enabling us to create memories that will last a lifetime.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re reflecting on the impact a thoughtfully designed outdoor space can have on everyday wellbeing. From quiet morning coffees surrounded by greenery, to family meals under the stars, your garden has the power to support mental health in ways that are deeply personal, lasting, and meaningful.

Have you ever considered your garden space in this way? If not, now is a great time to do so. Keep reading to find out how you can support your wellbeing through your outdoor space.

Your garden as a sanctuary, away from the digital world

Modern life often pulls us indoors – to screens, to schedules, to static routines.

But stepping outside, even for a few moments, can have an immediate impact on our mood, stress levels and energy. Natural light, fresh air, and the sensory richness of the outdoors all play a part in restoring balance and grounding us in the present.

When your garden is designed with intention – combining nature, structure, and luxury outdoor living features – it becomes far more than a visual asset. It becomes one of the most powerful tools in your everyday wellbeing toolkit.

One of the ways we like to achieve this at Walker Landscape and Design is through the careful use of zoning. By dividing your garden into distinct yet harmonious areas – for dining, resting, playing, or reflection – we create a natural rhythm that mirrors the way you live. A dedicated spa zone might sit beside lush planting for a sense of immersion and privacy, while a pergola-covered kitchen area offers shelter, warmth and connection.

Greenery, too, is never an afterthought. From soft, naturalistic borders to structured planting with evergreen presence, we design with colour, texture, and seasonality in mind. Not only does this enhance the visual impact of your space, but it also helps regulate temperature, support local biodiversity and promote a deeper sense of calm.

Time together, outside

The outdoors also gives us space to connect – with family, friends, and nature - creating memories consisting of laughter and relaxation.

We often design gardens with entertaining and gathering in mind, because the memories made around a table – laughter shared over dinner, children playing nearby, conversations unfolding under the stars – are the ones that stay with us. A garden can become the heart of the home drawing people together in a way that feels effortless and joyful.

Outdoor dining areas are a core part of many of our designs – whether it's a large terrace with a built-in kitchen and bar, or a more intimate setup tucked beneath a pergola. With thoughtful features like ambient lighting, heating, and integrated sound systems, we ensure the space works beautifully from day to night, season to season.

For those who love to host, you might expand your outdoor kitchen to include a large island, ideal for gathering around – so you can cook, serve and entertain all in one place. A pizza oven or fire pit can also become the centrepiece of an evening, offering warmth, theatre, and the simple pleasure of sharing food together.

By building in dedicated zones for dining, relaxing and socialising, your garden becomes a space that adapts to your life – a place to grow, celebrate, unwind and connect.

Design with wellbeing in mind

As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s a timely reminder that design isn’t just about style – it’s about quality of life.

When we design gardens, we look beyond trends or aesthetics. We ask: how do you want to feel in your space? Energised? Tranquil? Inspired? A garden that’s tailored to you can become a powerful part of your wellbeing routine, offering daily moments of joy, calm, and connection. Here are some of the ways you can design your garden with wellbeing in mind:

Fire pits for connection and calm

There’s something ancient and comforting about gathering around a fire. Fire pits create a focal point for conversation, connection and quiet reflection – extending the use of your garden into cooler evenings and transitional seasons.

Water features that soothe the senses

Flowing water has long been associated with tranquillity. From sleek rills to sculptural fountains, we incorporate water features that soften the garden with gentle sound and movement – promoting mindfulness and sensory calm.

Outdoor kitchens that bring your loved ones together

Cooking and dining outdoors taps into a sense of occasion and celebration. Our high-end outdoor kitchens are built for both everyday living and special moments – making it easy to spend more time outside, surrounded by those who matter most.

Garden spas for relaxation

Wellbeing isn’t a luxury – it’s a lifestyle. Integrating hot tubs or spas into your outdoor design encourages you to prioritise relaxation and recovery, turning your garden into a restorative retreat just steps from your back door.

Ice baths for resilient routine

For those who embrace a performance-led lifestyle, we can also incorporate ice baths into the design. These purpose-built areas support both mental resilience and physical recovery, becoming part of your self-care ritual.

Create a space that feels as good as it looks

If you’re ready to reimagine your garden as a space that not only looks incredible but supports your lifestyle and mental wellbeing, we’d love to help.

Explore our brochure or book a visit to our outdoor living showroom to start planning your own sanctuary.

Supporting Wellbeing Through Outdoor Design

Your garden as a sanctuary, away from the digital world

Time together, outside