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Reducing Stress Through Gardens & Pets

Reducing Stress Through Gardens & Pets
Source: Dargan Landscape Architects

While the stress of negative consequences can sometimes be what motivates us to get through the most hectic of work weeks, stress is not something to take lightly — in fact, it’s a big factor in determining your long-term health.

Most of us have lifestyles unique to us, but whether you are focusing on work, dealing with family, attempting to find personal time, or coping with lessening energy, chances are you’ve encountered some stress along the way. When we become stressed, our body reacts by releasing cortisol into the blood stream. Over time, this process has a far-reaching effect on the body and contributes to aging and other health issues.

Finding ways to effectively reduce stress is crucial in maintaining a long, happy life. Today, we want to discuss two research-supported methods to help you take a deep breath, step back, and enjoy some much needed (and stress-free) personal time.   

Gardens

Recent research suggests that when people visit gardens, their cortisol levels can be reduced. We recommend designing your landscape to help meet the challenges of every day life. For instance, a garden can lower your blood pressure and release endorphins — the “feel-good” hormones. Amazingly, a daily garden visit can also curtail the need for pain medication! 

The deeper connection you can make with your garden environment, the better. Breathe deeply, walk among and touch your plants, and feel free to meditate. It’s the perfect place to do so! 

Pets

For generations, pets have brought us comfort and companionship. Pet therapy is enlisted by therapists to rehabilitate their patients and ease depression. To attract furry friends to your landscape, try setting up birdhouses, ponds, and feeding stations.

Keeping these well-stocked is a fantastic way to attract a variety of species. Additionally, a well kept landscape is a great place for cats and dogs to roam around in and play. Across the board, animals offer multiple health benefits that can’t be ignored. 

We’d love to help come up with some ideas for a relaxing outdoor landscape of your own. Feel free to browse through our photos for inspiration or contact us at Dargan Landscape Architects to start planning.  

Tranquil Garden Events Happening in April 2015

Tranquil Garden Events Happening in April 2015
Source: Wilkerson Mill Gardens

April is bringing us much more than showers for May flowers. This month is chock-full of fabulous garden events for homeowners, gardening enthusiasts, landscape designers, and architects. You won’t want to miss out on these opportunities to play in the dirt, learn from experts, and see some of the most stunning gardens in the Southeast!

April 15-18: The Garden Conservancy Comes to Atlanta

First, we are excited to announce that the Garden Conservancy Board of Fellows will be coming to Atlanta to see Dargan gardens and more during the third week of April. 

April 16: Peachtree Garden Club House Show

Mark your calendars for this wonderful house show at 8:30 a.m. on April 16. We always recommend attending any event the Peachtree Garden Club is involved in, and this one is no different. This passionate organization is dedicated to stimulating gardening and conservation through education. 

April 20-21: Zone VIII Annual Meeting at Palmetto Garden Club in Columbia, SC 

Next, we’re looking forward to the Zone VIII Annual Meeting in Columbia, SC. These meetings are always fascinating and provide a perfect opportunity to connect and collaborate with your community. Not to mention, there are always great hands-on workshops and activities to give your green thumb some exercise.

April 28 – Cherokee Garden Club goes to Serenbe Community & Wilkerson Mill Nursery 

We are thrilled to join the Cherokee Garden Club on a special trip to Serenbe community. Located on the edge of Atlanta, the Serenbe community is a progressive residential neighborhood focused on happiness, health, and well-being through fresh food, fresh air, and a strong connection with nature. Serenbe is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but can offer incredible inspiration and education when it comes to sustainable, environmentally-designed communal living. Join us as we visit the organic gardens at Serenbe, and take in the jaw-droppingly gorgeous hydrangeas at Wilkerson Mill Nursery. 

Garden Week in Georgia may be April 19-25, but we’ll be celebrating it all month long throughout the entire Southeast! Be sure to look for me – Mary Palmer Dargan of Dargan Landscape Architects – at one or more of these events, and do come say hello! 

Tell us what garden events you’re looking forward to, or share with us how you’re celebrating Garden Week in the comments. 

How Can I Use Aromatherapy for Medicinal Purposes?

How Can I Use Aromatherapy for Medicinal Purposes?
Source: Pixabay

When practices and traditions are sustained for thousands of years, it’s a safe bet there’s a good reason why. In the case of aromatherapy, the ancient form of alternative medicine is known to benefit the mind, mood, cognitive function, and overall health.

What is Aromatherapy? 

Aromatherapy is a time-proven type of alternative medicine that uses aromatic plant compounds and essential oils to lift a person’s mood and improve their health and quality of life. What’s more, the scents involved in aromatherapy can greatly help those who suffer from interrupted or poor quality of sleep. For example, neuroscientists have discovered that the rose scent can reduce sleep disturbances. Since ancient times, mankind has utilized fragrances from nature for many purposes and continues to do so to this day. 

How does it Work?

When essential oils are used and inhaled, the part of the brain connected to smell is stimulated. Known as the olfactory system, this part of the brain sends a message to the limbic system, which retrieves our stored memories and controls our emotions. The resulting chemicals released by the brain cause the patient to feel relaxed and calm, or even invigorated! Essential oils can be used to target our sense of smell, but they can also be applied internally and topically to yield different beneficial results. 

What are Common Uses for Aromatherapy? 

While the process of aromatherapy might not work for everyone, the list of ailments it can help with is quite impressive. Here are just a few: anxiety, stress, insomnia, body aches, headaches, and muscular aches. Also, aromatherapy can help with pesky issues including circulation, digestive, menstrual, and menopausal problems. The risks of aromatherapy are low unless you suffer from certain types of allergies or illnesses. 

As licensed and experienced landscape architects, we have the expertise you need to create your very own relaxing oasis, filled with aromatic flowers that can enhance your quality of life. Contact us to discuss your plans today. 

Inspired Spring Gardening with Raised Beds

Source: Dargan Landscape Architects
Source: Dargan Landscape Architects

The benefits of raised garden beds abound, and there’s no better way to ensure a bountiful garden than with sturdy and reliable raised beds. Gardening in boxes or contained areas makes it easier to maintain better soil and prevent weeds and pests. With more control over nutrient levels, soil temperature, and seed distribution, raised beds allow you to enjoy higher yields and longer growing seasons. 

Raised beds not only make for beautiful and healthy gardens, but they can also add incredible aesthetic value to landscapes. As we enter the tail-end of the winter season, we’re dreaming of lush and gorgeous spring gardens with inspiring raised beds that are design elements in themselves.  

  • The classic raised bed is constructed with a wooden box. These are the traditional structures most people picture when hearing raised beds. Wooden raised beds can easily be designed with ledges on top to provide convenient seating for nurturing and enjoying gardens. 
  • Great for garden designs that are outside of the box, stone walls can be used to make creative and more organic-shaped raised beds. The cool tones and natural textures of stone masonry additionally create naturally stunning contrasts in the garden. 
  • Metal raised beds can be fabricated from troughs, stock tanks, culverts, slabs of steel or Cor-Ten. What’s so intriguing about metal raised beds is the industrial, modern, or rustic feel they can bring into garden designs. These types of beds not only create up-to-date designs but are long-lasting and weather-resistant. 
  • Other materials that can be used for raised gardens include rock, cinderblock, and brick. But no matter what materials are employed, there are still plenty of opportunities to create a custom garden design with the shapes, positioning, and configuration of raised beds.
  • Beds can be configured into a grid pattern or organized to outline and surround a yard or patio. They can be terraced on a slope or laid into narrow rows like a small farm. Galvanized culvert beds or metal troughs can be arranged in a way that makes for a whimsical, shabby-chic garden or a chic, contemporary design. 

Raised beds can be used to achieve any style garden, from formal designs to clean and contemporary landscapes to more casual, cottage-inspired looks. They can also be practical and functional. Picture being able to cook in an outdoor kitchen with herb gardens in nearby raised beds, or imagine being able to smell herbs as you dine and entertain al fresco. 

Our team at Dargan Landscape Architects has the expertise and passion to design the garden of your dreams. Whether you’ve always wanted an edible garden or your entire landscape could use an update, our team would love to help. Contact us online or call 404.231.3889. 

How Do I Incorporate Walls & Design Features Around My Yard?

How Do I Incorporate Walls & Design Features Around My Yard?
Source: Dargan Landscape Architects

Masonry walls and backdrops give three-dimensionality to landscapes. Built structures compliment anything with footing. These include fences, gates, retaining walls, steps, arbors, treillage, pavilions and pergolas. They can showcase your style while highlighting the best aspects of the landscape and the home’s architecture.

A treillage is a staple of the French-inspired garden. It’s any type of trellis that can stand alone or be attached to a wall or side of the home to add architectural interest and detail as well as greenery. Creeping vines covering a trellis always creates a romantic and picturesque look and feel.

Fences can be custom designed to add character, charm and personality to landscapes. A tall fence that encloses a garden can become a fabulous backdrop to a sitting area with an ironwork canopy. A front gate can feature elegant balusters, arches and keystones or even arbors to make a stunning impact and memorable first impression.

Pavilions provide a distinct area for relaxing and entertaining in a gorgeous outdoor setting. We’ve custom-designed several site-specific pavilions that make for an incredible and one-of-a-kind outdoor room. The types of plantings used on and around the pavilion can solidify the style of the landscape, whether traditional, contemporary or modern.

Balustrades can create a Mediterranean, resort-style look and feel while adding a beautiful patina to the landscape design. Traditional balustrades constructed with cast stone form negative and positive spaces that add wonderful shape.

If you are looking for a larger built structure, you can have a tall wall custom designed with built-in niches, planters, arches, columns, ironwork and even a fountain. The bricks or stones can be arranged, painted or aged to create the exact look that blends and enhances the landscape. One of our favorite, and most complicated, projects was a tall statuary wall complete with natural grotto design. Rocks were used throughout the design to integrate it into the natural surroundings while niches provide places for plantings that add color and interest.

If you are looking to add beautiful backdrops to your landscape, contact Dargan Landscape Architects in Atlanta to learn more about our landscape services.