Planning and Growing a Garden Spa
A spa garden can have one or two purposes: To grow spa herbs that you can use in bath products such as lotions, sugar scrubs, and facial masks OR to create a space that gives you a relaxing, restorative spa feel. There is every reason to do both. Create a beautiful garden that you can sit in and enjoy while also growing useful and fragrant herbs for your indoor spa session. When planning a spa in the garden, consider the plants you want to use for your spa treatments and the feel you want in the outdoor space. Think about the fragrances you find most relaxing, like rose or lavender. Do you enjoy seeing birds? If so, include a bird bath. If you want a place where you can sit and enjoy a cup of tea or a good book, make sure you plan for a comfortable seating area. A water feature may help to make the space more relaxing as well, think a pond or a small fountain if space is limited.
Ideas for Spa Garden Plants
There are many great plants for a spa experience that you can choose from. For an outdoor spa area, use plants you enjoy. Include fragrant herbs that can also be used in spa products. Some great options include:
Calendula: Also known as pot marigold, calendula is a cheerful flower that can be used in all kinds of skin soothing treatments. It needs full sun and soil that drains very well.
Sweet basil: Mostly known as a culinary herb, the fragrant plant of basil also has antibiotic properties and can be used in acne masks.
Chamomile: The delicate little white flower of chamomile is delicious in an herbal tea. It is relaxing and soothing and the perfect drink to enjoy in your indoor or outdoor spa.
Mint: Use mint in any product that you want to be invigorating and energizing, like a foot scrub.
Lemon verbena: The delicious smell of lemon verbena pairs well with nearly any other herb and can be used in any product you make.
Rose: The smell and beauty of a rose bush can’t be beat for a classic garden. You can also use the petals for rose water, a skin soothing tonic.
Lavender: The beautiful fragrance is reason enough to include lavender in your spa garden, but the aroma can actually combat depression and anxiety.
