“Being in a garden is very relaxing and peaceful
as plants are restorative to our health and emotions.”
I recently shared photos of my lilacs on Instagram and discovered that some parts of the country don’t have lilacs at all. That surprised me—lilacs have such a rich, floral scent that feels like the essence of spring. If you’re not lucky enough to have them nearby, imagine their fragrance filling the air; it’s one of those simple pleasures that makes a yard feel like a sanctuary. (Later in this post I’ll mention an easy way I enjoy plant scents indoors.)
When we moved into this house three years ago, I had no idea there were massive lilac trees in the backyard. That first spring brought a wonderful surprise—the scent of blooming lilacs drifting through the yard. Purple blossoms appeared first, followed by white ones on the other side. The aroma was pure bliss.
We also discovered a magnolia tree, camellias, hydrangeas and rhododendrons, among others. Each plant offers its own distinctive scent and character, which makes wandering the yard feel like discovering little gifts.
I’ve mentioned before that I enjoy puttering in the garden almost as much as working on the house. I’m not a professional gardener, but I love plants, and spending time outside has become a daily ritual. At least once a day I step into the yard to breathe in the scents, take a slow walk, and soak up the calm. I also love bringing cut stems and flowers inside, so it’s a treat to forage a little bouquet from what’s blooming.
Finding all these mature trees and shrubs in our yard felt like a dream come true. In past homes we’ve also had established gardens, and having mature plants is one of the best parts of a property for me. Being in a garden brings calm and restores emotional balance—plants are quietly therapeutic.
Have you seen Lily’s Garden? I planted fragrant herbs and vines there—lavender, lemon verbena, and honeysuckle among them. As those plants fill in, it will become an even sweeter spot. Lily enjoys spending time out there, too.
I’ll share more of our garden areas in the coming weeks. I’m excited because we now have climbing white roses, several peonies in white and pink, and jasmine beginning to bloom. My senses are delighted. Follow me on Instagram if you’d like to see videos of the plants, flowers, the house, and the pups in stories.
Tell me about your yard or garden in the comments! I’d love to hear about your plants or plans :).
On the subject of scent and the calming power of plants: I diffuse essential oils every day to naturally scent my home. I enjoy experimenting with blends and have mostly replaced candles with oils. I also use oils to support sleep, immunity, balanced moods, and basic skincare. They’ve become a simple way to enhance our home environment.
When you purchase an essential oils kit through my recommended source, I send a welcome packet and an oils guide in the mail and invite you to a private community called the Dwell Well Collective. In that group we offer weekly free classes, share recipes and tips, and support one another in using natural solutions at home.
It’s a warm, friendly community and we’d love to have you join us. If you have questions, feel free to email me at [email protected].