Succulents for a Meditation Garden

If you enjoy gardening, you know how it can be a form of meditation and a treat for all the senses. But have you considered how simply looking at certain plants induces serenity? Explore this by enhancing a sitting area with succulents that incorporate geometric patterns and spirals.

The Fibonacci sequence is a pattern often seen in nature. Such spiral formations are intriguing and likely have helped make succulents popular. Because they’re eye-catching and photogenic, succulents plants with spiral leaf arrangements get noticed. They're shared extensively on social media and other visual platforms.

Stretched canvas print of Agave victoria-reginae 'Variegata'

The eye never tires of following circular patterns. For example, I sometimes catch myself gazing at this canvas print, above, in my living room. It's more relaxing than TV!

There are many possibilities for an intimate garden of symmetrical succulents. Here's a euphorbia I enjoy near my outdoor dining table: E. polygona 'Snowflake'.

Several more to inspire you...

Treat both mind and body

Silence may be golden, but it's not always an option. A fountain is a great way to muffle neighborhood noise and attract birds that are relaxing to watch. When I sit in my home's entry, I'm captivated by goldfinches that flit back and forth from a fountain across the driveway to a feeder under the eaves. Another auditory option is deep-toned, bell-like "Corinthian" wind chimes.

As for fragrance...my spring garden has scents of orange blossoms and wisteria, and I've often thought of trying to grow jasmine again (my first attempt failed), but it's easier to go with incense or potpourri. Doesn't the fragrance of, say, sandalwood for an outdoor area sound wonderful?

To treat your taste buds, enjoy my favorite refreshing chilled drink: ice water with a few drops of mint essential oil.

Coloring a detailed line drawing also reduces stress, and a mandala (which means "circle" in Hindu) is a useful meditation aid. You'll find succulent mandalas plus line drawings of your favorite plants in my coloring book for adults, Sensational Succulents. Here's a page from the book that you're welcome to download and enjoy.