How To Create A Reading Garden
Easing away the stresses of life can all be helped by a quiet, calm spot in the garden where you can escape with a good book.
You don’t have to have an enormous space to find a reading haven. Being surrounded by nature, fresh air, and natural light can bring many health and wellbeing benefits. We all need somewhere to escape to the outdoors every day. It’s a great way to unwind, disconnect from technology and focus more on the story you are escaping into without distraction.
Not every garden has room for a large bench or sectional. A suspended round chair beneath a pergola offers a compact alternative. It takes advantage of vertical space without expanding the footprint.
I find this type of nook particularly useful in narrow yards or tucked-away corners. A single cushion, a light throw, and a small pathway leading in are often enough. It feels simple and intentional, not crowded.
Surrounding yourself in plants, even in a small space, like a balcony can bring many mental health benefits, especially when living in a city where access to nature is constricted. Within your reading garden, plants such as peonies, sweet peas, geraniums and violets will set the tone for a calming and harmonious space to read.
Having comfortable seating is crucial for a space meant to bring relaxation. Rustic options such as twig furniture or a retro glider are popular. Or you can add a simple outdoor chair or bench. Leopold benches have a minimalist design that won’t detract from the colorful blooms around you. Swings are a fun option, as well. Don’t forget the cushions to keep you comfortable.
Don’t forget to incorporate lighting so that you can read any time of the day. Outdoor string lights are a fun feature if you have a wall, fence or tree to hang them from. Landscape lights can be incorporated along the ground to illuminate plants and the space you are relaxing in. You can also have a small table and reading lamp, if the size allows.
A garden escape is not about perfection. It is about carving out a corner that feels personal and comfortable. Whether you build a curved bench under climbing flowers or hang a single chair beneath string lights, the goal is the same. Create a place where you can sit down, open a book, and let the garden carry the rest.
Designing your reading garden is a fun and creative project that can be tailored to your unique style and interests. By choosing the perfect spot, selecting a theme, and incorporating nature, you can create a cozy and inviting reading spot that you’ll love to spend time in.
