It goes without saying that actress Emma Roberts has a hectic Hollywood-appropriate schedule – but she's also created the perfect place to unwind amid the buzz.
The American Horror Story actress, who resides in Beverly Hills, recently treated followers to a look at the space in question – complete with striking (yet therapeutic) cacti and aloe-vera plants, and an array of container plants (including the versatile snake plant) that, experts say, all contribute to an overall 'healing' yard, designed to minimize stress while improving our wellbeing.
Much like a restorative garden, the presence of eclectic plants, flowers, and trees all characterize 'healing' yards. These easy-to-care-for plants encourage us to spend more outside – consequently improving our mental health, alleviating stress, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. And unsurprisingly, plant experts encourage us to get involved.
How to create a healing yard – inspired by Emma Roberts
Emma's backyard features low-maintenance plants – such as the previously mentioned barrel cacti, aloe vera, and snake plants.
The actress has also incorporated succulents (that, again, are notably simple to care for) – creating a space that's refreshingly easy to maintain – and consequently encourages us to spend more time outside enjoying our environment.
However, if we're working with a climate that's slightly less cacti-friendly – plant expert Ellen Mary, who has long studied immunity gardens – recommends Moss and Lamb's Ear (a versatile succulent) and sweet peas.
'Stimulating our senses through touch, sight, scent, taste, and hearing can instill a sense of calm within people,' she says while working with Three Spirit.' Moss and Lamb's Ear is great for a sensory space as they are soft, velvety, and easy to grow. Sweet peas are also great for an eruption of fragrant cottage garden blooms in the summer.'
Ellen Mary is a gardener and founder of People Plants Wellbeing, created to provide natural therapy, wellness & spiritual healing. She is the author of The Joy of Gardening and How to Grow a Garden – a publication that has led to multiple broadcasts on TV and radio in the US and beyond.
And, while Emma Roberts' yard is expansive in its plant collection, Ellen Mary explains that healing yards are achievable in all homes – even those with a more compact urban garden.
'As long as you choose the plants that provoke feelings of calm and relaxation, creating a place where you feel safe, able to meditate, take time out and enjoy the magic of nature around you, a healing garden is achievable in any size space,' she says.
To elevate our backyard further, Ellen also recommends growing some common herbs that will inject a delightful fragrance and form. She suggests incorporating Oregano, which is full of antioxidants, and Echinacea, which helps stimulate the immune system further.
For more Emma Roberts-inspired advice, we're looking to Ellen Mary's book, available via Amazon below.
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