It can be difficult to explain the value of planting space to a client when the square footage could be used for larger patios, more decking, or additional hardscape. Yet the benefits of nature are easy to take for granted because we experience them so instinctively. We tell people to “get some fresh air” or “get out of the house” when they seem stressed. Even the phrase “go touch grass” is a way of saying that being outside is grounding and helps us feel better. Research increasingly supports what many of us already sense: nature has measurable effects on our mental and physical well-being.
The human nervous system evolved in natural environments and remains deeply connected to them. While modern life has changed dramatically, our biology has not. For most of human history, stretching back to our hunter-gatherer days, people lived outdoors and relied on environmental cues to regulate daily life. Today, many of us spend the majority of our time inside, disconnected from signals our physiology still relies on. One of the most important of these signals is sunlight. Natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, influencing sleep, energy levels, mood, and hormone production. Although society has shifted indoors since the Industrial Revolution, our bodies still rely on regular exposure to daylight.
Nature also triggers positive neurological responses rooted in survival. Finding a source of water would once have meant the difference between life and death, which may help explain why people are naturally drawn to water features, streams, and ponds. Encounters with wildlife often create a similar response. After the brain determines an animal is not a threat, curiosity and fascination take over, creating moments of engagement and wonder. Even the way we use our eyes changes outdoors. Modern life demands focused attention through screens, reading, and detailed tasks. This narrow focus keeps the brain in a heightened state of alertness. In contrast, when observing a landscape, we naturally adopt a soft gaze that includes peripheral awareness. This broader visual state has been shown to reduce stress and help regulate the nervous system.
Natural environments also provide opportunities for mental rest. Much of life requires active thinking, problem-solving, and constant attention. Notifications, deadlines, and an endless stream of information keep us mentally engaged. Spending time outside creates opportunities for passive thinking, which is similar to daydreaming. The movement of leaves, shifting light, and subtle changes in the landscape are dynamic enough to engage us, but gentle enough to let the mind wander. In this state, we can reflect, imagine, and often find solutions that remain elusive in highly stimulating environments. Perhaps most importantly, nature has the power to inspire awe. Whether it’s a moment of sublime beauty in a small backyard or a dramatic view from a deck, being outside can make us feel connected to something larger than ourselves and help calm elevated emotions.
As rates of stress, anxiety, and depression continue to rise, outdoor spaces should be viewed as more than amenities. Landscapes provide opportunities for restoration, reflection, and connection. The planting areas we sometimes consider optional may, in fact, be some of the most important spaces we create.