RHS developing ‘wellbeing blueprint’ to enhance health benefits of gardens

Researchers at the RHS garden in Wisley, Surrey, have designed different gardens to find out what different floral colours and smells arouse in people. Photograph: Peter Lane/Alamy

Scientists are developing a “wellbeing blueprint” for gardens that will help schools and hospitals landscape their green spaces so people can get as much calm and joy from them as possible.

At the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) experimental garden in Wisley, Surrey, landscape designers have made a garden split into many sections, with different coloured flowers and scents. Some areas have strong, arousing smells such as pine and rosemary, while others have flowers that bloom with sweet, soft, calming scents. Some parts have brightly coloured blooms, while others have pale green and white themes.