Happiness Gardens of Bhutan

Bhutan, a small nation nestled in the Eastern Himalayas between India and China, is known for its distinct culture and deep-rooted traditions. This proudly independent country reflects its unique values not only in its way of life but also in its approach to gardening. In Bhutan, a special style known as “happiness gardens” has evolved. Happiness Gardens embody the nation’s philosophy of harmony, mindfulness, and connection to nature.

Bhutan’s “Happiness Gardens” are deeply tied to the country’s overarching philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which emphasizes the balance between material progress and the spiritual, emotional, and environmental well-being of its people. Unlike most other countries, increasing GNH is more important to the government of Bhutan than increasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Elements of Design for a Happiness Garden

Here are the key elements for a Bhutanese-style Happiness Garden:

Philosophical Foundations

• Gross National Happiness: Bhutan’s development model prioritizes happiness and well-being over economic growth. Gardens designed with this philosophy aim to foster peace, mindfulness, and a connection to nature.
• Buddhist Influence: As a Buddhist nation, the Bhutanese people view nature as sacred. Gardens often include symbolic plants and spiritual features that promote inner peace and contemplation.

Design Principles of Happiness Gardens

• Integration with Nature: Gardens in Bhutan aim to work with the natural environment rather than against it. They incorporate native plants, natural water sources, and terraced landscapes that align with the terrain.
• Spiritual Elements: Gardens often feature prayer flags, stupas (Buddhist monuments), or prayer wheels. These elements can share a decorative as well as a spiritual purpose.
• Mindful Layouts: The design of happiness gardens focuses on creating spaces that encourage mindfulness. Paths often meander gently to allow for slow, reflective walks, and seating areas are placed to invite meditation.

Key Features

• Native Flora: Bhutanese gardens primarily use local plants like rhododendrons, junipers, blue poppies (the national flower), and medicinal herbs, which are valued for their spiritual and ecological significance.
• Water Elements: Flowing water is a recurring feature, symbolizing purity and life. Streams, small ponds, or fountains are often used in happiness gardens. The gentle white noise of water features has a calming effect on visitors.
• Terraces and Earthworks: Bhutan’s mountainous terrain makes terraced gardens common. These not only preserve soil and water but also create layered spaces that reflect the harmony between human intervention and nature.

Cultural and Spiritual Symbolism

• Prayer Flags and Wheels: These elements are placed within gardens to bring blessings to the space. The movement of the flags in the wind and the spinning of prayer wheels are believed to spread spiritual energy.
• Plant Symbolism: Many plants in Bhutanese gardens hold cultural or spiritual significance. For instance:
  • Juniper (Juniperus spp.): Used in religious ceremonies, Junipers represent purification.
  • Blue Poppy (Meconopsis gakyidiana): Associated with spiritual enlightenment and transformation. Meconopsis gakyidiana is the national flower of Bhutan.
• Sacred Trees: Certain trees, like the bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa), are planted in happiness gardens to honor Buddha and provide shaded areas for meditation.

Community and Social Aspects

• Public Gardens for Gathering: Bhutanese happiness gardens often serve as community spaces where people can gather for festivals, picnics, or quiet reflection.
• Healing Spaces: Gardens are sometimes designed with the intention of providing solace and healing, particularly for people experiencing stress or grief. They may include spaces for meditation or group prayer.
• Educational Gardens: Some happiness gardens, especially those near monasteries or schools, are designed to teach children and visitors about Bhutan’s values, biodiversity, and sustainable living practices.

Environmental Sustainability

• Organic Gardening: Bhutan is committed to becoming the world’s first fully organic country. This extends to its gardens, which tend to avoid synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
• Conservation of Biodiversity: Happiness gardens often include a variety of native plant species, supporting local pollinators and wildlife. Happiness Gardens should provide happiness to flora, fauna and people.
• Water Conservation: Many gardens utilize traditional irrigation techniques, such as diverting natural streams, to minimize water waste.

Impact on Well-Being

• Mental Health Benefits: The serene environment of happiness gardens is believed to reduce anxiety and stress, encouraging mindfulness and emotional balance.
• Spiritual Connection: These gardens offer spaces for prayer and meditation, helping individuals connect with their spiritual selves and the natural world.
• Cultural Pride: Happiness gardens reflect Bhutanese traditions, fostering a sense of identity and pride among the people.

Bhutan’s approach to gardening emphasizes that gardens are not merely ornamental but deeply tied to holistic well-being. They remind us that:

• Nature and culture can coexist harmoniously.
• Gardens can be spaces for emotional and spiritual healing.
• Sustainability should be a guiding principle in design and maintenance.

Applying The Principles of Happiness Gardens

Here are 8 ways to adapt Bhutanese Happiness Garden principles to your own garden, no matter the size or location:

1. Create a Mindful Layout

• Paths for Reflection: Add curved, meandering pathways to slow down movement and encourage peaceful walking. Use natural materials like local stone or wood for a naturally harmonious look.
• Meditation Space: Include a quiet corner with a bench, cushion, or even a simple chair. Surround it with calming plants like lavender or bamboo to make it feel private and serene.

2. Incorporate Spiritual or Symbolic Features

• Prayer Flags or Wind Chimes: Hang colorful prayer flags in your garden, allowing the wind to spread positive energy and blessings. Alternatively, add wind chimes to create soothing sounds.
• Sacred Elements: Add symbolic features like a Buddha statue, or another spiritual object that resonates with you. Place these in a central or elevated location to draw focus.
• Water Element: A small fountain, pond, or even a birdbath can symbolize purity and create a calming ambiance with the sound of flowing water.

3. Use Native or Symbolic Plants

• Native Plants: Choose local plants that thrive in your area. They’ll require less maintenance and contribute to biodiversity, aligning with Bhutan’s sustainable practices.
• Symbolic Flowers: Incorporate plants with meanings that resonate with you. For example:
  • Rhododendrons: Symbolize beauty and resilience.
  • Blue Flowers: Represent calm and spiritual connection.
  • Evergreens: For year-round greenery and a sense of permanence.
• Medicinal Herbs: Add herbs like mint, chamomile, or sage, reflecting Bhutanese gardens’ emphasis on healing.

4. Promote Sustainability

• Organic Practices: Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Use compost, mulch, or natural fertilizers to nourish your plants.
• Water Conservation: Install a rain barrel to collect water for irrigation or use a drip irrigation system to minimize water waste.
• Wildlife Habitat: Plant pollinator-friendly flowers to attract bees, butterflies, and birds. Include a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year.

5. Focus on Harmony with Nature

• Blend with the Landscape: If your garden has slopes, consider terracing or planting ground covers to prevent erosion, inspired by Bhutan’s terraced fields.
• Natural Boundaries: Use hedges, bamboo, or flowering bushes to create natural borders instead of fences.

6. Add a Healing Garden

• Plant for Wellness: Include plants known for their calming effects or health benefits, such as lavender (relaxation), aloe vera (healing), and rosemary (mental clarity).
• Sensory Plants: Focus on texture, fragrance, and color. For example, soft lamb’s ear leaves, fragrant jasmine, and colorful marigolds create a sensory-rich space.

For more on Sensory and healing gardens, have a look at our earlier post for a deep dive into this topic:

The Sensory Garden

Gardens can be designed to stimulate all 5 of the human senses to provide therapeutic benefits.

Colwynn Garden DesignChris Bell

7. Build Community Connection

• Invite Neighbors or Friends: Dedicate a small space to grow vegetables or herbs you can share with others, fostering a sense of community.
• Host Events: Use your garden for small gatherings, meditations, or celebrations that strengthen social bonds.

8. Make Space for Reflection

• Incorporate a journal or notebook into your garden visits to reflect, express gratitude, or write down your thoughts while enjoying the calming environment.
• If space allows, add a labyrinth or circular path for contemplative walking, echoing Bhutanese mindfulness practices.