NATURAL ATTRACTION

It’s the landscape and physical environment at Caravonica’s Botanica Lifestyle Resort that leave others green with envy

FROM the calming effect of meditation to “effortless exercise” that improves physical health, the benefits of gardening and living among nature have been confirmed in a major new study.

The study of more than 5700 participants by the Royal Horticultural Society in London earlier this year found that people who garden on a regular basis – either at home or a community garden – have higher wellbeing scores and lower stress levels than people who do not garden at all.

“When gardening, our brains are pleasantly distracted by nature around us,” Dr Lauriane Chalmin-Pui, lead author of the study, said.

“This shifts our focus away from ourselves and our stresses, thereby restoring our minds and reducing negative feelings.”

The data also supported the need for domestic gardens to be given greater prominence in urban planning debates due to the positive role they play in providing health benefits.

The study’s findings are no surprise to the team at Botanica Lifestyle Resort.

The personal health benefits of gardening and being immersed in nature along with enhancements to the surrounding natural environment were all carefully considered and incorporated into the planning and design of the Botanica community at Caravonica.

The sense of community continues to build at Botanica Lifestyle Resort, with residents enjoying the country club lifestyle and the peace of mind this secure, gated development provides.

With input from local award-winning landscape architect Andrew Prowse, Botanica is also a haven for native flora and fauna and on-site botanical gardens that provide an outdoor space for residents and the wider community.

A defining characteristic of Botanica will be its diverse tree-lined and shaded streetscapes, with each street featuring its own theme of fruit trees, spectacular flowering plants and ground cover to avoid the cookie-cutter style planting often seen in other resorts.

“The majority of the street trees are mediumsized native trees, many local to the Cairns area,” Mr Prowse said.

“These are underplanted with native grass and ground cover that help create a habitat that supports the local environment such as providing nesting materials for birds.

“In a conventional suburb you often get singular trees alone in lawns that don’t actually provide the best situation for native wildlife. Using local native plants, especially for the structural planting of a project, helps considerably in maintaining biodiversity, and provides birds and butterflies with an abundance of attractive habitats.” The resort is wrapped by greenery on all sides, enveloping Botanica from the outside world. Residents can take the dog for a walk, unroll the picnic blanket and enjoy the tranquillity of the outdoors.

The resort will also feature community gardens where residents can enjoy the social aspects of gardening and nurture their own fresh produce from seed to table.

Revegetation work will soon commence in the foothills of the resort to beautify the area, with assistance from some knowledgeable and skilled residents. The revegetation project will involve the planting of more than 3000 trees, the creation of a walking trail, the installation of native beehives and a seated area to create a place of mindfulness and a sanctuary for residents.

To arrange a personal tour of the resort, call 1800 11 44 77 to make an appointment or visit www.botanicalifestyle.com.au