Whether we know (or like) it or not, coloring books aren’t just for children anymore. In fact, among adults, coloring books are the rage at the moment. And why wouldn’t it be? Everyone loves to be creative, and coloring books give us the chance to do that, to put our own stamp on a design. to make it ours.
This article looks to outline 8 of the best coloring books for anyone that loves gardening or enjoys the thought of creating their own colorful floral masterpiece. It will also try to answer the question of why adults color in the first place. What are the benefits? What makes it such an attractive prospect?
Sit back, relax, and get your creative juices flowing, because this list is every artistic gardener’s dream.
Table of Contents
Why Use a Coloring Book?
According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is a mental health profession in which the process of making and creating artwork is used to “explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem.
What that roughly translates into is, that art is really good therapy and can help adults to relieve stress and anxiety. This is one of the key benefits of adult coloring.
Stress Reduction
The primary underlying benefit of coloring for adults is stress reduction. Unfortunately, we live in a world that contains more stress than ever before. Even though it is great that we are interconnected all the time, this can also make it very difficult to disconnect. Therefore, adult coloring books are a great way to alleviate stress. They get you away from a screen, require no real specific focus, and help you to be creative. A perfect stress reliever.
It’s a Workout for Your Brain
There are not a lot of activities that work the entire brain; however, coloring is one of them. Coloring is not a left-brain or a right-brain activity. It is a task that requires both hemispheres of the brain to work together. So it is the perfect way to get both sides of your brain working in unison.
Attention to Detail
Seeing as we live in a world that is dominated by social media and distractions, having an activity that we can use to re-focus our minds and allow us to really pay attention to small details is a valuable tool. Many adult coloring books are filled with intricate designs. There are small lines that you have to focus on if you want to complete the design successfully. If you want to learn to pay better attention to the details, then adult coloring books are a great place to start.
Getting Started
Taking the first step is always the most difficult part, and let’s be honest, many people will see coloring as childish and silly. But by putting your pride aside for a moment, you can really begin to see the benefits of creating something beautiful. Take a look at these 8 gardening-inspired coloring books below, get yourself a set of pencils or crayons, and go create something just as unique as you are. Your mind will thank you.
1. Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book for Adults
One of the most popular adult coloring books on the entire market, let alone in the gardening genre, Secret Garden is an awesome adult coloring adventure with almost 100 different designs that are ready to be designed and edited to your liking.
The illustrations were created by talented artist Johanna Bashford, and within the book, there are not only pictures to color, but puzzles to solve and mazes to complete. Over 20 million copies have been sold, highlighting the popularity and demand for this style of therapy, and the book has been translated into more than 40 languages. What’s not to love?
What the critics say: ‘Colouring in isn’t just for kids. These intricate, magical drawings from Secret Garden by Johanna Basford are just waiting to be brought to life.’ – The Guardian
2. The Plant Lady: A Floral Coloring Book with Succulents and Flowers
A coloring adventure crafted by the incredible Sarah Simon, this floral coloring book is ideal for adults looking to create their own unique gardening designs. Wander from scenes of a book nook filled with plants to a hiking trail in the Pacific Northwest and explore gardens filled with everything from sunflowers to artichokes. If you love flowers, plants, and pausing to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world, then this is just the book you need.
Included are more than 80 illustrations on thick pages that are perforated and easy to remove, so you can color in style, and then show it off to everyone once you are done.
3. Botanical Garden Adult Coloring Book Set (Pencils and Sharpener Included)
The perfect option for anyone looking to purchase an all-in-one package for their coloring. Included in this stunning botanical garden coloring set are 48 detailed images, 24 coloring pencils, a sharpener, and a built-in storage case for your colors.
Each piece can be detached individually, so when you are done, you can show off your work in style. The book is 8×8 in diameter, so fits into any bag, and with all of the attached convenience, it is perfect for coloring any time, in any place.
4. Romantic Country: A Fantasy Coloring Book
For those of you that enjoy coloring beautiful landscapes with floral and fresh scenes, then perhaps you can try this book. The book itself was created by a talented Japanese illustrator names Eriy, who used an ink-dipped toothpick to give his designs that extra layer of intricacy.
The book features villages, prairies, forests, and lakeside scenes, so it changes things up and allows you to choose the theme. With over 50 designs included, there is certainly no shortage of options.
5. Floral Mandalas Coloring Book For Adults: Anti-Stress Coloring Book
Designed to be inexpensive, therapeutic, and fun, this mandala-themed coloring book is perfect for relieving stress, and allowing your mind to focus on the small details (read above to explore why this is good). With more than 50 different mandala-themed images to choose from in the book, you have so much choice at your fingertips. With over 400 top ratings on Amazon, it is clear that whatever the ‘Coloring Therapists’ have included is working!
6. Adult Coloring Books: Henna Coloring Book
With a range of different blooms included, you can utilize this book to not only help relieve stress and offer therapeutic relief but also to create a stunning set of floral henna-style designs that are super-satisfying to complete.
From daisies to beautiful bouquets, there is such a range of designs ready to go in this set. The Jade Summer collection is home to more than 100 different coloring books, and this Henna-style book does not disappoint. With single-sided pages, gorgeous illustrations, and a range of images for different skill levels, this coloring book is great for everyone.
7. Color & Frame – In the Garden (Adult Coloring Book)
There are a coup,e of things that make this coloring book stand out from others on the list. The main difference is the spiral binding design which we think is a perfect addition to the book. It makes it even easier to fold the pages over in the book without damaging other images.
There are 31 images ready to color, and with thick perforated paper and a range of difficulties included within the images, artists of any skill level will have a great time getting their design on. The intricate designs included are ideal for any skill level, and with each image being single-sided, you can take out a finished piece and show it off to the world whenever you wish.
8. Bloom Adult Coloring Book: Beautiful Garden Patters
The final adult coloring book on the list is one that we love. It is the Bloom adult coloring book. With over 50 designs to choose from, over 3,000 reviews on Amazon, and a $6 price tag, you won’t find better quality or value anywhere else.
FAQ’s
Studies have revealed that coloring mandalas or geometric patterns can help with stress and anxiety You see it everywhere, on Facebook, in Amazon reviews, news stories, you name it — coloring book companies and customers protesting that coloring help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
The patterns that are placed in adult coloring books are often designed to alleviate stress and anxiety. In other situations, they may have intricate designs and ornate details that are designed to develop fine motor skills.
While some therapists have come out strongly against adult coloring being referred to as a form of therapy, there are others who welcome the growing trend. The main difference that all art therapists seem to agree on is that there is a stark contrast between the benefits of coloring for adults and the art therapy profession.