We live in a world that is hectic, stressful, fast past and many feel the negative effects of our current high speed culture. It seems that each day new information comes out about health issues created by a mix of poor food choices, high stress, and lack of exercise. These daily choices not only affect our bodily health but also our mental health leaving us exhausted and possibly bringing on sickness. Many professors and health care practicioners are rediscovering the joy of the horticulture world and how gardening can benefit us.

Gardening is a great activity for people who are suffering from stress and poor health. Spending time in beautiful outdoor spaces can calm the mind and is available to anyone who can get to a park, plant a small flower bed, or place a few plants into terra cotta pots. Gardening can be a fantastic low-impact workout for people of all ages. Children love to spend time in the “dirt” making mud pies, discovering bugs, and watching a seed sprout into a plant. Many homeowners are quick to plant around their house at a minimum, and many people plant extensive flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and the like in an effort to create a small oasis at home. It seems that whether we acknowledge it or not, something in us says that gardens are good for the soul.

Socio-Horticulture is a theory being used for all forms of therapy. Raised beds and wide paths provide access for people in wheelchairs to benefit from spending time planting and enjoying the greenery. Hospitals are realizing the importance of a nice view from a patient’s window and the availability of calm, plant filled spaces in courtyards providing a place of respite from a usually stressful situation. Prisons and at-risk youth programs are teaching gardening as a skill not only to provide a job for people, but also purpose and joy.

Gardening can be as “serious” as therapy for the ailing or as simple as a place of retreat for the worki

ng person. Coming home to a beautiful courtyard where you can enjoy a moment of calm after a hectic day can help you transition from the working world to the home base with ease. And for especially stressful moments, nothing helps like ripping out weeds and pruning up the shrubs!

If you want more information on using the garden and natural beauty for bodily benefit please check out these sites:

American Horticultural Therapy Association

Horticulture Therapy Institute

Socio-Horticulture