Gardening as Therapy

I have always found working in the garden to have a calming effect.  Plants are for the most part green, a soothing color which represents renewal, rebirth and hope.  Seeing green growth reappear in early spring does indeed fill us with hope of what’s to come and being surrounded by green hues is undeniably soothing.  Shade gardens, where there is little other color, can especially evoke a peaceful feeling.

The use of therapeutic gardens supposedly goes back to the ancient Egyptians and examples of gardens being used for healing can be found throughout history.  In the middle ages gardens provided medicinal herbs used to treat all manner of physical ailments as well as those of the mind.

Today, “horticultural therapy,” helps those people suffering from loss and grief, those limited by physical disabilities and those living in institutions.  A “horticultural therapist” is trained to help people engage in various garden activities as part of their treatment.  Working with plants helps people turn their focus away from negative feelings and towards positive ones that create a sense of well-being.

Gardening with children is a wonderful to way to get them outdoors and teach them about the miracle of life.   Having them plant fat, easily handled seeds such as sunflowers or beans provides almost immediate satisfaction as the seeds quickly sprout and grow.  Even young children can take part in the work of planting and watering, boosting their self-confidence and creating a closeness with the natural world around them.   I have fond memories of working in the garden with my own parents, helping pick tomatoes and green beans.

Evidence suggests that working with plants truly helps us stay healthy, both physically and mentally.  In the garden, we are connected to all that is good in life.  And so it is that I eagerly go outside and embrace my daily dose of gardening therapy.

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