Tag: horticultural therapy

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The Botanical Bounty of Maine

Most people don’t think of gardens when you mention Maine, but this rugged northeast State boasts many botanical surprises: https://extension.umaine.edu/cumberland/blog/2017/03/30/12-great-gardens-to-visit-in-maine/

Color and Form
Trees and Tall Grasses frame a Shimmering Sculpture  (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ROAD TRIP

This past Columbus Day weekend I had the pleasure of visiting one of these hidden gems, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay.  Checking out the brilliant fall foliage along the way, my daughter and I took a road trip from Massachusetts, hoping to catch the botanical gardens while still in full autumn glory.  We were not disappointed!

succulents and hydrangea
Succulents in Pots with Hydrangea Background  (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

A LITTLE HISTORY

According to the CMBG website:  “This ambitious project began in 1991 when a group of mid-coast Maine residents founded the grassroots organization.  They, and those who worked with them and came after them, shared the belief that northern New England in general, and Maine in particular, were in need of a botanical garden.”  “In 1996, after a thorough search for an appropriate site, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens purchased 128 acres of land with 3,600 feet of tidal shore frontage in Boothbay.  This was possible due to the unhesitating willingness of founders to use their own homes as collateral.”  After 16 years of putting it all together, the gardens officially opened in June of 2007.  Today, the site is comprised of 295 acres including tidal shoreland and offering breathtaking views of the coast and woods of Maine.

fairy garden with river
View of the Water from the Fairy House Village  (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

GARDENS WITHIN GARDENS

There are many gardens to visit here including the Vayo Meditation Garden, the Lerner Garden of the Five Senses and the Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden.  There is also a Fairy House Village and a Native Butterfly House to delight children of all ages.  Stately Maine pines, oaks, and maples provide a dramatic natural backdrop to the many shrubs, perennials, groundcovers, and annuals planted throughout.

verbena bonariensis
Close-up of Verbena Bonariensis  (Photo by Julie Wilkins)

TAKING IT ALL IN

Although many summer flowers had already gone to seed, the varied types of seedheads only added more texture and drama to the spectacular floral vignettes.  Some late blooming daisies were just beginning to open their buds while many hydrangeas still sported colorful blue and pink mopheads.  Asters, sedum and even some shrub roses were still in flower.  The popular annual, verbena bonariensis, planted throughout many areas, provided a lovely purple contrast to the many oranges, yellows, and reds of marigolds, nasturtiums, and sunflowers.  In celebration of the season, the entire area was also decorated with gourds and pumpkins of all colors, sizes, and shapes.

pumpkin display
One of many Seasonal Displays  (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

COME AGAIN

Since we arrived mid-afternoon our time was limited to a couple of hours of walking, but you can easily spend a leisurely day here, taking a lunch break at the Kitchen Garden Cafe which features produce from local growers as well as their own fresh vegetables and herbs.  We will definitely be back to enjoy another day and another season in this extraordinary place!

orange flower
Mexican Sunflower and Purple Fountain Grass  (Photo by Nancy Marie Allen)

For more on the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, visit http://www.mainegardens.org/

 

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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.

girl wearing white floral dress beside grass plant at daytime
Photo by Maggie Zhao on Pexels.com

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