Therapeutic Gardening has been around since the dawn of man. We just didn’t understand the full benefits of getting our hands dirty!

Since the Middle Ages though, we understood the value a beautiful landscape can bring to the soul. In those days, monasteries were where the sick went to die and what they found for views were tranquil garden courtyards with spiritual significance. In the early 19th century with the emergence of modern day psychology psychiatric institutions were built with a welcoming appearance. Landscaped lawns, lush greenery and gardens all created a feel of peace when on the grounds. The maintenance, gardening, and farming at these institutions where incorporated into the patient’s on going therapy routine.

In present times, gardening is a source of therapy for all sorts of patients. It is used to bring comfort for the terminally ill, inmates in prison, patients suffering from Alzheimer disease, the elderly, AIDS patients, or children struggling with difficult life circumstances. It helps reduce stress, find a sense of self, bring balance and peace to the mind, and allows one to step outside the worries of modern life.

The connection we have to plants is most definitely therapeutic. Just look at the results of a study done by Dianne Relf of Virginia Tech University. She found:

• A view of trees may reduce the recovery time in the hospital after surgery by almost a full day.
• The quality of plant material in a community contributes to the feeling of satisfaction in living in that community.
• Over 88% of Americans feel that trees and flowers in a city are important beyond their beauty and pleasing appearance.
• 40% of Americans find that being around plants makes them feel calm and more relaxed a particularly valuable attribute in cities today.

This study reinforces our natural connection to the living earth. After all, we are made up of the same life giving elements as plants, which are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. We also share the oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle with all forms of plant life. We breathe in the oxygen giving them the carbon dioxide they need to flourish. In a literal way we give each other life, so it only stands to reason if we nurture their growth we, in turn, nurture our own growth.

Gardening is a wonderful way to communion with nature. It is a great means of meditation and to feel at one with everything in existence. Getting our hands dirty planting flowers, vegetables, shrubs and trees lifts our spirit and brings us back to our organic beginnings. It gives us an opportunity to live in the moment and focus our attention on the natural elements of life. After all, it is through the changing seasons and our ritual of planting, weeding, and harvesting that we kept track of time for thousands of years. We relied on the natural world to provide, so getting back to our roots brings stability and peace. It speaks to our souls.

Gardening is as simple as hanging a bird feeder in your back window, putting up some flower boxes, planting a small flower bed, or starting a strawberry patch in your backyard! Anything that offers you an opportunity to become one with nature is a form of therapeutic gardening.

If you have a decent size yard think about starting a vegetable garden. It’s a great way to get back to nature and you get to eat the rewards of your labor! Or if you don’t have a lot of room, perhaps you could start an herd garden and learn about aromatherapy.  Other options are to look into community gardens in your area. You can research at your local community center, library or town hall.

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