Horticultural Therapy: Growing Healing Gardens
Horticultural therapy uses plants and gardening activities to improve mental and physical health. Digging in the dirt is, quite literally, one of the most grounding activities a human can do.
Horticultural Therapy: Growing Healing Gardens
Horticultural therapy uses plants and gardening activities to improve mental and physical health. Digging in the dirt is, quite literally, one of the most grounding activities a human can do.
The Microbes of Happiness
Science shows that soil contains a harmless bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae. When inhaled or ingested (from dirt on your hands), it stimulates serotonin production in the brain. Gardening chemically makes you happier.
The Metaphor of Nurturing
Caring for a plant teaches patience and empathy. When a plant wilts, we don't blame the plant; we check the soil, the water, and the light. Horticultural therapy encourages patients to apply this same compassionate troubleshooting to themselves when they are struggling.