Therapeutic Horticulture by Jeanne Carbone
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“I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order.”—John Burroughs
he healing power of nature has never been more in the forefront than during these past two years of living with the pandemic. We have been encouraged to spend time outdoors, connecting with nature to improve mental health, well-being, and reduce the stress of these times. In the work of Therapeutic Horticulture, we recognize the benefits of spending time engaged with nature, which motivates our interaction with people.
Therapeutic Horticulture activity.
In the midst of the pandemic, a series of short videos was created for healthcare workers, to provide a reprieve from the demands of their days. The videos correlate to the “Journey to Well-being” walks, enabling anyone to enjoy a virtual Journey. Follow this link to the video playlist: https://tinyurl.com/ fs773bsc. The TH team has created a number of experiences for anyone Therapeutic Horticulture is the to explore in the Adult Education practice of improving an individual’s class offerings at MBG. “Walk with well-being by deepening their a Purpose” is designed to encourage connection to nature. The means participants to slow their pace, pay to achieve this are as varied as the attention to the nuances of nature and interests and desires of the participant. discover a deeper connection through At the Missouri Botanical Garden, simple exercises that can be adapted the Therapeutic Horticulture team to any natural setting. The Journey to explores well-being through a wide Well-being is an intentional walking range of activities and experience. program utilizing the beauty and Partnerships with organizations such peace of the Japanese Garden for as Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge personal introspection and a calming Hospital, Siteman Cancer Centers, experience. Creating a Sensory senior residential facilities across the community, and various social Garden and Therapeutic Gardening will take your gardening service agencies enable us to reach a wide range of people, of all ages interest to a deeper level by reminding the gardener to be mindful and ability levels. The TH team is also excited to be partnering with of the work and the connection to the earth that gardening can St. Louis County Library and Tower Grove Park in the upcoming create. months, bringing a connection to nature to the community. Check Therapeutic Horticulture has a place in anyone’s life and we out their websites in the spring for more information. The common encourage you to pursue offerings @https://tinyurl.com/mr49bwkc factor in all of these organizations is the benefit Therapeutic Horticulture Therapy Awareness Week is March Horticulture activities 13-19th. Visit the Garden on Wednesday, can bring to the people Thursday or Friday and meet the TH team, share served. your thoughts on well-being and engage in a What is it that draws our attention in nature? Imagine exploring a favorite herb, paying particular attention to the details of the leaf, noticing the structure and texture and scent evoked as you rub the leaf. The herb could be used as part of a flower arrangement or planted in a sensory garden for enjoyment all summer long. Taking the time for sensory exploration is a simple exercise that can be part of everyday life or the focus of a 18
sensory activity to take home.
Jeanne Carbone is the Supervisor of Therapeutic Horticulture at the Missouri Botanical Garden. She has a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on Outdoor Education, and holds a certificate in Horticulture Therapy from Chicago Botanic Garden. She has been involved in this work for 10 years.
The Gateway Gardener™ MARCH 2022
