   Gardening as Therapy - June, 12, 2013 Jeff Schalau, Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County Most gardeners realize that gardening is therapeutic. I always feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after working in my vegetable garden. This is reinforced when crops are harvested, prepared, and enjoyed. Scientific research has confirmed that healthful benefits occur when people connect with plants by viewing, planting, growing, and/or caring for them. Additional health benefits are realized when the gardening activity includes physical activity and provides nutritious fresh foods. Isn’t it great when something fun and satisfying increases our health and promotes wellbeing! Gardening is used by health care professionals to help people feel better. Horticultural therapy is the practice of engaging people in plant or gardening activities to improve their bodies, minds, and spirits. Similarly, gardens designed to support people-plant interactions and human well-being have been referred to as healing gardens, therapeutic gardens, and restorative gardens. To prove the point, research conducted by Roger Ulrich demonstrated that patients with views of trees had shorter hospital stays and needed less medication than those without views of trees. Ongoing research continues to demonstrate the link between human well-being and nature. Horticultural therapy is recognized as an effective treatment for clients of all ages and abilities. It is used in rehabilitation and vocational centers, youth outreach programs, nursing homes and other types of senior facilities, hospitals (especially Veterans Administration facilities), hospices, homeless shelters, substance abuse centers, prisons, schools, mental health centers, and botanical gardens. People that practice gardening regularly at home are creating their own personal horticultural therapy program. Some researchers have linked a decreased risk for diabetes and osteoporosis to the physical energy used during gardening and other yard work. Physical activity, as well as balanced nutrition, is key to managing diabetes. As we walk and lift in the garden, we put weight on our bones, which strengthens them and helps prevent osteoporosis. When vegetable gardening, we crouch, crawl, stoop, stand, dig, rake, and sweat. These movements maintain our flexibility, body strength, while also promoting mental acuity and balance. The food from our home and community gardens is fresher and more nutritious than processed foods. People who grow vegetables are likely to eat more of them. According to a Michigan State University survey of 766 adults, participating in a community garden resulted in eating more fruits and vegetables. In this study, they were 3.5 times as likely to eat fruits and vegetables five times per day. Other studies have shown that gardening promotes bonding with your family and fosters life skills, including responsibility. Some researchers have found that gardening has a calming effect. If you have trouble sleeping or are coping with stressful life situations, gardening may help. When you garden, you know exactly which fertilizers and if pesticides have been used. If you are concerned about genetically modified (GM) crops, you can select seeds and transplants that were developed using traditional plant breeding practices. I’ve found that most vegetable and flower seed companies openly state their philosophy on GM crops. Gardening is a creative endeavor. The time spent planning the garden and researching different plants is a great brain workout. Keeping a garden journal is also part of this process. Draw maps of each year’s crop locations to facilitate crop rotation and minimize soil borne disease problems. Plant new and unusual varieties of flowers and vegetables. Take notes on which crops performed well in addition to those that lacked vigor, flavor, or had pest or disease issues. Your garden should also represent your personality and be a place for free expression. Gardening connects you with nature, the rhythm of life, and local seasonality. It teaches patience and rewards us with our favorite foods and flowers. Observe insects in the garden to learn about pests and their natural enemies. Put some seating in or near your garden so that you may spend more time there. Take along a cold beverage and ponder life’s mysteries. Okay, I might be going too far, but I think you get the idea. Have fun and relax! Follow the Backyard Gardener on Twitter – use the link on the BYG website. If you have other gardening questions, call the Master Gardener help line in the Camp Verde office at 928-554-8999 Ext. 3 or e-mail us at cottonwoodmg@yahoo.com and be sure to include your name, address and phone number. Find past Backyard Gardener columns or provide feedback at the Backyard Gardener web site: http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/.  |