Horticulture is defined as the science or art of cultivating plants. Therapy is defined as the treatment of illness or disability or having healing power or quality. Put them together to ward off the effects of winter darkness, cold temperatures, inactivity and possibly the results of overindulging during the past holiday season.
Can caring for plants do all that??? Ralph Waldo Emerson thought so when he said, "All my hurts my garden spade can heal."
Now that the days are lengthening an amount we can easily perceive, we feel better and look forward to the next garden season. In the meantime caring for plants indoors helps one to get outside oneself and away from one's challenges if only for a moment.
According to Jeannie Larson, horticultural therapist for the Center for Therapeutic Horticulture and Recreation Services at the MN Arboretum, "The plant is my co-therapist and we work toward a measurable health outcome."
She may work with clients to use plants to divert attention away from food issues, or to focus on the healthy exercise of plant care. Getting depressed clients motivated enough to engage in an activity like gardening is a big plus. While we work in the dirt we are surrounded by nature.
Choose a sunny window for your indoor gardening. Sit and relax before tackling a project as this can be used as a time to meditate on the good things in life.
Prepare the area by spreading newspaper to make for easy clean up. Gather in your tools, wear a favorite apron, have your mug of water close by, put on your sunbonnet and protective gloves. All these little acts can help you tap into the primal connection we all have with nature. Take a deep breath and see your small indoor garden respond to your tender care.
Keep in mind that spending a few minutes daily in your winter garden can reap huge rewards. Not only will your feel better but your plants will look and feel better as well. You may also benefit because you have planted and now can harvest some simple herbs, or have tended to a flowering plant that brings fresh color into the room.
Think of winter gardening as indoor hands on healing for a renewed vigor and improved attitude to help survive the remaining months of winter.
If your longing for spring can't be satisfied with indoor horticulture, do your planning for the upcoming outdoor growing season. On a cold, snowy day while you enjoy the pictures you took of last summers gardens, make some notes on what was good and what didn't work. Then, keeping those ideas in your mind as you peruse the seed catalogs and gardening magazines, you can visualize different plants or color combinations that might better enhance your home and yard. If that doesn't keep you busy, check out the upcoming gardening workshops for inspiration. Beltrami County will be hosting a 'Green Looks Good on You' event on March 28.
According to Jeannie Larson, horticultural therapist for the Center for Therapeutic Horticulture and Recreation Services at the MN Arboretum, "The plant is my co-therapist and we work toward a measurable health outcome."