EVENING PARTIES
A warm early fall evening is the perfect time to experience the garden. In fact, this can be one of the best times to spend time outside re-connecting with nature. The sound of the crickets, a cool breeze, the fragrance of the herbs, a dew settling on the leaves of the plants are just a few of the pleasure that await.
St. Francis Country House celebrated the opening of their garden this week. The garden was completed on Monday and dedicated on Tuesday. In just three days, they have held six events in the garden, including a marketing meeting, luncheon for the residents and a garden party this evening. They are wasting little time taking full advantage of all the garden has to offer.
There was music playing in the background. Refreshments and appetizers made it more special. The temperatures was in the low 70′s. There were a few clouds in the sky and the moon was beginning to shine. The landscape lighting along the walking paths added a mystical quality to the garden. Families were visiting with the grand children. It was the perfect evening.
This is an excellent example of how the garden is used to its full potential. The Therapeutic Garden has been programmed throughout the day for a variety of activities. People would rather spend time outside and if you provide the appropriate setting – “they will come.”
Early fall evening in the garden
PUBLIC GARDENS AND HEALING
We know that our interactions with nature can lead to positive results. And public gardens are often discussed as being healing spaces. This thinking has been validated in a recent research study at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, FL. Dr. Ruth G. McCaffrey at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University conducted the research project “The Effect of Public Garden Visitation on Mild Depression in the Elderly.”
The results of the study led to the development of a booklet and program called “A Stroll for Well-Being: Garden Walks at the Morikami”. The booklet contains 12 themed guided imagery walks as well as blank pages for journaling. The booklet, in combination with the involvement of a trained therapist, can elevate the use of the healing garden to a higher level. Gardens in senior retirement communities, as well as public gardens, can make great use of this activity.
The link to the study is at:
Spring at the Chicago Botanic Garden
http://www.morikami.org/index.php?submenu=gardens_IMLS&src=gendocs&ref=IMLS&category=Gardens
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