Sunflowers – an essential part of every therapeutic garden
Hopefully spring will not be that far off. Thoughts are already turning to the garden and what to plant this year. I’m thinking that this may truly be the year of the sunflower. Reading about all of their virtues – it’s surprising that we do not plant more of them in our gardens.
The sunflower flower is native to the Americas, along with blueberries, squash and pecans. Sunflowers are a source of food, such as seeds for snacking, grinding the seed for flour or using the oil for cooking. They can be used as dye for coloring clothes a purple color. Sunflowers are also be used medicinally to cure snakebites. Even the stalks can be used as a building material.
Sunflowers and therapeutic gardens
Best of all – sunflowers just make you feel better. Looking at their happy yellow color can brighten any mood. They remind us of the sun with their bright yellow petals. They are cheery and make great gifts. Sunflowers come in a range of colors from yellow to sunset red. Elf is a great dwarf variety to grow with kids. Look for ones, such as especially good for snacking. Be sure to add them to your list of ‘must have plants’ for the 2012 garden.
Read moreBIRD SONGS – GARDEN THERAPY
Have you ever sat outside and wondered what the name of the bird is that is singing? Why not try downloading the “Chirp! Bird Songs USA+” App from the iTunes store. You can start with the birds you may hear in your yard such as, Robins, Cardinals, and House Finch. Listen to their songs and use the Chirp App to help identify the species, as well as read background information on each bird. It is great fun and something that you can share with others. There is a ‘Challenge’ feature to test your own knowledge or maybe help others learn more about this popular hobby. The slideshow option is great background option, in case you want to take a nature break from the computer or a busy day. A cautionary note – it may drive your cat crazy!
House Finch on the Feeder
THERAPEUTIC GARDEN CARE AND MAINTENANCE
One of the questions asked at the end of a lecture at the Leading Age Conference involved the maintenance of a Therapeutic Garden. The person asked if these gardens require more to maintain than other gardens. They were interested in reducing on- going maintenance in a garden. The simple answer is that all gardens require maintenance, however, if properly designed, gardens can require lower maintenance. A few suggestions to help reduce the care and maintenance of a garden include:
- Select plants that do not require frequent pruning
- Include indigenous plants – they will require less water and are suited for the region
- Limit the amount of annuals (plants that grow for just one season) and include more perennials
- Space plants closer together so they fill out sooner
- Eliminate plants that require constant pruning, such as hedges
- Organize gardening groups to help maintain the garden – it is good exercise and a way to stay socially engaged
- Plan special events to include garden ‘work’ parties
- Solicit the involvement of garden clubs, master gardeners and other interested people
- Hold classes in the garden to teach others gardening basics
- Create an endowment for the care and maintenance of the garden
These are a few of the basic ideas for helping to reduce the maintenance of the garden and a way to get others involved. A good design at the beginning insures that the garden gets off to a good start and improves its chances for success. Strategies to develop garden partners can help can reduce the maintenance burden on staff.
Garden care and maintenance
Why Water?
The question of why we are attracted to water may be a bit obvious for some. However, we all too often take water for granted. It is, for the most part, easily accessible and abundant. We are connected to water in so many ways. In fact, we are as humans on average 75 percent water. The earths surface is 70 percent water. This investigation of why we are attracted to water is, in part, preparation for an upcoming presentation on water and horticultural therapy.
We ARE attracted to water, that is obvious. Whether it is a lake, ocean or a man made water feature, we feel compelled to interact on some level. All of our senses are heightened and respond in different ways. The smell of ozone when it rains or the melodic sounds of waves crashing on the beach are just a few of the reactions water elicits. Who is not interested in a water pistol fight on a hot summer’s day. Watch children (and those still young at heart) who cannot resist playing in a fountain.
A preliminary search of current literature and research findings indicate that there are emotional responses caused when water touches our skin, much like someone holding our hand. When someone holds our hand, the brain releases the hormone Oxytocin, which promotes a feeling of devotion and trust. The Orbital Front Cortex of the brain responds to sweet tastes and pleasant odors. The smell of the air when it begins to rain or the salt spray from the ocean can trigger a positive emotional response.
The next time you pass a water fountain in a park or shopping mall, stop and pay attention. How does it make you feel? What are the reactions experienced by others. Do you or others have a tendency to touch the water. Does the sound of the running water as it splashes onto the hard surface make you slow down and watch? Your blood pressure should be reduced and hopefully a sense of calm may be present, even for a short while. Begin to make a mental note of these reactions.
Playing in the fountain at Short Pump Mall
THE PORCH
Spending time on the porch
An article in today’s USA Today by Craig Wilson reminds me how important the porch is for all of us. Craig reminisces on growing up and spending time on his parents front porch. His stories remind me of spending my own childhood on the back porch of my parents home. All our summer meals took place on the porch. In fact, most all activities were moved to the porch during the summer months. There were many summer nights spent sleeping outside on the porch.
The porch is one of those iconic architectural elements that we all can relate to and have fond memories of spending time on. It works so well because it offers us protection from the elements. The porch shelters us from the hot summer sun and it is a place where we can sit outside to listen to the rain. It acts as a stage where we can entertain our friends. And it is an observation area where we can check out what is happening in the neighborhood. The porch makes us feel safe because we are close to the house and do not have to venture too far into nature.
I am reminded of how important an architectural element the porch is for all of us. A porch was included in the garden design at Medford Leas Continuing Care Retirement Community. The porch was constructed off of the recreation room and it has been an essential component of this courtyard garden. It is host is daily activities, including cookouts, holiday parties, concerts, garden classes, reading groups, etc. etc.
I am thinking about a comfortable chair, something to eat and maybe a good book to read on my porch. You can include a ceiling fan, maybe some music and a cooler filled with drinks and you may never have to leave! Who could ask for anything more! Enjoy!
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