HARNESSING THE POWER OF GARDENS TO HEAL

The current issue of Garden Design magazine (Jul/Aug 2010) has a great article on Healing Gardens and the work of Clare Cooper Marcus.  This is a definite read for anyone who has an interest in the healing powers of gardens and why nature can play an important role in the healing process.  The article chronicles the work of Ms. Cooper

Marcus and how she has been a leader in helping to define how these spacial gardens should be designed.

Ms. Cooper Marcus talks about how healing gardens should be as much, if not more, about plants and less about creating abstract designs.  The gardens should “provide a sense that you are in a garden and not a plaza or indoors.”  The garden, as Clare explains in the article, should be designed to include four essential elements: exercise, social support, a sense of control and a distraction of nature.  These and other important design ideas are discussed in the article.

The article may be found in the magazine starting on page 73 and additional information at the web site www.gardendesign.com

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Therapeutic Gardens Newsletter – JUNE 2010

BENEFITS OF NATURE
British researchers looked at ten various studies on the effects of activities performed outside in nature. Activities such as walking, cycling and gardening had positive effects on the 1,200 people surveyed. According to Jo Barton, co-author of the study, “There would be a large potential benefit if people were to selfmedicate more with green exercise.” The largest positive health changes occurred when people exercised in the outdoors. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es903183r

CONTAINER GARDENS
Planting in containers makes it easier to garden, especially if space is limited. You can grow most all of the same vegetables, flowers and herbs in containers that grow in the ground. Be sure to use a light weight soil that is specifically created for containers. You may have to water more often, as containers can dry out faster. The height of the containers allows you to garden while sitting and makes it easier to reach. Another advantage is that you can bring them indoors for the winter.

SHARING
A great way to share the fun is to make gardening a group effort. Have other gardeners plant companion plants that can be used to create a meal. You can swap some of your produce with other gardeners.

GARDENING TRENDS
Gardening, like many things, can be stylish. You can stay ahead of the curve and even be the first on your block. One way is to become a ’locivore’. Start growing your own organic vegetables. Rather that ship lettuce, tomatoes and other produce across the country, start growing it in your own garden. Trading lawns for vegetable gardens has become popular. In fact, people are replacing their lawns with perennial gardens and raised vegetable planters. More than three-fourths of people are motivated to grown their own, because the vegetables will have better taste and nutrition (Garden Writers Survey-Spring 2010).

BASIL
Basil brings fragrance, beauty and flavor to any garden and may be one of the most essential plants to grow. One of it’s most important properties is to be used in cooking. Try planting Lemon Basil which adds a tangy flavor to recipes. Lime Basil can be used where you need a hint of lime. Or try growing Thai Basil for a licorice flavor. Basils like sunny well drained soils. They also grow well in containers.

“Gardening is an exercise in optimism. Sometimes it is the triumph of hope over
experience.”
-Marina Schinz

COMPANIONS
Certain plants work well together. Planting garlic among the roses will help keep away aphids and Japanese beetles. Planting mint with cabbage and tomatoes will repel aphids and fleas and even attract earthworms. Marigolds are the best to plant because they help keep away bad insects from most vegetables.

LEMON BALM
We have often heard about the beneficial properties of using herbs. The herb, Lemon Balm, has been shown to have many positive effects. It is said to dispel anxiety and improve mood. It has a lemony flavor and can be used in teas. This herb is easy to grow and be sure to give it lots of space.

KEEP BLOOMING
Removing the dead flowers from flowering plants will encourage new flowers. This is called ‘deadheading’ and should be done as soon as they look brown or wilted. Pinch the stalk right above the bud or set of leaves for perennials and annuals. This also applies for flowering shrubs, such as roses. You will need a pair of hand pruners to remove the spent flowers on woody plants.

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You can now follow our posts on the blog site: www.designforgenerations.wordpress.com We are transitioning the newsletter over to this format.. The newsletter be available through the Word Press site. We will ask readers to sign up to receive future issues.

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Benefits of Nature

British researchers looked at ten various studies on the effects of activities performed outside in nature.  Activities such as walking, cycling and gardening had positive effects on the 1,200 people surveyed. According to Jo Barton, co-author of the study, “There would be a large potential benefit if people were to self-medicate more with green exercise.” The largest positive health changes occurred when people exercised in the outdoors.

The article, “What is the Beat Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health” can be found at the link  http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/presspac/presspac/full/10.1021/es903183r

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Therapeutic Gardens Newsletter – MAY 2010

RELAXATION
Gardening is relaxing. The research indicates that nature does reduce stress and helps to lower blood pressure. Why not think about your garden as your own private sanctuary! Spending time in the garden is good for your health. So, take a little extra time to pick some flowers or just smell various fragrances as spring emerges. In fact, find a comfortable chair to sit in for a while and watch as nature unfolds before your eyes.

“To get the best results you must talk to your vegetables.”
- Prince Charles

DAYLILY’S
The botanical name for Daylily is Hemerocallis. This is taken from the Greek word hemera, which means day and kallos which means beauty. It is called this because the flower of this perennial plant only lasts a day. The flowers were used as food in China and Japan. They were dried or pickled in salt or cooked as a vegetable. Daylilies are not a native American plant and were brought here by settlers. They were a popular garden plant in colonial times and escaped to grow along roadsides.

NATIVES
There are good reasons why we should look to plant more native varieties of local plants in our gardens. The plants that are native to the region where we live, typically require less water. They are less prone to disease and easily adapt to the growing conditions. These plants require less maintenance, which means spending more time enjoying them and doing less pruning and weeding. In fact, some native plants may be very attractive to birds, butterfly’s and other wildlife. There are good environmental and aesthetic reasons for using locally grown trees, flowers and shrubs.

LOCALLY GROWN
The idea of growing your own vegetables can be as simple as container planting on your patio. Often, we think that to have fresh produce we need to start a large garden. However, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers and other vegetables can be grown in pots outside the back door. This includes fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, oregano and mint. Make sure the pot is placed in a sunny location and there is a hose near by. So, think of local produce as coming from your own backyard.

INTENSIVE GARDENS
The idea of using raised beds became popular in the 1800’s as a way of intensely using the soil for growing plants. The idea is to plant in narrow rows that are easy to reach from each side. Raised beds make it easier to weed, water and provide better drainage.

RIGHT TREE
Selecting the right tree can help ensure it will live a long life. Understanding how tall a tree will grow and it’s characteristics will help you determine the best location for planting. Being able to amend the soil at the time of planting and giving it enough room to grow should is important. When selecting a tree, be sure to purchase one that is sold in a burlap bag (B&B). The Arbor Day web site has a tree quiz to help you select the best tree for the location you are considering. www.arborday.org

TREE FACTS
Did you know that one tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen a year. Two trees can supply enough oxygen for a family of four.

FRIENDS
If you are new to gardening, a good way to ensure success is to make friends with other gardeners. Gardeners love to offer advice and most people have an idea how to help. Their experience can help new gardeners solve some of natures riddles. You will make them feel good, too, by asking questions.

BLOG
You can now follow our posts on the blog site: www.designforgenerations.wordpress.com.
We are transitioning the newsletter over to this format.. We will continue to email the newsletter and it will be available through the Word Press site.

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HORTICULTURAL THERAPY

There is a great article on horticultural therapy by Anne Marie Chaker in today’s Wall Street Journal.  The article, “When Treatment Involves Dirty Fingernails”, describes several hospital based programs around the country and offers information from Roger Ulrich, Ph.D.

As the article indicates – “The path to better health may wind through the garden.”   The article can be found at – http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304620304575165831058222608.html?mod=djemLifeStyle_h

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