Self-professed “brown thumbs” with little interest in gardening can still reap cognitive, emotional and physical rewards from your therapeutic garden. The key is to offer older adults opportunities to immerse themselves in the environment of the therapeutic garden. When hosting social activities, strive to organize events that are inclusive to those with interests outside of gardening. In the midst of your therapeutic garden, develop opportunities to improve physical strength, vitality and emotional health. To your advantage, the summer months are on your side, allowing you to rely on the warmer temperatures and longer days to draw people outdoors. Five recreational activities to consider: Outdoor yoga or tai chi – strengthens balance, strength and flexibility Meditation – reduces stress and improves concentration Painting – boosts creativity and gives a sense of purpose Making summer cocktails – promotes socialization and uses herbs grown in the garden Book clubs – offer intellectual stimulation and a sense of community The benefits of therapeutic gardens extend far beyond those who consider themselves “green-thumbed.” Recreational activities held in the therapeutic garden produce a positive impact on older adults, both physically and mentally, thanks to the sunshine, fresh air and foliage.  

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“Come on, Mary, let’s see how the tomatoes are doing.” This simple nudge to go outside and visit the therapeutic garden is a straightforward step toward encouraging gardening activities that has far-reaching outcomes. In addition to lowering rates of depression and encouraging physical healing, structured gardening activities have now been shown to impact memory. In a study conducted in the United Kingdom, researchers found that over a period of one year patients with early-onset dementia showed an improvement in mood and sociability, while their memory and concentration remain stable. These positive results suggest that overall well-being can be maintained while living with early-onset dementia, using the non-medicinal approach of just two hours of structured gardening activities each week. Design for Generations’ Jack Carman has found one universal desire when visiting care communities around the country: “Gardening is older adults’ most desired recreational activity. There is something intuitive about it that allows people to get lost in the moment, thanks to the methodic movements of digging in the soil and caring for the plants.” A few ideas for organized gardening activities include: Creating a nature journal to draw or write about the progress of the garden Planting annual flower and vegetable seeds in raised flower beds Picking and then assembling the ingredients for meals Structured gardening activities maintain and can build older adults’ connection to the world around them, stimulating their minds while improving quality of life.

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This time of year can be rather taxing, for a few reasons. The natural variances in weather during April become frustrating as we desire warm breezes and sunny days. Challenges arise for those planning and enjoying therapeutic gardens. It’s no longer winter, yet not quite soon enough to plant summer-loving flowers. This month, when feeling taxed, turn your attention to rest. Planning the incorporation of beautiful, thoughtful rest spaces in your garden can be accomplished no matter what Mother Nature has in store. Spend time in your carefully chosen rest area to renew your mind, body and spirit in preparation for the summer months to roll in. Much like the ripple effect created by dropping a pebble in an undisturbed pond, the physical and psychological benefits of therapeutic gardens extend far beyond the gardener. Rest stations create inviting, soothing spaces that invite older adults, staff and volunteers to linger in your therapeutic healing garden. A classic wooden bench serves both as a natural place for quiet conversation, as well as a midpoint stop for an older adult walking with their physical therapist. A tree swing begs a passerby to curl up with a good book and a hot cup of tea. A lounge chair under an umbrella encourages a family visit to extend into the late afternoon. Rest stations carve out natural environments that inspire connection with others, connection with oneself, and connection with nature. Spending time in therapeutic gardens strengthens immune systems and encourages the body’s natural healing. Thoughtfully planned and strategically placed rest stations maximize opportunities for your garden’s visitors to sit back, enjoy, and rest – both when life is taxing, and when life is beautiful.

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The sight of crocus forcing itself through the hard soil serves as the first proof that the world is ready to bloom once more. Following suit are the white daisy-like blossoms of bloodroot, which thrive in shaded and woodland gardens, and the classic bright petals of daffodils, which enjoy full sun. The days are longer, yes, but the mere presence of garden flowers help to rejuvenate the human spirit and lift moods. Until recently, however, no studies have existed that prove the relationship between flowers and positive mood. As researchers note in An Environmental Approach to Positive Emotions: Flowers, “For more than 5,000 years, people have cultivated flowers although there is no known reward for this costly behavior.” Today, our body of knowledge in this area is beginning to grow, as we understand that emotional well-being directly impacts physical health and longevity. In their study, the above researchers found that senior citizens provided with flowers over a two-week period reported both short-term and long-term effects on mood. Flower recipients reported a higher interest and engagement in the world around them, increased happiness, reduced rates of depression and higher scores on an episodic memory test. All recipients responded with a genuine, heartfelt smile when presented with flowers – a smile scientifically called a Duchenne smile. True smiles change brain chemistry, prompting the release of endorphins and serotonin. As Mother Nature herself begins to smile this month, she provides us with an abundance of natural, blossoming tools to elicit Duchenne smiles from others. Consider presenting older adults with a flower from early spring’s blooms in your therapeutic garden, and watch the reaction – and their mood – light up the room.

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  With the new year typically comes a renewed focus on physical health. One undervalued contributing factor to physical health is the body’s exposure to nature. This month, let nature nurture older adults. Spending time in therapeutic gardens – even in winter –strengthens immune systems and encourages the body’s natural healing. In particular, proximity to plants and exposure to natural sunlight both boost physical health. Plants produce airborne chemicals called phytoncides to protect themselves from insects, bacteria and fungi. When people spend time near plants, they naturally breathe in these antibacterial and antifungal chemicals which, in turn, decrease the body’s stress hormones and increase a type of white blood cell called natural killer (NK) cells. This healthy combination promotes physical healing, which can lead to shorter recovery times and a decreased need for painkillers. The body also experiences physiological changes from exposure to natural sunlight. Adults over the age of 50 have a medical need for an increased amount of vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body produces it in response to exposure to sunlight. In addition to protecting bone strength and heart health, studies have also suggested that vitamin D helps to reduce the likelihood of being infected with the flu. Skin exposed to sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes a day, three times a week, will spur the body to produce adequate levels of vitamin D. Encourage older adults to continue to immerse themselves in your therapeutic garden this January, surrounding themselves with plants and sunlight, to improve overall physical health.

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