ECOTHERAPY

Butterfly release program in the couryard garden at St. John Neumann Nursing Home

We know that interacting with nature is therapy for the mind and body.  Research being conducted indicates that even subtle interactions with nature can offer positive cognitive benefits.  These include elevating ones mood, improved memory and a reduction of stress, which in turn helps you heal faster.  Ecotherapy is the study of how the natural world influences mental health.  We have know that working in the garden is good for us.  Research has been catching up to what we have intuitively known.

HUMAN SUNDIALS

What would happen if you did not have your watch and needed to find out what time it was?  How about turning to the sun for help.  On a clear day stand outside in the sun.  Look at your shadow in regards to it’s length, angle and density.  Make note of the day, season and, if possible, have someone tell you what time it is at that moment.  By becoming more aware of our shadow, we can tell what time it is – just like a sundial.

PLANTING SOIL

When we think about planting in the ground, many people refer to the material that we dig up as dirt.  The actual use of the word soil is applied here.  (Gardeners call is soil).  The soil refers to the mixture of minerals (or rock), particles of sand or finer silt, and organic materials (plant and/or animal remains).  Understanding the specific blend of these materials will help a gardener determine what plants will grow best in that particular soil.  Organic materials are an important component of the soils content and can help to make the soil looser and airer.  Having the soil tested is often a good thing because you will determine what the soil may be lacking and what you can add to improve the soils growing capacity.

HERB VINEGARS

It has been great to harvest the fresh herbs throughout the growing season.  However, good things do come to a conclusion and we should consider saving these herbs through the winter months.  One way is to make herb infused vinegars.  This is a relatively quick way to capture the flavors of the herbs and make them available throughout the winter months.  Try making a vinegar with an Italian accent by using basil, oregano and marjoram.  Add one quarter cup of each herb to 1 cup pf vinegar and one cup of red wine vinegar.  You can also add  2 cloves of smashed garlic to really make a tasty herb vinegar.  For other recipes and additional information, send us an email.

TREE ROOTS

The roots of a tree are susceptible to compaction.  Care should be taken to protect the trees in the event of any construction under and around the trees.  A trees roots need oxygen and when the soil is compacted, it makes it more difficult for the roots to absorb the oxygen in the soil.  Parking a car or other vehicles under a tree will compact the soil.  One way to protect the tree is to install a snow fence around the drip line (edge of the outer branches) of the tree canopy.  Installing 4 to 6 inches of mulch under the entire area of the tree will help protect the soil.  A little extra care and TLC will protect the tree and insure good health for years to come.  It is an investment in the future.

CUTTINGS

One other thing to consider as fall approaches is to start taking cuttings of some of the plants we may want to over winter.  Basil is one of the plants that roots easily in water.  Take some cuttings of the plants in the garden and place them in glasses filled with water.  When the basil cuttings develop enough roots, move them to containers (pots) of new potting soil.  Find a shaded place for them to get established and eventually bring them indoors for the winter.

“The love of gardening is a seed that once sown never dies” – Gertrude Jekyll