Therapy In Working The Soil

Gardening is not just a hobby or a duty for me, it’s much needed therapy, and I’m not alone. Many people garden simply for the pleasure it gives them. For many across the country the healing aspects of gardening are being used in actual therapy treatment. Though it sounds like a new concept, it’s not. There have been therapeutic gardening retreats offering social and therapeutic horticulture for over fifty years. Gardening therapy offers a sense of calm, achievement, and self-confidence not easily realized in other types of therapy. While this type of therapy works well for those recovering from illness or accidents it has also been found to benefit veterans returning from active duty. Reports from vets currently participating in gardening therapy programs state that gardening activities help them to take focus off themselves, gives them an outlet for their frustrations, alleviates depression, and provides much needed satisfaction; proof positive that gardening is good for the mind, body, and soul. A famous quote says “Nature can do more than physicians”, so true. Its been a stressful day. If anybody needs me, I’ll be in my garden.