If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, consider working with plants and nature to boost your mental well-being. From big backyards to balconies there are various ways garden therapy can bring great benefit into your daily life.
Garden Therapy DIY Garden Projects Yummy Recipes Crafty Goodness is an excellent way to relieve stress and promote mental well-being, providing an idyllic place for relaxing and taking advantage of fresh air and sunlight.
Garden therapy has long been recognized as an effective form of treatment for both physical and mental health ailments, offering both emotional stress relief, increased energy, and prevention against disease.
Garden Therapy is an online garden blog and website run by Stephanie Rose that features DIY gardening projects, tasty recipes, and crafty inspiration. Stephanie shares her gardening knowledge and experience from her small Vancouver backyard garden.
It is an effective means to promote mental and physical wellness, including relieving stress, improving sleep patterns, and strengthening immunity.
Garden Therapy
Garden therapy is an incredible way to spend time outdoors while taking in nature's splendor, as well as relieving stress and strengthening immunity.
Horticultural activities can assist people struggling with mental health conditions to recover and enhance their mood, enabling them to leave hospital settings more quickly. They may also reduce stress and improve sleep-wake cycles.
If you're searching for an easy and cost-effective way to enhance your garden, creating a succulent terrarium may be just what's needed to bring life back into it - plus it can help relieve stress while making you happier overall!
Add an elegant touch to your garden by planting fragrant plants such as roses, jasmine, and lavender. All three will bring lovely scents into the air - but remember that not all will thrive in your region.
Water features can add a great finishing touch to any garden, be it formal or informal. A simple rock bubbler doesn't cost much either - and if space allows, pond or waterfall designs could even make more impactful statements!
The tranquil sound of flowing water can be highly soothing, encouraging deep meditation and reflection. Add a wind chime to your garden for added enjoyment!
Repurposing old furniture to create an eye-catching and functional garden is another option. For instance, an old colander can become an elegant hanging basket that showcases colorful blooms.
Birdbaths
Birdbaths are an effective way to invite birds into your garden while simultaneously deterring bugs from breeding in it and allowing gardeners to watch them playing around in the sunshine!
When selecting a bird bath, choose something durable enough to weather all four seasons. While concrete is often chosen, this material can crack easily as it absorbs moisture and fluctuates in temperature - this may prove particularly dangerous during winter when temperatures fluctuate rapidly between freezing temperatures and thawing conditions.
Copper bird baths make an elegant addition to outdoor decor and can add an element of class to patio or deck spaces. For something extra decorative, look for one with balcony rail attachment capabilities such as this Vergas Leaf Birdbath from Union Rustic.
To prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your bird bath, it's essential to regularly maintain it by cleaning it out and replacing it with fresh water, according to Linda Parnell, director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of New York's Natural Resource Conservation Service.
As she emphasizes, choosing an area where birds will come flocking is also crucial to success. Trees or shrubs that provide shelter will allow them to wait patiently while waiting their turn at soaking up some moisture can provide shelter while they do just that.
Add a fountain to the birdbath as another effective solution, says Parnell. Shaded fountains don't lose as much water through evaporation and may make the birdbath even more appealing to birds.
For a longer-term solution, a heated bird bath may be a better fit. Some homeowners utilize electric or solar heaters to maintain warm water all year round - an economical way of giving your garden access to an effective birdbath solution!
Succulent Terrariums
An indoor succulent terrarium is an elegant way to show off your plant collection in an eye-catching container and an ideal way to give a special present to friends or family members.
If you're having difficulty making a terrarium, there are numerous tutorials online to guide you in making one. From succulent terrariums to DIY cacti terrariums, there is sure to be something suitable for any taste or style!
To maximize results, choose a shallow glass container so that water can quickly evaporate, which will ensure your terrarium remains healthy. Especially beneficial when housing delicate plant life!
Start by placing a layer of gravel or sand at the base of your terrarium to provide moisture drainage and prevent soil from amassing around succulent roots. After that, add another layer of potting soil.
Once your soil base is established, it's time to plant your succulents. Be sure they receive adequate airflow but remain close enough to the opening of the terrarium for adequate watering and humidity regulation.
If you're new to planting succulents, start by selecting an easy-care specimen such as an upright palm. As your succulent care skills improve over time, gradually layer in smaller plants until you feel confident enough in handling them on their own. To add an extra touch to your terrarium and give it some personality, decorative accents like stones, moss, or figurines may add flair.
Water Features
Water features bring a relaxing element to any garden, creating feelings of serenity and relaxation. They come in all forms from small bowls to elaborate cascades - the possibilities are limitless!
Water feature designs often incorporate the sound of running water; fountains are especially popular options, offering anything from gentle trickle to dramatic cascade.
Plants surrounding a water feature can enhance its visual appeal and increase its value. When considering aquatic options, such as aquatic lily varieties and water hyacinths. Also, when considering plants to add to pond margins such as iris species or daylilies.
Plants can help your water feature stand out, by concealing less-than-ideal areas with plants. Use trees and shrubs as shade providers, creating contrast between sunlight and shaded spots.
Keep in mind that direct sun exposure can increase evaporation rates and the risk of algae blooms, so whenever possible it is advisable to place your water feature out of direct sunlight.
To maintain clean and clear waters in your water feature, regularly skim its surface. Remove any debris, such as leaves or branches that fall from above, such as twigs.
Dependent upon the style of water feature you are creating, depending on its complexity you may require assistance from an expert designer or landscaper to achieve success. Balancing water flow, filtration and waterproofing is an art unto itself - so they are invaluable resources in crafting water features that look gorgeous while fulfilling their intended function.
Water in a garden can help heighten its soothing properties and further calm other design elements, including plants, lighting fixtures, and sculpture. The soothing sounds of running water flowing are especially therapeutic for people suffering from anxiety, depression, or stress.
Before choosing a water feature for your garden, take into account both its purpose and place in the larger landscape. According to John Wyer of Bowles Wyer (opens in new tab), any chosen feature must integrate and work aesthetically within its surrounding design elements.
Summer Salad
Gardening can be a wonderful way to relax and reconnect with nature, reducing stress levels and improving mental well-being. People turn to spas, movies, and hiking trips for therapeutic relief; but many overlook the power of gardening as an outlet. Here we explore this soothing hobby with some tasty recipes and DIY projects as examples of its therapeutic nature.
This summer salad recipe is an easy and healthy way to use up fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese from your farm stand or farmers' market haul. Enjoy this easy lunch or picnic dinner when the craving strikes! With added scallions, sesame seeds, and serrano or jalapeno peppers for an unexpected but flavorful kick!
Mix all your ingredients in a bowl, and season them with a simple balsamic French dressing for a quick and easy side dish that pairs nicely with crusty bread or can even stand alone as a salad!
Make this dish even tastier with pantry items like olives and roasted peppers, fresh tomato, and even olive oil to give the salad extra flavor! Perfect as an easy summer dinner or side dish when pairing it with grilled meat or fish; its flavors can easily be tailored to meet individual taste preferences.
This salad is the epitome of garden therapy's beauty and therapeutic benefits, serving up some of your backyard's finest ingredients as a nutritious, flavorful dish that's easy to make in just minutes! Plus, its cooling qualities help relax you as you celebrate the summer season! Enjoy this easy, light summer dish to celebrate its joys while staying cool throughout its duration!
Indoor Garden
Gardening can be an extremely therapeutic hobby that helps relieve stress. Additionally, gardening adds curb appeal to your home while beautifying it as well.
If you enjoy gardening but lack space, why not create an indoor garden? An indoor garden provides the flexibility of accommodating whatever amount of space is desired while being easier on maintenance than outdoor plants.
Successful indoor gardening starts with selecting plants suited for your environment - plants with similar light and moisture requirements will work best together, whether houseplants or more traditional garden vegetables are being grown. Make sure they receive adequate sunlight and humidity levels.
Air plants and succulents require very minimal care for optimal success, making these low-maintenance houseplants suitable for every space and location. Plus, their beautiful colors add visual interest to the room!
Herbs are popular indoor garden plants and can often be grown easily. Consider growing herbs that you use in cooking such as basil, chives, parsley, and thyme for best results.
Make use of wall space instead of counters or windows by creating a planter using wooden plaques and mason jars filled with fresh herbs for an alternative approach to gardening.
Finding an appropriate spot for an indoor garden doesn't have to be hard, and you could even turn it into an eye-catching piece of furniture! Repurposing old tables into succulent planters makes for an engaging project for kids as well.
Repurposing Old Furniture
Repurposing old furniture is a fun and innovative way to give your home a fresh new look while being eco-friendly by saving money and decreasing waste.
Every year, much furniture goes to waste - but you can do something about it! Instead of throwing away that worn dresser that needs repair, turn it into a dining table for your dining area or use it as a planter in the garden!
Repurposing furniture offers many advantages, including making your statement about who you are. There are so many possibilities when it comes to personalization - from turning old drawers into shelves or giving dressers new life by painting them!
Turn an old chair into a planter for yourself with this fun DIY project! Simply install a flower pot at the bottom and fill it with succulents or other plants - no professional help is required! This fun and straightforward task makes for a satisfying result! An old wardrobe can also be an effective solution when your kids outgrow their closets.
Pet owners can create cat condos or dog beds from old furniture to give their cats or dogs something special that won't be found elsewhere. Repurposing furniture offers you an ideal opportunity to give your furry family members something exclusive they won't find elsewhere.
Repurposing items of furniture doesn't need to mean breaking them - all you need is some parts that no longer serve their original function to create something truly amazing that can serve for years.
Reusing an outdated chair as a garden shelf can be an innovative and beautiful way to repurpose a piece of furniture that might otherwise end up in the trash.
Moreover, repurposed furniture can be found at thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, and online platforms - allowing you to save money while still showing off your style! Repurposing is also a great way to showcase unique finds!
Repurposing furniture also helps the environment by diverting it from landfill sites - saving both our planet and your wallet!
Repurposing furniture should be approached as an artistic adventure - use your creativity and imagination to come up with something truly one-of-a-kind!
Refinishing an outdated dresser or revamping an obsolete desk with new hardware and a fresh coat of paint are great ways to express yourself while showing your flair.
Repurposing furniture projects such as turning a trunk into a coffee table is an enjoyable, cost-effective project! Convert a trunk today!
Apart from its aesthetic value, this repurposed furniture project makes an excellent spot to showcase plants - rose geraniums are particularly helpful for relieving stress and improving mood.
Utilizing baskets is an excellent repurposed furniture project that's both stylish and functional. By threading wires through its ties, an upside-down wicker container can become a computer stand for wire clutter - the possibilities are limitless!
Simply sanding and painting mismatched chairs to match can turn them into one-of-a-kind benches - an inexpensive project perfect for any room in the house or garden! It makes an eye-catching statement piece!
Make creative use of old furniture to expand your outdoor living area and increase the value of your home. A bit of sanding, painting, and repurposing can bring life back into old pieces of furniture that might otherwise have fallen into disuse.
Bird Feeders
Garden therapy is an effective way to cultivate mental well-being by connecting with nature. Garden therapy also makes for a fun activity to do with children! Through DIY projects, cooking tasty recipes using homegrown produce, and crafting creative items you can transform your outdoor space into a source of relaxation and nourishment.
Attracting birds to your yard requires providing them with food sources. To do this, consider planting fruiting shrubs and trees, perennial flowers that produce seeds or nuts, and grasses that produce seed pods or nuts in addition to perennial flowers in your garden.
Birds need both shelter and water, which you can provide by planting native species or building and maintaining a birdbath.
Bird-friendly gardens require providing plenty of bird feeders. This is especially vital during the colder winter months when resources may become limited.
Your choice of seed will depend on which bird species you wish to attract; some birds prefer sunflower seeds while others favor thistle seed or suet, a rendered fat that provides essential nutrition during winter.
Maintaining clean bird feeders is of utmost importance, so ensure they are regularly washed with soap and water and then allowed to air dry before hanging back up. Moldy seeds can make both birds and humans sick.
Once your feeders are full of the appropriate seeds and food, they must remain full all season. Birds may not come immediately to visit but eventually become regular visitors.
Wooden Garden Hangers
Gardening can be an effective way to unwind and unburden yourself from stress, making it a popular therapeutic activity. Not only does gardening reduce stress levels but it also enhances physical health and well-being - something which may prove helpful in improving mental wellbeing as well.
Flowering plants on wooden garden hangers are an attractive and cost-effective way to display your favorite blooms and add curb appeal to any patio or yard space. Plus, this approach is also an attractive and inexpensive way to show off your green thumb without going overboard with it!
Wood-paneled obelisks make another DIY garden project worth trying, designed to emulate the look of trees while remaining lightweight and sturdy enough to place in multiple spots around your backyard for an eye-catching display that is sure to wow visitors!
If you're on a tight budget and in search of an economical obelisk option, try building one out of wood pallets using just some elbow grease - this simple yet cost-effective project could save money over time!
A wooden obelisk makes for an amazing planter when you don't feel like transplanting, or as an attractive garden accent to display other plants and flowers - such as these frogs and bees!
No matter your gardening preference, there are plenty of fun and innovative ways you can get involved and start growing a garden of your own. From showing off favorite blooms to relaxing DIYs that help promote wellness - these ideas should get the creative juices flowing!
Fragrant Plants
An aromatic garden can offer many therapeutic advantages for those suffering from anxiety or depression. When crushed or rubbed against, fragrant plants release essential oils into the air which release soothing scents which can ease tension and stress.
Lilacs boast a potency, sweet fragrance that can both relax and rejuvenate the mind. Their stunning purple blooms help ease tension while raising spirits; when brought indoors they may even contribute to creating a happier atmosphere.
Create an inviting garden full of color and aroma by planting fragrant perennials or annuals, such as mockorange (Chionanthus virginicus), phlox paniculata, and oriental lily bulbs.
Phlox produces fragrant tubular flowers in white, pink, magenta, and purple shades that attract pollinators. Easy to grow in full sun with well-drained soil conditions, this beautiful addition to any garden makes a welcome statement of floral diversity.
Clove currant (Ribes odoratum), another aromatic perennial shrub, can easily grow in any average, well-drained soil and will reach 20-25 feet in height.
Swedish researchers discovered that people suffering from stress-related mental disorders derived greater benefits from nature-based rehabilitation programs when the garden had a pleasant scent. According to this research, therapeutic gardens should include aromatic plants and colors which soothe or stimulate the senses, as well as features like running water and wind chimes to enhance this sensory experience.
If you prefer enjoying the scent of plants without seeing them directly, opt for fragrant herbs or small flowers such as hibiscus, hyssop, and rose geranium as these offer a relaxing effect for those suffering from mental health conditions and are an excellent source of oxygen.
Reusable Apron
Reusable aprons can help to keep your hands clean while making gardening more efficient and convenient. Furthermore, they make great storage solutions for tools and supplies needed in gardening projects.
Gardening can be an excellent way to relax, as well as improve both health and well-being in multiple ways. From access to fresh air, sunshine, and exercise through to being an outlet for creativity as you create unique garden projects using your imagination - the garden offers many rewards!
Aprons come in various cuts: bib-style, waist, cross-back, and pinafore (Japanese style). You're sure to find an apron that suits your style perfectly! Find patterns and colors that suit you from classic designs to ones suited for work!
The Williams Sonoma Ultimate Classic Stripe Apron is an enduring classic crafted from lightweight cotton fabric. Featuring an adjustable neck strap and sturdy D-rings for secure fastening, its rainbow of colors and stripes make this timeless design easy to customize to fit your cooking style and needs.
Abi Balingit of The Dusky Kitchen relied heavily on this apron while developing and testing recipes for her Filipino-American dessert cookbook Mayumu.
This Apron is designed for both reliability and professionalism, featuring reinforced stress points and double-needle stitching. The back suspenders can easily be adjusted or switched out to find the ideal fit for you and your cooking style.
Crafted from 8-ounce cotton twill for durability and featuring large utility pockets to store all of your tools at hand - you won't find a more reliable or professional-looking apron than this!
Painting the Handles of Your Garden Tools
Horticultural therapy has been practiced for millennia and has proven beneficial for people of all ages, especially those with cognitive or physical impairments. Horticulture's environment can improve motor, cognitive, and psychological functions while creating opportunities for socialization and interaction between participants. Gardening helps individuals build self-worth while improving overall health and quality of life.
There are various gardening tools, each designed for specific tasks. A spade has sharp edges which are useful in cutting through heavy soil layers while a weeder/hoe with straight prongs serves to break up clods of dirt while moving light material such as straw.
Hand forks can be useful tools for mixing compost or loosening soil, but a shovel is best used when digging large holes - its faster use makes breaking up clods and loosening hard soil much simpler than troweling can do.
One garden tool you will likely rely on frequently are secateurs. These multi-use garden tools are great for pruning, trimming, and cutting back perennials. With their powerful cutting power of up to 3/4 of an inch stem they make an invaluable asset in your gardening toolbox.
Keep your garden tools in peak condition by giving the handles a coat of boiled linseed oil, but be mindful as this finish can quickly wear off if left exposed to weather conditions and sunlight. Instead, opt for an oil that offers complete water resistance while simultaneously protecting wooden handles.
