Healing Gardens - as Unique as You!

A personal healing garden… just for YOU!

Healing gardens frequently are utilized by large hospitals and cancer treatment centers… they provide an alternative therapy, contributing to the healing of mind, body and spirit.  Their focus becomes the garden’s potential ability to help each person alleviate stress and focus on wellness in the moment, as well as striving toward future wellness.  

Healing gardens are not a new concept… Japanese Zen Gardens have been in existence for centuries.   Surely all healing gardens are therapeutic and offer a calming atmosphere; but each garden also stimulates with sights and scents of pretty and peaceful plantings.

But the healing garden I’m suggesting is a small, personal healing garden.  For someone going through a health crisis that could span several months, it is beneficial to plant a small assortment of colorful flowers, or a collection of scented herbs for aromatherapy.   If someone is living a health crisis, the act of planting gives testimony to those around them: “There IS a future, and I plan to be part of it!” 

Your personal healing garden could simply be a large container, filled with soil and annuals that give you pleasure.  Maybe planting flowers that attract butterflies would be therapeutic for your personal healing journey.   If you enjoy bright, vibrant flowers, PLANT THEM!   If you prefer gentle whites and soft pinks, PLANT THEM!  The plantings you choose for your healing journey are ALL ABOUT YOU… make selections that will please you and help you get through another day.

M. Lynn Schmid,   Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture