Posted on: April 15, 2009
Natural Wonder
No green thumb? No garden? No problem
By Bev Bennett
CTW Features
Image courtesy istockphoto
"You don't have to garden to enjoy its benefits," says the American Horticultural Therapy Association's immediate past president Nancy Easterling, MSW, HTM (now with the North Carolina Botanical Garden). The mere experience of nature can benefit mind and body.
Here are some tips for appreciating greenery without getting dirt under your fingernails:
-While you're walking, take a look at your neighbors' gardens. You can even smell their roses.
-Talk to your neighbors about their gardens. The social interaction is stimulating and informative.
-Buy flowers for your home. Put a bouquet on your shopping list.
-Sit near a window overlooking a garden when you dine out, are in a library or other public place.
-Visit parks and botanic gardens on a regular basis. Parks and gardens are great ways to get inspired, says Mary Plunkett, manager of interpretive programs at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. "You can get a lot of good ideas by coming to the garden," Plunkett says. "How your own backyard can look using some of our designs." Whether winter or spring, Plunkett reminds all garden-goers to dress appropriately. "You can go to the botanic garden any time of the year, but dress appropriately and wear boots with treads in them," Plunkett says.
-Become a garden volunteer. Botanical gardens are always looking for tour guides to walk and talk about the garden. It's a great way to learn about the flowers and plants without all the digging.
Bev Bennett, a veteran food writer and editor, is the author of "Dinner for Two: A Cookbook for Couples" and "30-Minute Meals for Dummies"