The Therapeutic Power of Gardening
Where flowers bloom, so does hope.
-- lady bird johnson
Gardening has always been more than just a hobby for me; it’s a therapeutic endeavor that brings a sense of calm and accomplishment. My garden is a sanctuary where the outside world is transformed. With a little nourishment and care, I can create something beautiful, which brings immense satisfaction.
I've had gardens at various times in my life, but a few years ago, I fully committed to one. After two challenging pregnancies, I faced lingering postpartum depression and the
weight of caring for three children. My eldest son, Henry, had medical issues,
my younger son, Max, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and I worried
that his twin sister, Lyla, was being overshadowed by her brother's needs.
After leaving my job to focus on my family, I felt isolated and lonely,
struggling with my mental health and finding it difficult to hold onto hope.
That spring, my mother-in-law suggested growing flowers with Lyla might provide
the extra attention she needed. We bought some seeds, plugs, and potting soil,
and started planting together. Lyla had so much fun that Henry and Max joined
in. Watching them dig in the dirt, laugh, and spray each other with the hose
brought joy to my heart. Looking back, I realize that I planted a little seed
of hope in myself that day.
As the summer progressed, our little deck garden flourished. We added tomato plants, herbs, and even some carrot seeds. The vibrant colors and growth of the plants brought a sense of accomplishment. The kids loved tending to the garden, and we spent many
evenings enjoying meals outside in our blossoming sanctuary.
In fall, I dug a small plot in our yard for more plants. Each time I plunged the pitchfork into the ground, I felt the stress leaving my body. My mind was quiet, and I felt energized in the crisp autumn air. I was planning ahead, no longer stuck in the demands of day-to-day life. I felt hopeful again and ready to thrive.
Gardening gives me the opportunity to reconnect with nature. Through little seeds that turn into tall sunflowers, which then fade as the seasons change and turn into compost for the next year, I am reminded of the circle of life. Experiencing life, death, and rebirth in real time helps me through times of grief. Watching my hard work grow lets me feel a small amount of control in an ever-changing life. Harvesting gives a sense of accomplishment.
My senses are fully engaged. The beauty I see in a flower provides a reprieve from unsettling current events. Physically challenging chores provide exercise. The scent of a sweet pea brings back calming memories. Being outside, feeling the wind, sun and rain, invigorates my soul. Hearing the melody of insects buzzing and birds chirping silences the constant narration of my mind. Growing flowers does not just reduce my stress; it gives me the tools to live mindfully.
Through gardening, I found myself again. It helped me recover from loneliness and isolation, making me feel like a part of the world. I hope to share this joy with others through my flowers, inspiring them to start their own gardens and bringing people together in happiness, love, and even sorrow.
