Getting your hands in the dirt may be the key to living a happier life. Join Parklane Landscapes for some summer fun with their series of sustainability workshops.
This summer, they’re offering a Garden Therapy, Gardening for Kids and a Climate Resilient Garden workshop.
Joanne Mohan, a landscape designer and horticultural therapy practitioner at Parklane Landscape, explained that working with soil stimulates serotonin, which increases relaxation and happiness and regulates the immune system.
"Garden therapy is the use of horticulture to inspire the mind, body and soul," she said, adding that it also stimulates happy memories and positivity.
Mohan said that working with plants and soil not only refocuses the mind but acts as an active, green exercise that provides tangible results.
"When you're gardening, you're actively doing something rather than passively enjoying," she said. "Which tends to be a more therapeutic approach to life."
The part of gardening often viewed as grunt work — the digging and weeding — is part of the therapeutic process that connects individuals to the rhythm of nature.
She noted that a big garden isn't necessary to get the therapeutic benefits, and even a small container with a few plants is beneficial.
"If you have a smaller, more contained space, you get more encouraged and inspired as the summer season continues," she said.
Kids can also learn to enjoy and appreciate gardening in the Gardening for Kids workshop.
Helping them understand that a beautiful flower comes from nurturing a tiny seed or that hummingbirds and different insects are part of the process encourages kids not to be afraid to get their hands in the dirt and understand the connection between pollinators and us.
For those wanting to tackle and understand the seemingly daunting task of making their property more resilient to the ever-changing weather, the Climate Resilient Garden Workshop is ideal.
People can bring a blueprint or map of their property to the class to get recommendations on what sustainable practices would work best.
Mohan added that the class also benefits those looking to buy a property on what to be aware of before purchasing, like shoreline erosion and flooding.
Although the idea of gardening is often daunting, the resilience of plants can help foster patience and empathy in gardeners. With time, Mohan said, the garden will reward you with results.
The workshops will start in August and run until September. To learn more, visit the Parklane Landscapes website or call 705-327-0064.
