- Author: Jalena Rusaw
The Therapeutic Power of Gardening
Gardening is more than a hobby; it's a form of therapy. The act of nurturing plants, from sowing seeds to watching them grow, provides a profound sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. It's a practice that engages all the senses, grounds us in the moment, and connects us with the cycle of life. As we immerse ourselves in the natural world, we find our worries melt away, replaced by a tranquil mindfulness that nurtures our mental well-being.
Tips for Incorporating Gardening into Your Mental Health Routine
1. Start Small: Even a single pot of herbs on a windowsill can have a positive impact. Begin with something manageable and grow your garden as you feel comfortable.
2. Mindfulness in the Garden: Practice being present while gardening. Notice the feel of the soil, the sound of the birds, and the colors around you.
3. Journaling: Keep a garden journal. Reflect not only on what you've planted and how it's growing but also on how the gardening process makes you feel.
4. Gardening Goals: Set achievable gardening goals. The sense of achievement in reaching these goals can boost your self-esteem and motivation.
5. Connect with Nature: Use gardening as a way to deepen your connection with the natural world. This connection can be incredibly restorative for mental health.
As the days lengthen and we find ourselves surrounded by the beauty and bounty of nature, let us embrace gardening as a powerful tool for nurturing our mental health. In tending to our gardens, we tend to our hearts and minds, growing our own resilience and joy alongside our plants.
- Author: Lorie Hammond
I often rambleYolo County preserves. Since being in Master Gardener training, I have become a better observer, noticing the startling seasonal changes. I have also become a better inquirer, asking questions about what I see.
My most recent query has been about the valley oak, the lead plant in our Yolo County ecosystem. Why, I wonder, do these majestic trees spread their arms so wide and have such baroque, curvy branches, when many other trees go straight up?
To answer this question, I reached out to Michael Jones, PhD, a scientist at UC Oaks. He replied: “My thoughts are that as one of the fastest growing native oak species, each branch is in a race to reach as much light as possible to maximize photosynthetic capacity. Since oaks with lots of space like to grow out, as well as up, I imagine the branches are trying to extend faster than their neighbors and as they reach something that impedes their pathway (like other branches), they redirect growth around that object…They are (also) dealing with gravity and as those long lateral and heavy branches keep extending out, we might be seeing some of the curves and curls as changes in direction to account for the effects of gravity.”
We are lucky to have many oak preserves in the Davis area. Hope to see you there!
UC Davis Arboretum and Public Gardens- This beautiful, curated garden is entered at the east through the Gateway Garden at First and D Streets or at the west at the Peter J. Shields Oak Grove, 1 Garrod Drive.
Putah Creek Reserve: This 640-acre natural riparian ecosystem borders Putah Creek south of UCD. One access point is the Fire Ring Picnic Grounds. Take Hutchison Drive to Hopkins Road, then turn south until the road dead ends at Putah Creek.
UC Oaks: https://oaks.cnr.berkeley.edu
