NO DOUBT all of you who are listening, all you gardeners, would agree that interacting with plants and with nature has a restorative benefit, that it has the undeniable power to lift us up and make us feel better. That idea that working with plants is therapeutic is the foundation of the field of horticultural therapy.
Today’s guest, Erik Keller, has practiced horticultural therapy for more than 20 years, using plants and nature to help clients from cancer patients to special needs children and disabled seniors, to help them cope and to make positive life changes. He’s also author of“A Therapist’s Garden: Using Plants to Revitalize Your Spirit” (affiliate link).
Erik’s a master gardener and manages the gardens and horticultural therapy program at Ann’s Place in Danbury, Connecticut, an organization assisting cancer patients and their families.
We don’t need to be in a formal horticultural therapy program, though. Erik wants to remind each of us of the power of what we’re doing outside, and give us some advice on how to maximize its benefit.
Read along as you listen to the July 3, 2023 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) or Spotify or Stitcher (and browse my archive of podcasts here).
‘a therapist’s garden’ with erik keller
Margaret Roach: So I’m ready for that, Erik [thank you]. Thank you for being here.
Erik Keller: Well, thanks, Margaret. I really appreciate the opportunity.
Margaret: I’ve been enjoying the stories in the book “A Therapist’s Garden,” anecdotes along the way of all the experiences you’ve had in working with clients and so forth. Some of them should be so obvious to me, like the old expression “stop and smell the
The website greengrove.cc is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
As a long-term advocate for organic growing, time and time again I come up across the same misconceptions about organic pest control and what it really involves. These myths can easily get in the way when we are trying to create healthy, beautiful, and productive gardens.
If you are wondering whether using Coconut Oil for Plants is possible or not, then the answer is yes, it is! Here are some fantastic Coconut Oil Uses in the Garden and Home for you!
Generally poisonous plants cause harm either by ingestion or touch. Both the phenomena are dangerous especially for people with certain allergy and sensitivity: dermatitis, nausea, vomiting, itchiness are usual symptoms. They can be harmful for pets too, that is why the best option is to remove them securely as soon as you find them in your garden.
Check out these Master Gardener’s Tricks to Improve Beneficial Insects in Garden! Discover proven techniques from seasoned gardeners to create a thriving ecosystem that supports beneficial insects and promotes a healthy, vibrant garden.
When the late season garden starts to fade from summer’s heat, dahlias are one of the best choices to add delightful months-long displays of brilliantly colored blooms.The timing of these flowers is perfect!From July until t
Glycerine is an underrated component that can bring extraordinary results for plants. Head to the article to find some brilliant Glycerin Uses in the Garden!
Who knows, olive oil could be great for many things in the garden and at home. In this post, you will discover 18 advantages of Using Olive Oil in a Garden and various ways to use it!
Many of us are doing our part, big or small, to be mindful of sustainability, especially when it comes to our gardens. There are numerous ways we can reduce waste and encourage biodiversity while gardening organically. One way is in the selection of eco-friendly vegetables we choose to grow. Not every veggie crop is considered sustainable. The most sustainable vegetables are those that can be grown year after year, relying on local resources while minimizing their impact on the environment. Read on to learn about the best vegetables to grow for sustainable gardening.
Tiny microorganisms in the soil play a vital role in the plant’s overall development. If you too want to make the best use of them, follow these Tips to Increase Soil Bacteria in the Garden!
Coir is the fibrous husk and pithy dust that makes up the outer layer of a ripe coconut. Most of us don’t see this part because it’s removed before the fruits arrive in grocery stores, but it is widely available – as a soilless growing medium.Per the Cambridge Dictionary, the