Cultivating Health: Tips for a Therapeutic Garden This Spring

As spring approaches, many individuals are considering how to create gardens that not only beautify their surroundings but also promote health. Experts in horticulture and herbalism emphasize the numerous health benefits associated with gardening. Engaging with nature—through activities such as shoveling, weeding, and simply enjoying the sunshine—has been linked to reduced rates of hypertension, heart disease, and enhanced mental well-being.

Devon Young, a blogger at NittyGrittyLife.com and author of The Homegrown Herbal Apothecary, highlights the often-overlooked potential of plants for medicinal use. “People are often surprised by how many plants have medicinal and therapeutic value,” Young noted. While modern pharmaceuticals dominate the wellness space, a simple search reveals that many common garden plants, including roses and hibiscus, possess health benefits.

Nevertheless, caution is essential, as some plants can be toxic to humans and pets. Resources such as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the Plants for a Future databases provide valuable information for those looking to cultivate a health-oriented garden.

Choosing Native Plants for Wellness

Creating a garden that supports physical and mental wellness can begin with selecting native plants. Bridghe McCracken, the founder of Helia Land Design in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, recommends prioritizing plants that are indigenous to your area. These plants typically require less maintenance, water, and fertilizer, making them ideal for home gardeners. “When you’re working with native plants, you’re going to have a garden that is amazing for bees, pollinating butterflies, and a whole spectrum of insects,” McCracken explained.

Some of her preferred plants include purple angelica, spiky Veronicastrum, and various types of Monarda, commonly known as bee balm. “Bee balm can be used as an antiseptic, a mouthwash, and a cold remedy,” she added.

Garden design often involves not just aesthetics but also ecological considerations. Ethan Dropkin, a designer at Larry Weaner Landscape Associates in Pennsylvania, advises planning gardens that balance beauty and naturalism. He notes that native plants like Echinacea, Joe-Pye weed, and goldenrod not only enhance visual appeal but also contribute to herbal medicine.

Herbal Remedies and Gardening Techniques

Creating effective herbal remedies involves various preservation methods tailored to the type of plants used. Young indicates that delicate flowers can be air-dried, while thicker plants may require dehydrators or ovens. “As an herbalist, I like to use the whole plant—the roots, the stem, the leaves, and the flowers,” she said.

Interest in wellness gardens is rising, with some individuals drawn to ecological awareness and others to indigenous healing practices. Dara Saville, founder of Albuquerque Herbalism, notes that many of her students are people seeking alternatives to conventional healthcare. “They’re taking matters into their own hands,” she observed.

Saville describes her gardening approach as spontaneous, allowing plants to dictate their placement. One of her favorites is yerba mansa, celebrated for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. “It has gorgeous white flowers and invigorates your whole body,” she remarked.

In New York City, landscape designer Mihalis Petrou has dedicated himself to showcasing native plants. After transforming an abandoned lot in Astoria, he has integrated over 400 species into his designs, using them in both fashion shoots and herbal teas. “Instead of going to the flower market, I would head to my garden in Queens,” he shared.

Petrou believes there’s a deep connection between gardening and personal well-being. “Art is therapy and landscaping is art,” he stated. “Having a wellness garden that is beautiful—that’s medicine in itself.”

As gardeners prepare for spring planting, the opportunity to cultivate a space that nurtures both the earth and their health is becoming increasingly appealing. By embracing native plants and exploring the therapeutic potential of gardening, individuals can create vibrant, health-promoting environments.