Articles of interest and links to helpful sites
'Snowdrops are the first sign of new life in our garden when winter begins its turn. Their green shoots feel their way up from the dark earth and their simple white flowers express the purest intention of a fresh start'
Stuart-Smith, S. (2020). The well gardened mind: Rediscovering nature in the modern world. London, UK: William Collins
What a wonderful way to participate in society and contribute to it. Rather than design care around what people can no longer do, the design should leverage and emphasize what they can do. A simple philosophy yet one often forgotten through the stigmas attached to a diagnosis of dementia.
Definitely worth reading; this article was shared by a friend who thought it scientifically supported my passion for combining companionship and care through gardening.
It was published in The Conversation, September 26, 2016.
The author is Chris Williams, Lecturer in urban horticulture at the University of Melbourne.
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The science is in: gardening is good for you — http://theconversation.com/the-science-is-in-gardening-is-good-for-you-65251
"when you're engaged in nature, it leads to mindfulness. It's passive, the world is coming and going...When you walk out in nature, it's like wearing rose-coloured glasses. In nature everything is a little more positive, there's a little more connectedness..." (p.41).
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Williams, F. (2017). The nature fix: Why nature makes us happier, healthier and more creative. New York: W.W Norton & Company Ltd.
Associate Professor and Scientia Education Fellow, Emma Robertson's artwork is so delicately detailed and beautiful. Interestingly the artwork connects a relationship with the study of ecopsychology and neuroscience. Emma conducted drawing workshops at the Fisher Library and Royal Botanic Gardens as well as a solo exhibition at The Big Anxiety Festival in October 2017 titled 'Art + Nature - Antidotes to Anxiety'.
Emma's research and findings struck a cord with me as the underlying philosophy is the backbone to my passions for combining companionship, care and gardening in helping the aged, those in the community with disabilities and those dealing with mental health issues.
Read how Emma through her artwork, explores original and diverse forms of artistic expression. Emma sought not only to represent plants' beauty but to explore how plants have the ability to heighten our connection with nature.
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https://artistsandclimatechange.com/2017/08/24/biophilia-and-beauty/
Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace. ~ May Sarton
Helpful tips for elderly gardeners and people with physical disabilities -
https://www.flowerpotman.com/gardening-for-the-elderly-and-disabled/
The author is Mike Ballard from Flowerpotman, UK.
"It’s a secret green thumbs have always known; gardening is not just good for your plants, it’s good for your mind, body and soul. Increasingly, the benefits are being backed by science, giving rise to a new approach to mental health – horticultural therapy".