Discover restorative powers of gardening

According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association, HT is a time-proven practice. The therapeutic benefits of peaceful garden environments have been understood since ancient times. In the 19th century, Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and considered to be the “Father of American Psychiatry,” reported that garden settings held curative effects for people with mental illness.

Today, HT is a profession as well as a practice. It’s recognized as a practical and viable treatment with wide-ranging benefits for people in therapeutic, vocational and wellness programs.

HT is taught and practiced throughout the world in a rich diversity of settings and cultures. There’s no need to travel the globe looking for a little HT, however. All you have to do is step outside your door.

Start with your landscape beds. They always need tending this time of year. Pull out the weeds and plant some new items. You’ll surely feel great when you see your manicured beds.

When you’re planting new beds, don’t forget about landscape fabric. It is an important step in your battle against weeds. Choose a strong fabric, like WeedBlock?, which gardeners have used and loved for years. It not only deters weeds, it encourages root growth by keeping your soil moist and cool.

To really give your beds the edge, choose a great border. Easy Gardener makes one that will pull double duty in the yard. Hydro-EdgeTM is not only a border; it’s also an affordable irrigation system. The edging frames your landscape beds beautifully and waters your plants and flowers, keeping them beautiful and healthy.

The flexible border attaches to any standard garden hose and features patented two-way adjustable sprinkler heads on the inside of the edging to prevent mower or trimmer damage. Each sprinkler head can be individually adjusted to provide the needed volume and direction of water spray. Products like this nifty border that help you save time and energy add to gardening’s therapeutic value.

The next time you’re looking for an escape from the hectic pace of life, slip into your garden gear and head outdoors for some horticultural therapy.