Healing Gardens

Gardens solve a multitude of problems. Potentially, they can solve every problem.
Since time immemorial and going back to ancient cultures, people have gone to ‘the country’ for quiet healing time. They cultivated herbal medicines, kitchen gardens, shade trees and vines, and now, more than ever, are using vegetation to improve livability conditions of cities by moderating temperatures, cleansing water systems, sequestering carbon and enhancing oxygen levels.

Social needs, physical needs, and mental needs, even national and international political issues all find their answers in gardens. Countries, provinces and cities use flowers as their symbols. Human, as well as wildlife populations are sustained by their local protected flora and fauna.

The capacity of plants to solve our problems is at the core of my understanding as a designer. I have been experimenting, studying and practicing natures’ capacity to heal in many aspects of life for the past 22 years. I have found that for me, the gardens that have the greatest impact are those that engage all 5 senses. That is why I propose a Food Forest to be the most powerful healing garden.

Food Forests enjoy being incredible, naturally balanced ecosystems where every element interacts with and supports the growth of fellow organisms.  A food forest designer extends this supportive system to include humans and even places them as the centre element of the garden by making the garden accessible, comfortable, inviting, visibly beautiful, engaging curiosity as well as nourishing.

This is how I am impacted by my food forest garden: My sense of touch is engaged best by picking the harvest and by pruning. It feels the breeze and changes of temperature and humidity.

My sense of smell is engaged best by the succession of many blossoms and herbs throughout the garden.

My sense of hearing and listening is engaged best by the sounds of birds enjoying the trees and tall shrubs, as well as crickets. It can be enhanced by sounds of moving water, if a water feature was included.

My sense of sight is engaged from every direction, from close-up views and scenic spectacles, taking in colours, forms, textures and their constant changes throughout the seasons.

My sense of taste is the one that makes me feel sustained and gifted. It is the sense that makes me feel provided for and in a fully mutualistic relationship with nature as nature return again and again for the care I had given.

Once all my senses are engaged, the garden makes a deeper effect. It TEACHES ME about RENEWAL AND PERPETUAL CYCLES OF LIFE that have given me hope and understanding of my own personal growth. This mutualistic relationship between humans, wildlife and plants is the essence of a garden and it makes humans an integral part of their garden.

And the results?
If it is your front garden, it will be the vibe and atmosphere in which you welcome your family and friends into your home. If it’s your backyard garden it is where you live out your quality time. Both are where you make memories to cherish and keep.
In any case, a garden offers a holistic healing opportunity.

I feel so fortunate to be able to create living and nurturing spaces that facilitate solutions, make us ascend above negativities and lift us to new horizons.
I am looking forward to focusing my efforts towards the many levels of benefits my upcoming garden designs will continue to provide for my clients in 2023.
If you are interested in a garden plan of your own, contact me for a consultation through my website and social media here: www.sharonalandscapedesign.ca or call 905-353-6925 to book a consultation.

May we all grow and nurture many blessings inside and out.  Much love!
Yours in gardens,
Sharona