Musings on horticultural therapy and the soothing effects of plants and nature
After nearly 15 years, it is time to hang up my trowel at Ann’s Place. It has been both a joy and privilege to work with its many clients and help design and maintain the grounds. A big shout out goes to Wilda Hayes ( @wmorgh) who trusted me initially when Ann’s Place was in […]
I was honored to discover last week that my book, A Therapist’s Garden, was listed as a finalist for the 2023 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards. Even sweeter, it was chosen in two categories—general non-fiction and Health/Medicine/Fitness/Dieting. Writing A Therapist’s Garden has been such a great experience as I have been able […]
Check out the latest podcast of author, blogger and NYT garden columnist Margaret Roach where we chat about the therapeutic effects of gardening and nature-based activities. During the half hour interview, we exchange views about how both of us in different ways using different senses take advantage of the restorative power of gardening. Margaret also […]
May is when my greenhouse is bursting as all my inside seedlings need to start the hardening off process as well as be transplanted. In addition, I stopped at @gilbertiesorganics for my yearly pickup of herbs for @annsplaceinc. So between the two, I need to keep the space extra tidy to make room. Gilberties, like […]
I consider myself fortunate to have been announced a finalist of the Eric Hoffer Book Award for my book, A Therapist’s Garden. This contest awards books in small, academic and independent presses. Over this past year, I have received much encouragement and kindness concerning my book, which recounts my 20 plus years working in horticultural […]
Right now pansies and violas are pretty much all you can find at garden centers and they are the best plants for flower pounding. This exercise takes a flower and through the use of brute force (and a hammer) transfers the image of a flower to paper or cloth. We are back to in-person, unmasked […]
The most obvious fruit to forage in the Florida Keys are coconuts. This Pacific invader is one of many plants that have taken their place in the landscape as part of the tropical vibe. In fact, they and their palm tree relatives take the place of the bags of grass and leaves that non-composting Northerners […]
Dried flower prints and bookmarks has always been a winning arrow in my quill of horticultural therapy activities. It is one of the few classes that I can do in Winter that surprises my clients with floral color and beauty.
This warm and snowless January leaves me with few things to consider. There is nothing to shovel, no tracks to identify, no squinting at the bright light reflecting off a white background. Thus my last class on forcing bulbs comes at an opportune time for me to break the gray monotony. The class is full […]
2022 in review. It’s been another wonderful year in the garden. Here are a few highlights. January: Charlotte continues to be my trusty helper. Here she is seeding microgreens for me that we will munch on in the weeks ahead. March: The publication of my book, A Therapist’s Garden, and the many kind words readers […]