You do n’t have to take a trip to the countryside to reap themental wellness benefitsof beingaround nature — a exclusive plant might just do the conjuring trick ( as long as you cankeep it alive ) .
tight Companyreportsthat the Cornbrook Medical Practice in Manchester , England , is one of the first in the country to prescribe houseplant to aid treat anxiousness and depression . It ’s part of a horticultural therapy programme led by a local nonprofit organization calledSow the City , which lead initiatives to nurture residential district gardens in Manchester .
It ’s just as much about building a sense of community through horticulture as it is about the sanative advantage of manage for your own house plants . “ There ’s evidence that hoi polloi who are socially isolated have spoiled health outcomes , ” Sow the City director Jon Ross toldFast Company . The organization has also assist Cornbrook Medical Practice in establishing its own herb garden , which patients are welcome to help maintain . Ross and his team work closely with Doctor at different berth to optimise each garden for its special clientele — sometimes , that means building a little , flora - fill bema that ’s just for rest and relaxation .
Other times , it ’s a fully - fledged vegetable garden . For a “ Hospital Beds ” program at another hospital , Sow the City instal raised veggie beds where foresighted - full term mental illness patient role can soak in some sunshine , socialize with each other , and take pridefulness in see the fruits ( and veg ) of their working class flourish . There ’s an sum physical health benefit , too : The patients get to eat up the produce . “ We really do n’t have just food in our public hospital , ” Ross said .
Sow the City also makes certain that no green thumbs are necessary to participate in any gardening political party . Its phallus populate the garden with already - hefty , easy - to - tend works , and they ’ll even train patient on how to care for them .
If you ’re thinking a garden might better your own quality of life — doctor ’s orders or not — here are 10easy - to - growplants for first - time gardeners .
[ h / tFast Company ]
