Community Gardens as Therapeutic Havens for Individuals with Intellectual and Health Challenges

Key Points:

• Research affirms that gardening can improve mental health and reduce stress.
• Community gardens in urban areas offer unique opportunities for social interaction and well-being.
• Establishing a successful garden, whether personal or communal, requires careful planning, dedication, and organization.

During the pandemic, many individuals discovered solace in new hobbies. While some were fleeting, one health-boosting activity that continues to flourish is gardening.

According to the National Gardening Survey, approximately 18.3 million people started gardening during the pandemic, and a vast majority (89%) intend to continue post-pandemic. Notably, community and urban gardens in community settings and on rooftops have been gaining popularity even before the pandemic. As more city dwellers embrace gardening, they are reaping significant mental health benefits.

Positive Impacts of Gardening:

Gardening has long been recognized as an effective stress-reduction technique. Community gardens, in particular, have proven to be cost-effective and efficient in promoting physical and mental well-being.

Studies comparing community gardeners with non-gardeners have shown that gardeners generally experience better overall health, reduced stress, and improved mental health.

A study on rooftop gardens in urban Spain demonstrated that the practice led to a greater sense of purpose, social connectedness, reduced stress, and physical well-being, and overall better quality of life for individuals with various disabilities or mental health conditions.

Markus Wullimann's Healing Garden:

Markus Wullimann, a horticultural therapist at the UCSF Community, utilizes garden-based therapies on a working farm to support patients' recovery.

The program emphasizes social interaction and community, with residents dedicating up to 20 hours weekly to farm-related tasks aligned with their interests, such as food cultivation, crop maintenance, animal care, or artistic pursuits.

Wullimann emphasizes the therapeutic nature of contributing to the community, which helps residents overcome their struggles and dreams, setting them on the path to mental health recovery. By engaging in activities outside of their own thoughts, they gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Wullimann notes that planting and greenhouse work are particularly therapeutic. The process of plant care and maintenance mirrors the journey of mental healing, with careful preparation, effort, and pruning necessary for healthy growth.

Social Benefits of Community Gardens:

Community gardens also serve as safe spaces that facilitate social interactions and provide a sense of shared purpose.

John Lane, a mental health counselor, notes that gardening in a community setting creates a strong sense of community among like-minded individuals. It offers a safe and creative space for those with social challenges or those who prefer quiet pursuits without feeling isolated.

John Leary, co-founder of Leafy Tottenham, a multi-award-winning urban farm, agrees that garden communities provide opportunities for easy-going conversations with others. Sharing experiences, tips, and the harvest of one's labor contribute to the overall positive experience of gardening.

Getting Started with Gardening:

For those interested in starting their own garden, site selection is crucial. Leary suggests carefully observing the site for several weeks, considering factors such as sunlight exposure, wind patterns, potential predators, and distance from the house.

Beginners should start with easy-to-grow plants like kale, lettuce, carrots, and radishes before venturing into more complex plants like corn, tomatoes, and berries. Soil quality is also important, and Leary recommends maintaining it through proper care and maintenance.

Establishing a Community Garden:

Organizing a community garden requires teamwork, long-term vision, and shared responsibility. The American Community Gardening Association advises starting with a committee of five people, forming a task force to manage expenses, and securing financial support to cover costs.

Successful community gardens require careful preparation, development of the site, establishment of rules, and effective communication among members. Such collective efforts can have a positive impact on the well-being of the gardeners and the broader community.