Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia
Over 40 Years of Growing Gardens and Gardeners
Have you ever wondered why you feel so good after gardening, even with all of its challenges? Sue Stuart-Smith answers that question with warmth and wisdom in The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature, an engaging collection of stories and scientific research. Published in 2020, just after the COVID outbreak, the book provides timely insight into the healing force of gardening.
ardening, as a purposeful and meaningful activity, has been cited as far back as 1932 in Occupational Therapy literature (Wagenfeld & Atchison, 2014, p. 1). At that time, Occupational Therapists (OTs) worked primarily in hospitals to support a patient’s engagement in hobbies and leisure activities through active participation. This year Occupational Therapy turns 100 and OTs everywhere are proud to be working not only in hospitals, but schools, adult day centers, correctional facilities, private homes, and many other settings – including gardens.
