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We are on the cusp of spring and all of us who love being outdoors are surely being affected by this seemingly never ending rain and the dramatic temperature shifts. I’ve found it challenging to write about the wonders of the gardening world while bringing my tropical plants in and out and cutting the frozen remains of my once lush and flower filled yard. I am reminding myself of the fresh palette I have to work with in the spring and have decided to thank Mother Nature for clearing the terrain for me.

On one of those frozen afternoons I began to plan my new garden. While searching for colorful inspiration online, I stumbled across multiple interesting articles on the Children and Nature Network that may appeal to parents out there. I read through many studies that show that kids are spending less and less time outside and other studies indicate that time spent outdoors has an affect on our mental physical and emotional health.

An author recognized by the Children and Nature Network , Richard Louv coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” in his book “Last Child in the Woods.” He used this term to describe what happens to many of our youth who are spending excessive amounts of time with their beloved electronic devices and less time in nature. This “disorder” was of particular interest to me; when practicing as a mental health worker, I was witness to this pattern in the youth I worked with; the internet, texting, television and video games have become predominant forms of recreation for an increasing number of youth. As technology becomes more affordable, most likely our kids will become increasingly more sedentary and home-bound. The recognition that the youth are out of touch with nature inspired me to collaborate with the young people I worked with in the construction of gardens as often as possible. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of “delinquent” and “defiant” adolescents who looked forward to pulling weeds and watching “their” plants grow. Their sense of pride and ownership over their herbs and flowers was truly heartwarming. In “The Last Child in the Woods,” Louv faults the amount of time spent indoors with rising levels of childhood obesity, attention deficit disorders, and depression.

I experienced symptoms of “nature deficit disorder” while in previous professional positions. While working as therapist there were many hours spent in synthetic environments and behind a computer screen; this created an unhealthy disconnect from what was occurring in the natural world outside of the doors. Simplicity was overlooked and natural cycles became disrupted. Despite the extreme weather this year, working outdoors, specifically with plants, has dramatically improved my mood, my physical health and my mental clarity.

So, for those of you who have been feeling a little down, it’s time for you and your loved ones to get outside and prepare for the spring. Seasonal Affective Disorder is not a myth; the lack of Vitamin D will decrease mental and physical health. I suggest building a vegetable bed, organizing and planning for your outdoor experiences or just go wander around a garden center and become inspired by the colors and textures available while our native environment is dormant.

This is the best time of the year to get plants established. Life Gardeners is accepting appointments to assist you with the creation of your own therapeutic garden, these services include: bed design/construction, landscape consultation and assistance with installation. Please contact Danielle with questions related to this service.

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