Daniel, a passionate gardener, knows about the healing power of gardening for the body and the soul. He started gardening when his kids were born. “[My wife] was big on making sure the kids ate healthy,” he said. He did not know at first that he was so good at it, but soon it became clear that Daniel had a green thumb.
“I failed a few times. It was frustrating because I didn’t know the things you can do to make something great.”
So Daniel watched YouTube videos and asked around, and soon enough, in his Brewerytown backyard, he was growing herbs, tomatoes, peppers, melons, and more.
But Daniel was harvesting much more than fruits and veggies. The garden became a place of peace and pride, a haven where he could connect with nature, family, and community. It helped his sense of well-being, eased his anxiety, and he was eating better too!
In 2020, Daniel’s life was impacted by tragedy, when his wife and youngest son died in a fire. Daniel found himself traumatized, grieving, and having to care for his surviving children. “This trauma was literally detrimental to my health.”
This time, the garden took care of the gardener. “The garden was a keepsake for my mental health.” When Daniel was outside touching the soil and plants, he felt grounded and comforted in the midst of trauma. “Gardening trained my mind to get back on my feet. I stopped drinking and focused on helping my family heal from the trauma.”
If you are struggling due to mental illness or trauma, alongside with seeking professional help consider visiting your community garden. You can visit them for free and interact with people who love gardening and know about its benefits for health and well-being. Learn more about community gardens in Philadelphia at the Horticultural Society.
Learn more about the impact of gardening on mental health.
