There is a strong body of research confirming that direct contact with nature improves mental health and helps psychological and spiritual development. Among the benefits of a peaceful encounter with nature are stress reduction, a sense of coherence and belonging, improved self-confidence and self-discipline, and a broader sense of community. Although humans are generally inclined to find all gardens and nature soothing and restorative, some gardens are specifically designed to make people feel better.

“Naples Botanical Garden is all about helping people to feel better by connecting them with plants. Our Lifelong Learning programs span the subjects of garden and horticulture, art, nature and birding, and health and wellness,” says Andrea Grace, Naples Botanical Garden’s Adult Education Manager. The hospitable space of the Buehler Enabling Garden also invites individuals, regardless of their physical or sensory abilities, to enjoy the benefits of many of the garden’s plants and flowers. This particular garden as well as the programming for it are run by the coordinator, Taylor Burnham.

The Naples Botanical Garden’s wide variety of Lifelong Learning and therapeutic programs gives individuals numerous therapeutic ways to connect with nature, whether it’s digging in the dirt, appreciating or drawing botanical illustrations or growing food. “Whatever way that you choose to connect with plants can be a healing experience that comes through the joy of learning something new, sharing experiences with a community of like-minded people or through guided tours that teach you how to unwind and appreciate nature. The garden has a place for all of these things,” notes Grace.

Beginning again in the fall, local residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a lecture, workshop or specialized tour of the garden in Lifelong Learning programs such as Tropical Fruit 101 classes, which include a horticulture lecture as well as a cooking demonstration; a Kokedama (Japanese moss balls) Workshop where participants make a garden craft, or Fragrance Gardening for the senses. Additionally, a Botanical Illustrations series offers students the opportunity to learn drawing techniques in the garden. Fairy Gardening provides a form of horticulture therapy as well as Zentangle, which is a meditative experiences.

Nature and birding tours of the garden preserve areas are available during the fall and in tourist season. Some classes and lectures—Yoga and Tai Chi, Walking Meditation, Food as Medicine, Natural Home and Body Products Workshop—focus on health and wellness.
 
Many individuals consider the beauty of nature to be in the eyes of the beholder. This perspective is possibly far too shallow, for our relationship with nature has likely been a core element of human nature throughout our evolution. In one study, researchers found that more than two-thirds of people choose a natural setting to retreat to when stressed. In another study, 95 percent of individuals interviewed said their mood improved after spending time outside, changing from depressed, stressed, and anxious to more calm and balanced. Based on these statistics, Andrea Grace, the Naples Botanical Garden adult education manager’s long-term goals for the gardens make a lot of sense. “We are working to make health and wellness one of the more important things here at Garden. Few people think of using the Garden in this way, but we want to change that so that visitors and members think of the Garden as a self-help sanctuary,” says Grace.

For information about the Naples Botanical Garden, located at 4820 Bayshore Dr., in Naples, call 239-643-7275. Visit NaplesGarden.org.