The Positive Effects on Mental Health of Visiting Botanic Gardens

Authors

  • Sophia Shaw Chicago Botanic Garden

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24823/Sibbaldia.2015.74

Abstract

This paper continues the Guest Essay theme on the positive contribution that experiences in gardens and nature can make to people. It draws on her own and others’ personal experiences, particularly in Chicago Botanic Garden, to demonstrate that time spent in a garden, whether as a casual visitor or as a participant in specialised horticulture therapy and education programmes, can improve mental health and physical well-being and that this is to the benefit of individuals and society as a whole. The paper finishes with a comment on the value of the scientific work carried out by botanic gardens and how this also contributes positively to mental health by empowering people to do something constructive about the ecological challenges facing society.

Author Biography

Sophia Shaw, Chicago Botanic Garden

CEO and President

References

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN (2014). Nature, Culture, and Human Health Symposium Proceedings. Available online: http://www.chicagobotanic.org/nurture-nature (accessed June 2015).

JAFFE, E. (2010). This side of paradise: discovering why the human mind needs nature. Association for Psychological Science Observer 23:5 (May/June 2010). Available online:

http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/publication/observer/2010/may-june-10/thisside-of-paradise.html (accessed June 2015).

KUO, F.E. & FABER TAYLOR, A. (2004). A potential natural treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. American Journal of Public Health 94(9): 1580–1586.

NOLAN, J. (2013). From the Ground Up: A Food Grower’s Education in Life, Love, and the Movement That’s Changing the Nation. Spiegel and Grau, New York, pp. 126–127.

SIMSON, S. & STRAUS, M.C. (2003). Horticulture as Therapy: Principles and Practice. Routledge, London and New York.

ULRICH, R.S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science 224(4647): 420–421.

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Published

2015-11-10

How to Cite

Shaw, S. (2015). The Positive Effects on Mental Health of Visiting Botanic Gardens. Sibbaldia: The International Journal of Botanic Garden Horticulture, (13), 51–60. https://doi.org/10.24823/Sibbaldia.2015.74

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Section

Articles