Horticulture, the branch of plant agriculture dealing with garden crops, generally fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. The word is derived from the Latin hortus, “garden,” and colere, “to cultivate.” As a general term, it covers all forms of garden management, but in ordinary use it refers to intensive commercial production. In terms of scale, horticulture falls between domestic gardening and field agriculture, though all forms of cultivation naturally have close links.
https://www.britannica.com/science/horticulture
One of the best forms of therapy, in my humble opinion, is working with plants. Tuesday, my scheduled day to water our twenty-something inside plants, constantly reminds me that plants offer hope, renewal, and distractions from life’s challenges.
But how can we use plants to help others?
- Care of a plant allows one to focus on other things than yourself. I am constantly aware of how much I focus on myself. Ugh. Why do I do this?
- Plant care can help others work through loneliness. My father’s Sunday text reminded me of this truth. Hello Michelle. How are you doing? I haven’t seen you for a while. Anyway, we could talk soon? Love you. Or is it possible to meet face-to-face? I need to visit him soon and bring a plant like a hyacinth or tulip plant where he can watch the transformation.
- Plants provide hope. The seeds sprout, the flowers bloom- Exciting! While I was an interim principal, a government grant allowed the purchase of plants. Those plants, three years later, are thriving and growing!
As spring unfolds around me, I will continue to look for more plant lessons. The beauty of the earth is unbelievable.
A Journey Worth Remembering 