Healing Gardens

Visiting hours = Green hours!

When you think about time outdoors, your first thought may be of the benefits of exercise or even as a way to learn about backyard wildlife and nature. But on a recent visit to a local hospital, we noticed a small garden in a courtyard next to one of the waiting areas. It had a sign -- "healing garden" -- and its purpose was to help with patient recovery. How? By just sitting in it -- or next to it.

The soothing nature of vegetation, flowers, stones, dripping water, the occasional bird or butterfly and a quiet bench, is all it takes to put one's mind and body into healing mode. Visiting hours can be green hours! Read More!