Exploring the Benefits of the Therapeutic Garden at Fraser Health for Mental Health and Substance Use
- thenewhorizonsfoundation
- Mar 30
- 1 min read
Anika and I are collaborating with the staff to create Therapeutic Raised Garden beds. Each of the four inpatient units in the MHSU building has outdoor patios equipped with above-ground planter boxes for patient use. The funding will be used to acquire the necessary supplies to conduct Therapeutic Gardening groups during the growing season from April to November 2025. Nearly 80% of participants have rated the Therapeutic Gardening experience as "highly beneficial" for their mental well-being, particularly in enhancing mood, reducing stress or anxiety, and providing a sense of purpose and achievement. Regularly offering a Therapeutic Gardening group (rotating weekly) in each Inpatient Unit will give patients the chance to plant, weed, prune, and maintain the garden, benefiting not only the participants but all Mental Health patients who access and enjoy the patio area.
Each garden will grow a variety of herbs and vegetables for use in the weekly dietitian-led Cooking Groups. This offers a healthy and convenient way to enrich the nutrition and flavor of the dishes prepared together and exemplifies a "Farm-to-table" concept. Besides herbs and vegetables, patients have also enjoyed planting beautiful flowers/flowering plants to enhance the space. Please note that we do not track the specific demographics of the patients who participate in the gardening program at MHSUWC.
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