A garden for healing and learning

A garden for healing and learning

There’s a saying among those who tend the earth: the sign of a great gardener isn’t a green thumb; it’s brown knees. Books and YouTube videos are good as a supplement, but there really is no better teacher than experience. And as in many things in life, the mistakes provide better instruction than the successes.

Gardening is its own reward, naturally. It’s therapy and exercise, and it gets us in touch with the processes and cycles of the natural world. So wouldn’t it make sense that a garden could be an integral part of a healing environment? In assisting Cape Coral Hospital to transform its campus to achieve an Optimal Healing Environment, we planted a seed, in a metaphorical sense. Now Master Gardener Rod Barkley keeps the Teaching Garden growing.

12631372_518728541632999_4670628672349298978_n

Built through a partnership between the Lee County School System, Lee Memorial Health System, the American Heart Association and the State of Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Office, the Teaching Garden provides lessons to local schoolchildren about growing and harvesting produce – and making healthy food choices. You already know how we feel about outdoor learning, and the garden has much to teach about science, math, nutrition, teamwork and environmental stewardship.

The Pathway to Discovery optimal healing environment at Cape Coral Hospital represents a healthy community and the connectivity among patients, caregivers, family and the community. Go take a walk, say hello to Rod and see what’s growing. Volunteers are always appreciated – just email rod.barkley@leememorial.org

12573073_518728861632967_8406528125973087028_n

No Comments
Post a Comment