Horticultural Therapy Heals Hearts and Minds

The following posts were created by dedicated and passionate volunteers and staff of Denver Botanic Gardens.  Please enjoy reading their personal stories and experiences about why the Gardens holds a special place in their hearts.

VICK’S PLANT TRIGGERS CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
By Angie Andrade

As a horticultural therapist it is my job to use horticulture to stimulate minds and improve moods. Often times, this means bringing people back to the memories of their past using specific plants.

Through our therapeutic horticulture programs we offer an opportunity for older people and those with disabilities to connect with plants. During these programs we visit a number of assisted living facilities that serve people with varying degrees of dementia.

One of the plants that I always use is Plectranthus tomentosa, Vick’s Plant. This plant gets its name from Vicks VaporRub because the scent of the leaves smells surprisingly like the medication. Who doesn’t remember the days when your mom would rub Vick’s on your chest to help you get over a winter cold? Or maybe it brings back memories of using Vick’s to nurse your children back to health. We talk about these memories in each program.

I have heard countless stories of people’s past memories, and witnessed smiles and tears–all surrounding this plant. The power of horticulture is truly amazing and I feel lucky to be able to make these connections everyday.

Located in the back of the Sensory Garden you will find a large boulder water feature in the middle of the pathway. This fountain was designed to allow people of all abilities to experience and touch the water flowing down the rock. During our Summer Sensory program many groups travel through the garden to experience all of the senses, but most people don’t pay much attention to the water feature; then one day in late August, a daycare facility for people with developmental disabilities came to a program. This was a fun group. We had a great time planting herb gardens and talking about all the interesting plants. But there was one girl who was not interacting with anything we did until we made it to that fountain.
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Holiday Spirit and Sustainability: The Shop at the Gardens

With the opening of Blossoms of Light this week (Dec. 2-Jan. 1), we’re anticipating a bright and festive holiday season at the Shop at the Gardens. In addition to our eye-catching seasonal merchandise and displays, we’re proud to support the Gardens’ core values of transformation, relevance, diversity and sustainability with a year-round cache of distinctive items that all make wonderful gifts!

Through Dec. 1, shop from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For your convenience, beginning on Dec. 2 we’ll also be open from 5:30-9:30 p.m. during Blossoms of Light. When you visit, be sure to ask about our sustainable products—some of our most unique items include:

Exquisite colors and shapes highlight our recycled glass collection from Spain.

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