Thursday, March 27, 2008

Theraputic Landscapes Research Initiative (TLRI)

What is the TLRI?

The TLRI is an accessible compendium of current research on the topic of therapeutic landscape and garden design. Summaries of research germane to the topic of Healthcare and Therapeutic Design will be made available to ASLA members. Also in initial stages is an interactive component, in the form of a blog, to allow for the necessary dialogue, and continuing refinement and application of this research.

How can I access the TLRI?

You can access the interactive blog and all related resources @ http://therapeuticlandscapes.blogspot.com/

You'll find hands-on content and research, for example:

I recently stumbled up an Australian radio show 'All in the Mind' which featured a show about nature and it's psychological benefits.

The synopsis: "Intuitively we sense that nature relaxes us -- even small pockets of green in the concrete urban jungle seem to make a difference. But finding good scientific evidence for how and why has been more difficult -- until now. Crime rates, academic performance, aggression and even ADHD. Could a bit of greening make all the difference? And, ecology on the couch -- a self described 'ecotherapist' with novel techniques."
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/allinthemind/stories/2008/2160268.htm

The site also contained some great links to Landscape-related resources, including the following site with some great research: The Landscape and Human Health Laboratory (University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign), that is "... is a multidisciplinary research laboratory dedicated to studying the connection between greenery and human health."

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Greenhouse Grants

I just received this message from AHTA regarding their Greenhouse Grant Program.

It's definitely worth checking out:

Hello AHTA Members & Friends,

We'd like to remind you that the deadline for the 2008 Greenhouse Grant applications is quickly approaching.

If your program (or someone you know) would like to apply for a free greenhouse
from SunPorch Structures, download the application information at
www.ahta.org/grantsAwards/greenhouseGrants.cfm.

This is a great opportunity - don't miss out!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

March Newsletter

NATIVE PLANTS

In the last newsletter we talked about native plants in relation to sustainability. It is important to understand that native or indigenous plants have adapted to a particular region over hundreds of years, making their success rate better than non-natives. Reasons for adding them to your garden include:
  • Preserve bio-diversity
  • Save water
  • Need little or no fertilizer
  • More resistant to pests and diseases
  • Home for local wildlife
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

Research indicates that “grass and trees in outdoor spaces increase the use and social activity in outdoor places.” The paper “The fruit of urban nature: Vital Neighborhood spaces” by William Sullivan Frances Kuo and Stephen DePooter (2004) indicates that grass and trees “contribute to the social cohesiveness and vitality of a neighborhood.” This makes sense, because we know that people will gather in friendly nature-specific environments, as opposed to areas paved with asphalt or concrete. A bench under a tree is more inviting and a welcoming place to meet.

RAISED PLANTERS

There are many advantages for adding raised planters to your garden. In addition to making access easier, you are able to control the soil that is used (especially in poor soil areas). Using a rot resistant wood, such as cedar, prolongs the life of the planter. Treated woods should not be used, especially if you plan to eat what is grown.

SPRING EQUINOX

The word Equinox comes from the Latin word aeguus for equal and nox for night. According to Wikipedia the Equinox occurs on “the 21st day of the last month of every quarter of the calendar year.” On this day “the center of the Sun will spend a nearly equal amount of time above and below the horizon at every location on Earth and night and day will be of nearly the same length. There are all kinds of traditions associated with this event. A favorite personal activity is to cut branches of forsythia and place them in a vase of warm water. This ’forces’ the plant to bloom earlier—bringing a welcome sign of Spring. You can also try branches from cherry trees, quince and other early flowering plants.

PRUNING ROSES

Early spring, when the buds begin to swell, is the optimal time to prune roses. Make the pruning cuts one quarter of an inch above an outward facing bud at the same angle of the bud. Pruning the interior will improve air circulation and prevent disease.

FLOWERING QUINCE

Chaenomeles sp. or Quince is an old ‘estate’ plant that seem to have disappeared. However, they are worth considering again. They are a flowering shrub that bursts with color in early spring. They like full sun and well drained soil. Taller varieties can grow up to 6 feet high. Shorter varieties such as Cameo and Jet Trail are 3 feet tall. Pruning helps to keep their size under control. They are also a good plant for forcing in early spring.

THE MOON

Farmers have been guided by the phases of the moon for the best times to plant. Plants are believed to grow faster and larger when planting is coordinated with the cycles of the moon. When the area of light on the lunar surface gradually begins to increase after a New Moon, this is the time to plant above-ground vegetables such as lettuce and peas. When the light after a Full Moon begins to decrease, this is the time to plant below-ground vegetables such as turnips and potatoes.

TIPS

In order to reduce the spread of diseases, be sure not to touch vegetable plants when they are wet from the morning dew, irrigation or rain, according to Barbara Bromley, Mercer County Horticulturalist.

"Gardening is an exercise in optimism.”
-- Anonymous


Green is great in 2008!

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Horticultural Therapy Greenhouse Grants

The American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) has an excellent grant program that is definitely worth checking out. Greenhouse Grants from the Douglas J. Schwartz Living Foundation provide SunPorch Greenhouses to facilities that use horticulture as a treatment modality.

The generosity and support of the Foundation enables organizations to continue their good works through winter months and to serve many more individuals than would otherwise have been possible. Grant-receiving organizations work with older adults, families at risk, abused children, those with head injuries and other physical and mental disabilities, and other populations.

A link to the grant application and related information can be found here.