“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

Have you ever noticed nature reeling you in whenever you’re nearby? Perhaps, the wind blew a fruity scent of the lantanas featured in our seasonal gardens, or the bountiful, colorful flowers of the hydrangeas caught your eye. Maybe the trickling sound of water in our fountain or the stillness of the reflecting pool stopped you in your tracks. There is a reason for this: nature is essential to our health.

Before civilization came to be, we belonged in the wild. All of our senses were deeply immersed when we were outdoors, surrounded by trees, plants, and every kind of life. Our feet connected with the soil and grass with every step we took, unaware of the healing energies Mother Nature gave us. Discovering bodies of water brought us hope for survival. Anytime it rained, the bacteria mingled with the soil and produced that warm, earthy scent called petrichor. Birds happily sang to us when there were no predators around. We gathered fruits and vegetables to eat, built homes for safety, and continue to return to the Earth after we have lived our lives.

Fast forward to our current generation, skyscrapers and technology have dominated our society. We gradually distanced ourselves from nature. Human beings are an adventurous and social species, not meant to be trapped inside for long periods of time, staring behind a screen. This drastic change from being devoid of nature can potentially cause side effects: anxiety, depression, increased risk of illnesses/diseases, and so much more. Being exposed to nature on a regular basis has been proven to help alleviate symptoms caused by this disconnect, while also improving overall mood, focus, and physical well-being.

There is a cacophony of external stimuli in the city that never sleeps and that is why Madison Square Park is a gem. It is a safe space for all to reconnect with ourselves and others through nature. This mission and experience is recognized as therapeutic horticulture. It is a nature-based practice that utilizes plants, including the environment, to heal people in various aspects. This uncommon approach to therapy is hands-on and active, better suited for those who don’t want to simply sit on a couch and talk.

You may have already been involved in practicing horticultural therapy without realizing it. Merely walking in the park with no distractions for a few minutes a day is considered a therapeutic practice.  Let’s call this “park bathing,” a branch of shinrin-yoku, the Japanese word and origin of “forest bathing”. To properly exercise in park bathing, interact by smelling the flowers, gently feel the leaves of a plant, ground yourself by going on the lawn barefoot, and yes, hug a tree! 

Our team works hard in Madison Square Park to ensure your visit is pleasant and memorable. We are constantly developing new ways to impact the environment and the people in a positive manner, such as our past installation of Lily Kwong’s Gardens of Renewals, a prime example of a therapeutic garden and the potency it has in healing us. Walking in a labyrinth calms anxiety and being surrounded by tall plants fosters safety through privacy the same way a forest would. There were moments to reflect and connect, encouraging mindfulness at a slow pace because it wasn’t about reaching the end but the experiences one has through the journey of life. Next time you’re out and about, make the time to spend some of it in nature. Your future self will thank you for taking care of you. 

By Gabriel Cepeda, Horticulture and Turfcare Associate