Lazy gardening

Gardening is a multi-generation cross cultural way to connect, a wonderful way to be in nature. From cutting-edge mycorrhiza soil supplements to traditional permaculture techniques, vegetables can bring people together.  

Therapeutic benefits of gardening

Gardening may also provide therapeutic benefits for those with mental or physical health conditions, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature. Planting, nurturing, and harvesting offers a meditative and calming experience. Lazy gardening emphasizes minimal effort and can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity with a focus on the process, observation, and appreciation of the natural cycles of growth and decay. Utilization of low-maintenance plants, mulching to reduce watering and weeding, and letting nature take its course and embracing the benefits of gardening without feeling overwhelmed. We simplify into phases: preparation, patience, and acceptance.  

Preparation 

Fall and winter envelop us in preparation—flipping through seed catalogs and planning to sow seeds of an interesting vegetable we’ve never tried before, or the yearly success-guaranteed vegetables. Time to reflect on successes, learn from failures, and dream of hopes for the season. We anticipate adding to our flower bulbs—crocuses, daffodils, tulips—in hopes that they will show us the first glimmer of spring in the wintery canvas.

This phase provides warmth and hope in a long, cold season. It teaches us that sometimes the best moments in life are anticipation and process rather than results. The sense of possibility and the beauty of companionship with those that partake in the journey. It brings us great joy to sow seeds indoors, forget about them, and then later see seedlings poking through the soil, reminding us of the changing season. 

This process helps cultivate relationships with patients. Every encounter is an opportunity to sow seeds of trust, respect, and empathy. When we take the time to listen to patients, understand concerns, and treat all with kindness and compassion, we improve health outcomes and strengthen the bond of trust.  

Patience 

Microclimate is key—in gardening this refers to a set of environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight, in a specific area that differs from the overall climate. Mulching and a balanced soil food web are essential to create nutrients for plants to thrive. Before the season starts, we place cardboard on raised beds with a top layer of leaves to suppress weeds from sprouting. Techniques include chop and drop where you pull or chop weeds and lay them down as mulch which serves as food and shelter for insects and provides water retention and regulates soil temperature. 

Practicing patience is essential for healthcare professionals as medicine is a challenging profession. By consistently nurturing a patient-centered approach, we create a microclimate environment that supports them. Practicing patience includes explaining health conditions, discovering and discussing barriers to healing, and empowering patients to develop a personalized care plan that meets their unique needs. These practices also foster a trusting patient-clinician relationship.

Acceptance of life’s changing seasons

Immersing ourselves in the symphony of insects, bees, ladybugs, and Japanese beetles buzzing around flowers and vegetables we’ve planted is a rejuvenating experience. Buckwheat is a cover crop that attracts bees. In the noon hour you can hear bees buzzing around collecting nectar, and occasionally catch a glimpse of a hummingbird fluttering by to partake in a sweet and sustaining sip before darting off.

Less garden maintenance is needed in the summer than in the spring. We spend most of our free time delighting in the summer experience. We enjoy cutting flowers for home decoration or to harvest a freshly-ripened treat. And as the season changes to fall, we watch as the plant stalks fade.

We must recognize that life is both cyclical and unpredictable and that our patients will sometimes face difficulties beyond our control. In these situations, practicing patience and acceptance are vital. Maintaining focus on cultivating strong relationships, encouraging patience, and accepting the unpredictable nature of life, allows us to provide the best possible care and support for patients and their families. When the harvest is not as anticipated, finding comfort and joy in the journey and endeavoring toward shared goals leads to greater satisfaction for all even when the outcome is not as hoped. 

And finally . . .

Lazy gardening is taking it easy, enjoying and embracing the healing process. There’s always a grocery store if your garden doesn’t produce bok choy or tomato for the season, but the gardening experience is priceless. By focusing on preparation, patience, and acceptance, you can create a garden that’s easy to maintain and provides a peaceful, nurturing, stress-free environment year after year. Best of all, it’s not only good for you, but great for patient care. 

This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.