Blooming in Recovery: Dunham House's Garden Project and the Benefits of Horticultural Therapy for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
Springtime in Dunham
Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, the serene nature backdrop to Dunham House is starting to re-awaken: birds sing in the early morning, buds are appearing on branches, and snow from the mountains trickles into the lakes that surround our refuge.
As Canada emerges from the winter months, we are once again reminded of the resilience and adaptability of the nature around us. Strengths shared by many of our Dunham House residents.
And the Eastern Townships begin to thaw, we’re patiently awaiting the return of one of the highlights of the Dunham House campus: our 4,000 sq. ft. vegetable and herb garden.
Cultivating wellness through the Garden Project at Dunham House
Many years in the making, the Garden Project at Dunham House is a testament to our continued dedication to providing restorative experiences and evidence-based therapies to our residents.
This is in addition to offering innovative, nature-first therapeutic activities such as art, music, yoga and equine-assisted therapy.
Our garden project provides fresh fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, lettuce, green beans, peppers, raspberries, blueberries and apples. It also serves as the foundation for our horticultural therapy program, which is still in its developmental stage. Throughout the summer, our residents have the opportunity to contribute to the stewardship of the land, and also benefit from delicious meals grown just a few feet away.
Nutritious Garden-to-table Dining for Dunham House Residents
Our culinary team prides itself on making healthy and nutritious meals for residents throughout all the seasons. However, the spring and summer are a special time for them to take stock of the bounty their surroundings have to offer, drawing inspiration for colourful meals that delight our residents.
John Look is Dunham House's cook and lead gardener. John's gardening efforts were rewarded last fall when our peppers won second place, and our beans won the fourth-place ribbon at the Brome County Fair.
This is also in line with our intention of providing accessible and sustainable care for all. We aim to integrate with our surroundings as much as possible - reducing food miles and strengthening our connection to the local Dunham community - to create a safe and nurturing healing environment for our residents.
What is Nature (or Horticultural) Therapy?
Perhaps most excitingly, our 7,000 sq. ft. vegetable and herb garden will form the cornerstone of our formal horticultural therapy program, which is still in its early developmental stage. Through our partnership with expert academics at institutions like McGill University, we have furthered our knowledge about the healing power of nature, plants and the act of tending to the land around us.
According to the Canadian Horticultural Association (CHTA), horticultural therapy is defined as "formal practice that uses plants, horticultural activities and the garden landscape to promote well-being for its participants". These sessions, much like our equine therapy practice, will be led by professionally trained horticultural therapists.
And while this is still a small practice in Canada - with only 40 horticultural therapists registered with CHTA as of August 2022 - it's quickly growing in popularity with both professionals and those suffering with mental health disorders and concurrent disorders including addiction.
The Benefits of Horticultural Therapy for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
The benefits of horticultural therapy are numerous for any individual dealing with stress. That is to say - everyone, in some capacity. Those who have experienced the benefits of nature therapy firsthand share a feeling of being "connected to nature", "taking a step back" and "gaining perspective through a mind-body-nature connection".
But this practices is especially compelling for those suffering from mental health disorders and addiction, for whom finding a sense of purpose and belonging is key to recovery.
Some of the benefits of nature therapy for participants include:
Mental health benefits
Spending time in nature and engaging in gardening activities has been linked to improved mental health outcomes. It can help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, while also enhancing overall well-being by informing a sense of purpose and direction. Making daily progress towards a clear outcome helps our residents re-ignite a sense of agency over their lives, which they carry into their time post-recovery.
Physical health benefits
Gardening is a physical activity that can help improve mobility, strength, and flexibility. In building this rewarding hobby at Dunham House, our residents continue to take care of themselves - and the environment around them - after their stay. Additionally, the fresh produce used by our cooks is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are essential for overall health and keeping illness at bay.
Social benefits
Gardening is often a communal activity, providing opportunities for social interaction and connection amongst our residents. It helps foster a sense of community and belonging, which are important aspects of mental health and addiction recovery. Together, our residents learn about plant life cycles, sustainable gardening practices, and the importance of healthy eating - helping them making informed choices about their diet and lifestyle post-stay.
Looking ahead: Developing Dunham House's Horticultural Therapy Program
While Dunham House's horticultural program is still in its infancy, we look forward to their warm summer months, the return of our garden and the future therapeutic program that will blossom from it. With a focus on wellness, sustainability and evidence-based care, Dunham House continues to strengthen its programs for mental health and addiction recovery.
At Dunham House, our garden is more than just a green patch: it's a symbol of hope, resilience and adaptability. And as our residents embrace their healing journey, we hope you'll consider the benefits of horticultural therapy for yourself.
Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of horticultural therapy? The Canadian Horticultural Association (CHTA)'s website is a great place to start, with options to get involved today:
About Dunham House
Located in Quebec's Eastern Townships, Dunham House is a residential treatment centre for individuals suffering from mental health and concurrent disorders including addiction. Dunham House is the only residential facility of its kind in Quebec that operates in English, with therapeutic activities such as art, music, yoga, and equine assisted therapy.
Click here more information about our programs and admissions.