At Shaughnessy Seniors Community in Port Coquitlam, wellness is at the heart of everything we do. Our person-centered approach to care recognizes that wellness isn’t just physical, it’s also emotional, mental, and social. One activity that touches all these areas is gardening.
While not everyone has access to an outdoor garden, the benefits of gardening can be experienced in many ways — from nurturing a potted plant on a windowsill to enjoying the colors and scents of seasonal flowers brought indoors. Gardening, in its many forms, continues to be a simple yet powerful way to support well-being.
The Therapeutic Power of Gardening
Gardening is more than a pastime, it’s a therapeutic activity backed by decades of research. Studies show that tending to plants can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety by fostering calm and focus. Research on horticultural therapy shows that spending time with plants can ease stress and lift mood.
- Support fine motor skills through the gentle movements of planting, watering, or pruning. These hands-on tasks can help older adults maintain dexterity and coordination.
Stimulate memory and cognition by engaging multiple senses. In one study, just 20 minutes of gardening boosted proteins linked to memory and brain health. Multi-sensory experiences like the colors, textures, and scents of a garden also support memory and overall well-being. - Encourage social connection when done in groups or shared spaces. Community gardening has been shown to strengthen social bonds and reduce feelings of isolation.
For many older adults, gardening also holds deep personal meaning. The smell of fresh soil, the sight of blooming flowers, or the taste of herbs can spark cherished memories of family gardens, summer harvests, or time spent outdoors with loved ones.
Adapting Gardening to Long-Term Care
At Shaughnessy, we understand that not every resident can take part in traditional gardening. That’s why adapted approaches are so important. Simple, accessible options make it possible for everyone to experience the benefits:
- Container gardening: Small pots of herbs, flowers, or vegetables can be placed indoors near windows or in common areas.
- Sensory plants: Fragrant lavender, soft lamb’s ear, or brightly colored geraniums can engage touch, sight, and smell.
- Tabletop activities: Residents can enjoy planting seeds in starter pots, arranging flowers, or caring for small succulents during recreational programming.
- Observation and enjoyment: Even if residents prefer not to get their hands in the soil, the act of watching plants grow or enjoying cut flowers indoors can bring joy and relaxation.
These adapted approaches ensure gardening is inclusive and accessible, regardless of mobility or space.
Gardening as a Social Activity
Residents thrive when they feel connected, and gardening naturally lends itself to community. Whether planting herbs together in a shared container, decorating with seasonal flowers, or simply talking about gardens from the past, these moments strengthen bonds between residents, staff, and families.
Group gardening projects can also create a sense of accomplishment. For example, residents might work together to nurture flowers that brighten a shared common space. Successes like this, no matter how small, can foster pride and purpose.
Bringing Nature Indoors
For many residents, the joy of gardening is tied to the broader idea of connecting with nature. Even in long-term care, there are countless ways to bring the outdoors inside:
- Seasonal floral arrangements in common spaces.
- Outings to local parks or botanical gardens.
- Bird feeders placed near windows, offering natural beauty and movement.
- Virtual garden tours or nature videos for days when going outside isn’t possible.
These experiences help residents feel grounded and connected to the world around them, supporting emotional well-being.
A Holistic View of Wellness
At Shaughnessy Seniors Community, we view gardening as one piece of a larger wellness puzzle. Alongside nutritious meals, fitness opportunities, creative programs, and social activities, time spent with plants and nature enriches the daily lives of residents.
Gardening encourages patience, mindfulness, and a sense of continuity with the natural world. It reminds us that growth is possible at every stage of life, and that small acts of care, such as watering a plant, arranging flowers, or watching a seed sprout, can nurture both the body and the spirit.
Try It at Home
For families visiting loved ones at Shaughnessy, consider bringing a small plant, bouquet, or even a packet of seeds with you to spark conversation and enjoyment. Ask your loved one about their past gardens, what they grew, what they loved most, or how they spent summers outdoors. These stories not only honor their memories but also create new opportunities for connection in the present.
Rooted in Care
Wellness comes in many forms, and gardening is a reminder that nature has a unique power to heal, calm, and inspire. At Shaughnessy Seniors Community in Port Coquitlam, we celebrate these everyday tools that help residents live fully, with dignity and joy.
Ready to learn more about life at Shaughnessy? Book a tour today, we’d love to welcome you!